They released three albums to considerable acclaim: Made In Cape Breton (2002), On Fire (2004), and Forerunner (2006). In 2006, they toured extensively with the well-known Irish band The Chieftains. However, the founding members of the band split up in 2006, either because of artistic differences, or health problems, according to different reports.
The band began to appear without the Mackenzie siblings, and after experimenting with various fill-ins, settled upon fiddler Claire Pettit and fellow Cape Bretoner Bruce Timmons on guitar. They are currently working on a new studio album for release in Summer 2008.
Official website: http://www.thecottars.ca
Scarlet Ribbons
The Cottars Lyrics
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When I heard my child in prayer.
She said, "And for me some scarlet ribbons,
Scarlet ribbons for my hair."
All the stores were closed and shuttered,
And all the streets were dark and bare.
In our town, no scarlet ribbons,
Through the night my heart was aching.
And just before the dawn was breaking,
I peeked in and on her bed,
In gay profusion lying there,
Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons.
Scarlet ribbons for her hair.
If I live to be a hundred,
I will never, never know from where,
Came those lovely scarlet ribbons,
Scarlet Ribbons for her hair.
Scarlet ribbons, there's magic in the air.
Scarlet, scarlet ribbons for her hair.
The Cottars's song "Scarlet Ribbons" tells the story of a father who hears his child pray for some scarlet ribbons for her hair. However, all the stores were closed, and it seemed as if there were no scarlet ribbons in their town to be had. As the night wore on, the father's heart ached, and just as daylight broke, he peeked into his child's room to find her bed adorned with lovely scarlet ribbons. The father is left bewildered and amazed, unsure of where these ribbons came from.
The song conjures up vivid imagery of a quaint town, shrouded in darkness and barrenness, where even the simplest of requests cannot be fulfilled. The child's prayer for a seemingly humble request of scarlet ribbons reflects the innocence and purity of youth, and the father's joy at finding his child's wish fulfilled brings a warmth and hopefulness to the story.
In essence, "Scarlet Ribbons" conveys a message about the power of hope and faith in the face of insurmountable obstacles. It highlights the importance of cherishing the little things in life and the joy of simple pleasures, and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I peeked in to say goodnight,
I checked on my child before going to bed
When I heard my child in prayer.
While listening to her pray
She said, "And for me some scarlet ribbons, Scarlet ribbons for my hair."
She requested that I get her red ribbons for her hair
All the stores were closed and shuttered, And all the streets were dark and bare.
At that moment, the stores were closed and the streets were empty
In our town, no scarlet ribbons, Not one ribbon for her hair.
Unfortunately, there were no red ribbons available in our town
Through the night my heart was aching.
My heart was heavy with sadness all night
And just before the dawn was breaking, I peeked in and on her bed, In gay profusion lying there, Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons.
The next morning, I looked in on my child and saw that red ribbons were magically on her bed
Scarlet ribbons for her hair.
The ribbons were there for her to wear in her hair
If I live to be a hundred, I will never, never know from where, Came those lovely scarlet ribbons, Scarlet Ribbons for her hair.
Even if I live to be a hundred years old, I will never know where the red ribbons came from
Scarlet ribbons, there's magic in the air.
The appearance of the red ribbons seemed magical
Scarlet, scarlet ribbons for her hair.
The red ribbons were specifically for her hair
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EVELYN DANZIG, JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PJ556666
on Home By Bearna
they are going home by another route to avoid something bad happening