Pink Floyd and The Incredible String Band.
The Incredible String Band.
At long last we now come to the final post on this brilliant and baffling double LP, which will consider the very last track on it. This is a masterpiece called “The Circle is Unbroken”, timed at 4.47 minutes. It claims to be a Williamson composition, which is certainly true as regards the lyrics. The tune, however, is an ancient Celtic traditional folk melody the true authorship of which is lost in the mists of time, and one of the most beautiful and haunting ones you will ever hear. This is arguably the best fitting cadence to an album that I know. Mike plays organ, and Robin plays whistle and Irish harp. Robin sings solo throughout, and these are the words:
“Seasons they change while cold blood is raining
I have been waiting beyond the years
Now over the skyline I see you’re travelling
Brothers from all time gathering here
Come let us build the ship of the future
In an ancient pattern that journeys far
Come let us set sail for the always island
Through seas of leaving to the summer stars.
Seasons they change but with gaze unchanging
O deep eyed sisters is it you I see?
Seeds of beauty ye bear within you
Of unborn children glad and free
Within your fingers the fates are spinning
The sacred binding of the yellow grain
Scattered we were when the long night was breaking
But in bright morning converse again.”
My very last comment on the double album is that, uniquely, it has a credit for typesetting: James C. Joyce Ltd.
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