For the dear people of Hadchester – my friends and companions – this is yours.
Click here to listen to an mp3 of the song:
http://www.mbouchard.com/misc/Hadrians-Town.mp3
See Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
If by longship you land, or by three-masted sail,
You shall find a reception as warm as the sun.
Cold as the winter, they’ll serve you their ale,
And find you your comfort as tall tales are spun
See Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
While the morning fog clears you can see her great worth
As the folk of Hadchester before you appear.
Wide gardens a-plenty grown from the rich earth,
Providence favoring hard work and cheer.
See Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
Beneath Harold’s orchard they play in the wood
Neighbors and friends gather from far and near
When y’ think you have had all the pleasure you could
Sit down by the fire and rest yourself here.
See Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
The Romans and Tudors together do dance,
Vikings and Templars share platters of bread
Picts spar with Frenchmen when they have a chance,
As to all good people the good-will is spread,
See Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
There’s nary a noble with a greater home –
Of mountains that gather the first rays of day,
Her people as lovely as the ocean’s salt foam
If you land at Hadchester, you will want to stay…
In Hadrian’s town down by the sea
Hi lily hey lily hi lo.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
If you are a- looking for fine company
To the Hadchester coast you should go.
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A couple of years ago I was asked to make a song in celebration of the people of the Shire of Hadchester, which is on a beautiful coastal section of Maine. But it’s not nearly as lovely as the people who live and play there!
The song sat, quietly, with just the text for some time, as I’d not recorded it so it could be taught. But someone recently asked about it, so I made a recording to use to hear how it goes – and so – Hadchester, my beloved friends, this song is for you – long overdue!
love, Aneleda