The Christmas Fire

by Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland

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about

The wonderful Co.Down based folk singing duo Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland release a beautiful new traditional Christmas song ‘The Christmas Fire’ on Friday December 2nd as they build up to their UK tour and launch of their joint 9th studio album in March 2023.

This song was passed on to Fil by her fellow Co Fermanagh musician, Cathal McConnell of the Boys of the Lough fame and recorded in Fil and Tom's home studio in Rostrevor live with concertina accompaniment from the legendary Colum Sands (The Sands Family).

The endearing words signify the importance of friends and family this time of year. 'The Christmas Fire’ being a symbol of hope and love and a place of gathering, togetherness and celebration in the warmth of its embers.

lyrics

The Christmas Fire (trad)

In summertime my heart is glad
In Autumn low or gay
But there is sweet and naught of sad
When Christmas comes always
And never bliss more sweet than this
Can any one desire
Than to sit a near with my good friends dear
Round a merry Christmas Fire

In the summertime the vale is bright
With glancing leaf and flower
And autumn sheds her amber light
On many’s a lovely bower
And sweetly sings the birds in spring
Like tunes from fairy lyre
But far more dear with my good friends near
Round a merry Christmas fire

From the Christmas fire the flames do dart
And whirl and glance and glow
And joyous bounds my happy heart
While the world’s all white with snow
Oh gladdest boon to sit full soon
When young hearts ne’er would tire
All fondly near with my good friends dear
Round a merry Christmas Fire

credits

released December 2, 2022
Guitar and vocals - Fil
Percussion - Tom
Concertina - Colum Sands

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about

Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland Newry, UK

Fil and Tom are songwriters and song interpreters telling the tales of life in a border town in Northern Ireland. Their blend of percussion, guitar and two vocals and a large dose of Irish charm makes for an engaging performance with fun choruses to join in with. ... more

filandtom.com

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