The Snow Hare
The Lost Words: Spell Songs
The Lost Words: Spell SongsFolk Music
The Lost Words: Spell Songs is a project where a collective of eight musici… Read Full Bio ↴The Lost Words: Spell Songs is a project where a collective of eight musicians (Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Kerry Andrew, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux) created songs based on the book The Lost Words: A Spell Book by writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris.
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The hare turns white as the year turns black
Oh, the rain is falling
The hare turns white as the year turns black
Oh, the dark is rising
By the loch of the birds, he hunkers down in the heather
He waits for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
The snow hare hides in the mountain moss
Oh, the sleet is falling
The snow hare hides in the mountain moss
Oh, the dark is rising
By the cairn of the goose, he hunkers down in the heather
He longs for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
The hare, he waits on the highest hill
But the snow is no more falling
The hare, he waits on the highest hill
Oh, the dark is rising
By the rock of the stag, he shelters in from the weather
He prays for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
"The Snow Hare" from The Lost Words: Spell Songs beautifully captures themes of transformation, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life through the journey of the snow hare. The lyrics explore the transition of the hare as it undergoes the seasonal shift from summer to winter. The imagery of the hare turning white signifies purity and adaptation to its environment, symbolizing how nature changes in response to the shifting seasons. The repetition of phrases like "Oh, the rain is falling" and "Oh, the dark is rising" creates a sense of foreboding, as it emphasizes the harsh realities of winter approaching. This contrast between the hare's transformation and the surrounding darkness illustrates how nature prepares for the inevitable, even as it faces challenges.
The motif of hunkering down amidst the elements further reinforces the theme of resilience. By positioning the hare "by the loch of the birds" and the "cairn of the goose," the lyrics evoke images of natural landmarks that are familiar yet vulnerable. The hare's instinct to seek shelter in the heather and moss reflects both its vulnerability and its strength; while it must wait patiently for the snow to arrive, it also demonstrates a deep connection to the landscape and the cyclical dance of nature. The "veil of snow" acts as a protective cover, hinting at the eventual beauty that emerges from hardship. This idea encapsulates how life sometimes requires enduring difficulties before one can experience the transformative power of nature’s gifts.
As the lyrics progress, they signal a growing tension and an awareness of change that is not occurring as it should. "The hare, he waits on the highest hill / But the snow is no more falling" introduces a sense of concern and possibly despair. The hare's patience seems to wane as the anticipated snow—the element it relies upon for camouflage and survival—fails to arrive. This longing for the "veil of snow" reflects a broader commentary on the relationship between creatures and their environments, suggesting that change is not always guaranteed, and that animals, like humans, must confront the uncertainties of life. The line "Oh, the dark is rising" hints at encroaching threats, possibly echoing environmental changes that disrupt the natural order.
Ultimately, "The Snow Hare" weaves a rich narrative that resonates on multiple levels, from the intimate experiences of an individual creature to larger ecological themes. The song evokes a sense of longing and connection to the natural world, illustrating how the snow hare embodies both the fragility and tenacity inherent in the cycles of life. While the lyrics convey a feeling of waiting and uncertainty, they also inspire reflection on the importance of hope, adaptation, and the inevitable changes that come with the passing of seasons. Through its lyrical imagery and emotive resonance, the song invites listeners to consider their relationship with nature and the profound beauty that emerges amidst struggle and change.
The hare turns white as the year turns black
As winter approaches and days grow shorter, the hare's fur changes to white, symbolizing the change of seasons from vitality to dormancy.
Oh, the rain is falling
The onset of rainfall reflects the somber mood of nature as the environment prepares for the harshness of winter.
The hare turns white as the year turns black
Again emphasizing the transformation of the hare's appearance in alignment with the darkening days of the year.
Oh, the dark is rising
The encroaching darkness signifies both the literal absence of light as nights lengthen and a metaphor for challenges that lie ahead.
By the loch of the birds, he hunkers down in the heather
In a tranquil place by the lake, abundant with wildlife, the hare seeks refuge among the protective heather, illustrating a desire for safety.
He waits for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
The hare patiently anticipates a blanket of snow, which will not only camouflage him but also symbolize the arrival of winter's quiet beauty.
The snow hare hides in the mountain moss
The hare conceals itself within the mossy surroundings of the mountains, merging with the environment for both protection and warmth.
Oh, the sleet is falling
The harsh sleet underscores the bleakness of the season, adding to the discomfort and reminding of nature's fierce elements.
The snow hare hides in the mountain moss
Reiterating the hare's instinctual behavior of camouflaging itself in the natural landscape to remain unseen from predators.
Oh, the dark is rising
The increasing darkness serves as a reminder of the growing challenges that the hare must navigate during this harsh season.
By the cairn of the goose, he hunkers down in the heather
In another secluded area marked by stones, the hare finds shelter among the heather, continuing to seek safety amidst the isolation.
He longs for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
The hare yearns for the protective layer of snow, which not only offers him camouflage but also the promise of winter's stillness.
The hare, he waits on the highest hill
Positioned at an elevated place, the hare holds a vigilant stance, representing both hope and expectation amidst the adversity he faces.
But the snow is no more falling
The absence of snow signifies a feeling of despair as the anticipated winter cover has not yet arrived, leading to vulnerability.
The hare, he waits on the highest hill
Reaffirming his steadfastness and resilience, despite surroundings that provide little comfort or security.
Oh, the dark is rising
The persistent darkness accentuates the emotional weight carried by the hare, symbolic of struggle in trying times.
By the rock of the stag, he shelters in from the weather
Under the protection of a robust rock formation, the hare finds solace from the harsh weather, indicating a need for refuge.
He prays for the veil of snow to come and cover him over
In a moment of vulnerability, the hare's longing for the snow to envelop him speaks to his desire for safety and tranquility amidst the adversity.
Writer(s): Kerry Jennifer Andrew, Robert Grant Mcfarlane, Jackie Morris, Beth Porter, Seckou Keita, Jim Molyneux, Julie Mairi Fowlis, Karine Anne Polwart, Rachel Sandra Macleod Newton, Kris John Robert Drever Contributed by Elizabeth J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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