In his 1961 hit song “Marieke”, the Belgian singer, Jacques Brel sings about a Flemish girl, Marieke, whom he once loved and lived “between the towers of Bruges and Gent. It is the only song where he sings both in his native French language and in Flemish. Towers played an important part in medieval life. …
Monthly Archives: July 2021
Beloved Isle Cayman
This is the tite of the national song of the Cayman Islands written by Leila Ross-Shier in 1930. Born on the island in 1896 she wrote a number of hymns and ballads. The national anthem of the island still remains “God Save the Queen”, but Ross-Shier’s lyrics are a more apt song for the island. …
Chariots of Fire
This edition we will be visiting the birthplace of the Greek composer Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou, otherwise known as Vangellis. He is probably best known in the UK as the composer of the soundtrack for the film “Chariots of Fire”. The 1981 film is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1924 …
Formentera Lady
Houses iced in whitewash guard a pale shore-lineCornered by the cactus and the pineHere I wander where sweet sage and strange herbs growDown a sun-baked crumpled stony road. These opening lyrics to the 1969 song “Formentera Lady” by British band, King Crimson helps to explain why many musicians have found inspiration on the tiny island …