Steve Knightley - Drake

Steve Knightley performs the song Drake to a small group inside Herstmonceux castle. The song is about Francis Drake.

These western counties point me at the sea
I stand unsteady on the shore
The ebbing tide drags my feet from under me
And I will follow it once more

I'll trace a circle round the oceans of the earth
there's a band of Spanish gold
On this cold finger of the land of my birth
They come to steal to have and hold

Out of the night I'll send fear and flame
In oaken ships of fire and death
Their straying children they'll gather at my name
And learn to fear my dragon's breath

From these red cliffs I will dive into the sun
And into history
Until from Plymouth Hoe the echo of my drum
From leaden slumber will summon me


In times of trial will recall my restless bones
And read once more upon the page
How a poor Westcountry man once stood before a throne
And how his plunder bore a golden age.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Show
• of
• Hands
• Herstmonceux
• castle
• Steve
• Knightely
• phil
• beer
• Sussex
• Francis
• drake
• history
• admiral
• ships
• folk
• music
• roots
• English
• folklore
• historical
• hastings
• battle
• live
• Alex
• Jones
• NWO
• accoustic
• song
• writing

[pleidean]

I loved this song, and Steve's whole session ~ so great to hear about his inspirations and songwriting process, and to hear about his Ted Hughes encounter. And Phil too ~ so knowledgable on all things musical, I could have listened to him for hours & his sparkly enthusiasm is infectious.

[JohnPurchaseArt]

@pleidean

Me too, I think this was my favourite song from the whole weekend though. I don't know if he's released this song yet. This event got me back into writing again.

[karlnewsome23]

I love the pure voice of a folk singer...it inspires me and reminds me of my roots.

[PeterHoll1]

John, you will find an excellent version of 'Drake' on the Country Life album .

[PeterHoll1]

Very interesting, informative and entertaining two days. Filmed inside the castle's video room. Half of the attendees spent the morning with Phil Beer who entertained his audience with stories of his musical influences from yesteryear along with a selection of songs. The other attendees spent time with Steve Knightley learning how to construct lyrics etc. In the afternoon the goups swapped over. Professionally produced video of these events would be a good idea as saleable souvenirs.