Masons of Lincoln

from Lincs to Land and Sea by Jan and Paul Ramsey

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about

Based on a parable with a Mediaeval origin, here three stonemasons undertake the same task in the building of Lincoln Cathedral. The approach to life is mirrored by the way they set about working the stone. The old man is Remigius de Fecamp, who was commissioned by William the Conqueror to build Lincoln Cathedral. Work commenced in 1072 and the Cathedral was consecrated two days after the Bishop’s death in 1092.

lyrics

The old man walked and watching from a distance
Saw masons mixing mortar for a wall
One mason clearly had a serious grievance
The second quite content and clearly skilled
The third he was most joyous in appearance
And as he worked he looked by far the most fulfilled

And they all toil and they all work
But the stone for every man is not the same

He reached the first and said good morning to you
Pray tell me of your work, your daily toil
The man stopped working then he turned to answer
Each day so dull, every hour the same
Chipping his life away the mournful chis’ller
Showed no interest, no liking for the stone

To the second man he asked the same question
Pray tell me of your work, your daily toil
The mason was content with each task given
Was mapping out a future with a home
The carving of the detail didn’t matter
Just the rhythm of stone upon stone

To the third mason he asked the same question
Pray tell me of your work, your daily toil
With my skill and love of stone I see the greatness
That will come from all I lay and all I carve
Though this cathedral I I will never see completed
My labour and my love will always echo through the stone

The mason then in turn did ask the old man
What’s the reason for your questions pray do tell
He smiled and said your work I value greatly
For with your skill my dreams all come to life
For this will be the great Lincoln Cathedral
And I Remigius praise you above them all

credits

from Lincs to Land and Sea, released May 22, 2022
Ramsey

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Jan and Paul Ramsey Grimsby, UK

Jan and Paul first began singing together when they were students. Jan plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and Paul plays single reed harmonica and vocals. They are renowned for their close harmonies. Over the years they have performed extensively in the UK and overseas. They have held various residencies in UK folk clubs and are currently residents at Grimsby Folk Club. ... more

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