Beyond the Trenches was commissioned by Bentley Priory Museum as a finale to their exhibition, Dowding and WW1: The making of a Commander. It took place on Saturday 11 November 2017.
The concert featured songs from the first world war alongside songs from 1900-1920. The programme included two new songs written by Bryan and I on the subject of WW1. what remains? and Travelling Days/Peaceful Country.
Travelling Days A pastiche of the type of song that was sung in the trenches during WW1. The soldiers explain that they thought travel would be an adventure but the situation is not quite what they envisaged.
I was born and bred in Blighty And was getting rather bored So I joined up for adventure ‘cause I’d never been abroad
So here we are in ‘paradise’ Just next to No Man’s Land I think it’s fair to say things ain’t Gone quite the way we planned So when the war is over And I give them back my gun I’ll be content to stay at home My travelling days are done
Peaceful Country A pastiche of the type of song that would not have been out of place at the Women’s Institute in the early 20th century. A complete contrast to what the soldiers were singing in the trenches during WW1.
From our green and peaceful country There's no need for me to roam Ev'ry day I am so thankful For the joys of hearth and home
Climbing hill-tops, through the valleys, leafy woods and lonely moors By smooth lakes and fast flowing rivers Till we reach surrounding shores
Travelling Days & Peaceful Country (2017) [6 minutes]