The trio performed a mixture of both traditional folk songs (though often creatively arranged), hymns and carols, and their own original compositions. Most of their albums were released on the No Masters label (the No Masters Co-operative is a recording and publishing company run by songwriters, singers and musicians based in the North of England).
Much of their music was political in nature, but they also performed sacred music, and released two albums consisting of Christmas carols and hymns (the latter receiving extensive airplay on Classic FM around Christmas time from DJ Natalie Wheen).
In addition to the three vocalists, the nature of the line-up was somewhat fluid, with additional singers joining in as required. Their Christmas recordings were sometimes accredited to 'Voices at the Door', while the trio was also part of the occasional folk 'supergroup' Blue Murder along with members of Waterson:Carthy and The Watersons.
From 2005 they frequently collaborated with label mates Chumbawamba, contributing vocals on the latter's albums "A Singsong and a Scrap", "Get On With It! Live" and "The Boy Bands Have Won".
The trio often worked with choirs and others on various projects, eg. Kerstbestand - a concert about the Christmas truces of WW1, and Private Peaceful - a collaboration with author Micheal Morpurgo about a young soldier shot for cowardice.
The trio gave their final performance in October 2017, as part of the 2017 Derby Folk Festival.
Official website: www.coopeboyesandsimpson.co.uk
Keep Your Head Down
Coope Boyes & Simpson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No control ever will hold of my life
But inside the darkest night is the day
So listen to the words of life that I heard my father say (he said)
[Chorus]
Keep your head up to the sky don't be shy
Trust in what you know is right and I?ll provide -repeat
can't find a job for money will rob or do I have to sling (don?t mean a thing)
But if love is the key what else to I need to be a success (I want to be blessed)
Believing in the one is how I've begun to be great
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
You know in life we go through so much
Will all get there if we don't give up
Live life like you won't know tomorrow
And you might lose all of your pain and sorrow
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Keep Your Head Down" by Coope Boyes & Simpson give a message of hope and inspiration, encouraging listeners to trust in themselves and their convictions while facing life's struggles. The opening lines set the tone for the song, referring to a bleak and uncertain future, symbolized by an overcast sky. The singer acknowledges that they have no control over their destiny, but they refuse to be defeated by their circumstances. They recognize that even in the darkest moments, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow, represented by the metaphor of the day hiding within the night.
The chorus provides a mantra for listeners to follow, advising them to keep their heads up and persevere with confidence. The advice comes from the singer's father, who demonstrated wisdom in his own life that has been passed down to the next generation. The lyrics touch on common struggles that many individuals face, such as financial hardship and societal pressures to conform. The verses acknowledge these difficulties but also reject the notion that they must compromise themselves or their values to succeed. The bridge reinforces the idea that perseverance and a positive attitude can help one overcome obstacles in life, and even find peace and fulfillment.
Overall, the song articulates a message of hope and perseverance, reminding listeners that they have the power to shape their own destiny if they keep their heads up and persist in their efforts. It offers a simple but powerful reminder to stay true to oneself and remain hopeful even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Overcast future and the past riding on a dime
My future seems uncertain and my past holds me back, but I cannot let it control me or limit me from achieving greatness.
No control ever will hold of my life
I refuse to let external forces dictate my life and determine my success.
But inside the darkest night is the day
Even in the most difficult times, there is always a glimmer of hope and light that I can hold on to.
So listen to the words of life that I heard my father say (he said)
The advice and wisdom imparted to me by my father is invaluable and continues to guide me through life.
Keep your head up to the sky don't be shy
Remain optimistic and confident in yourself, never letting fear or doubt hold you back.
Trust in what you know is right and I'll provide
Have faith in your intuition and moral compass, and everything else will fall into place as it should.
Can't find a job for money will rob or do I have to sling (don't mean a thing)
Even in desperate times, I will not compromise my principles or resort to unethical behavior to earn a living.
Question fate who do I have to hate in order to be great
I am questioning the idea that one must have a target of disdain against which to push oneself in order to achieve greatness.
But if love is the key what else to I need to be a success (I want to be blessed)
If I lead with love and compassion in all that I do, success and blessings are sure to follow.
Believing in the one is how I've begun to be great
Faith in myself and my own abilities, as well as a higher power, has been the foundation for my success.
You know in life we go through so much
Life is full of challenges and difficulties that we must face.
Will all get there if we don't give up
We all have the potential to succeed, as long as we persist and do not give up.
Live life like you won't know tomorrow
Live in the present, without worrying too much about the future, and make the most of each moment.
And you might lose all of your pain and sorrow
By living in the moment and focusing on what brings us joy and fulfillment, we can overcome our pain and sadness.
Lyrics © EDWIN A. LUGO DBA LOVE KISS MUSIC
Written by: LUGO MARTINEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rustyahearne9703
Thank you so much for these superb clips of a special concert I shall never forget.
@pmadamson
This is an excellent arrangement. However as you rightly said this melody has been used before so could you remove your copyright claim on my version please..