Billy McLaughlin graduated with honors from the University of Southern California. He now resides in his home state of Minnesota where he is raising his two boys.
While studying music at the University of Southern California, he became interested in the minimalist compositions of Phillip Glass and Steve Reich. Hearing recordings by guitarists Michael Hedges and Steve Tibbets, McLaughlin began composing for his first CD released on his own record label in 1986. Many of the compositions featured a technique using both hands on the fingerboard in which the notes are “tapped” in a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs creating a harp-like effect. The technique became McLaughlin’s stylistic signature and by the early 90s he was touring the US coast-to-coast.
In 1995, Narada/Virgin Records signed McLaughlin to a multi-album contract ending his string of seven self-released titles. Narada’s first release, Fingerdance, climbed to #7 on the Billboard’s New Age chart and was distributed world-wide.
By 2000, McLaughlin's skills on the guitar were severely degraded due a problems in one of his hands. He could no longer perform most of his own repertoire. Several months later Billy was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called focal dystonia. Choosing to go against doctors’ recommendations to quit music and look for other work, McLaughlin focused on his songwriting and returned to his ensemble which was less demanding for his hands. McLaughlin began the unlikely journey of teaching himself to play in his signature style, left-handed. Warned by doctors of a higher likelihood for developing focal dystonia in his remaining good hand, McLaughlin chose to press on towards an ambitious goal he had yet to achieve – to perform and record a new project with a string orchestra.
In January 2007, McLaughlin published a limited release of Into the Light, a concert recording of compositions for acoustic guitar with string orchestra. This collaboration with Grammy nominated arranger, Eugenio Toussaint, is McLaughlin’s first as a left-handed guitarist. Into the Light will be released nationally in the Fall of 2007 accompanied by a companion concert DVD.
An Old English Carol
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The stars around the fold do show their light
Do show their light
And so they did – and so – a thousand years ago
And so we’ll do good Lad’s when we lie cold
The world is still tonight – the world is still
The snow on vale and hill like wool lies white
And so it did – and so – a thousand years ago
And so we’ll do my love when we like will
And so they did – and so – a thousand years ago
And so we’ll do good Lad’s when we lie cold
In Billy McLaughlin's song "An Old English Carol," the lyrics portray a sense of timelessness and continuity, connecting the present moment with the past and future. The opening lines, "The world is old tonight – the world is old, The stars around the fold do show their light," suggest that the world has seen countless nights and the stars have consistently illuminated the sky throughout history. It implies that despite the passage of time, certain elements remain constant and unchanging.
The repetition of the phrase "And so they did – and so – a thousand years ago, And so we'll do good Lad's when we lie cold" highlights the idea of tradition and legacy. It implies that just as people in the past have conducted themselves with honor and goodness even in the face of mortality, so will future generations continue this tradition. It emphasizes the importance of leaving behind a positive impact and embracing a sense of responsibility and integrity.
The second verse, "The world is still tonight – the world is still, The snow on vale and hill like wool lies white," extends the theme of timelessness. The image of the snow covering the landscape, resembling a white woolen blanket, underscores the quiet and serene nature of the present moment. It suggests a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the enduring tranquility it offers.
Overall, "An Old English Carol" encourages reflection on the ongoing passage of time, the constancy of certain aspects in life, and the need to embrace a legacy of goodness and honor.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is old tonight – the world is old
The world has been around for a long time, just like it is tonight.
The stars around the fold do show their light
The stars in the sky are shining brightly and lighting up the night.
Do show their light
They continue to emit their luminous glow.
And so they did – and so – a thousand years ago
The stars have been shining in the same way for centuries.
And so we’ll do good Lad’s when we lie cold
Just like the stars, we will continue to do good deeds even after we pass away.
The world is still tonight – the world is still
The world is very quiet and peaceful tonight.
The snow on vale and hill like wool lies white
The snow covers the valleys and hills, resembling a white blanket.
Like wool lies white
It rests on the ground, resembling the color and texture of wool.
And so it did – and so – a thousand years ago
The snowfall has been happening in the same way for a millennium.
And so we’ll do my love when we like will
Just like the snow, we will act according to our desires and preferences.
And so they did – and so – a thousand years ago
In the past, people lived their lives and made choices just as they do now.
And so we’ll do good Lad’s when we lie cold
Even after death, we will continue to make positive contributions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: traditional arr. Billy McLaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ChuckSilva
Lovely ❤