Song of the Day - 31st October

The second of our Hallowe'en-themed songs brings to life a delightful poem by John Kendrick Bangs.

His enchanting Hallowe'en poem is a joyful celebration of the whimsical side of the holiday, filled with "raisins and nuts," glowing Jack-o'-lanterns, and the carefree mischief that dances through the night, inviting us to indulge without a second thought of reprisal, if only for this magical evening.

John Kendrick Bangs (May 27, 1862 – January 21, 1922) was an American writer, humorist, editor, and satirist, who crafted a whole genre of writing in his name.

"Bangsian fantasy" is a captivating genre that takes us into the afterlife, presenting a stage where its characters—often renowned historical or fictional figures—enact their tales and relationships. A contemporary embodiment of this genre can be seen in the TV show "The Good Place".

Get the music for this song for free - find out how here.

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Hallowe’en

By John Kendrick Bangs

Bring forth the raisins and the nuts -

To-night All Hallows' Spectre struts

Along the moonlit way.

No time is this for tear or sob

Or other woes our joys to rob

But time for Pippin and for Bob

And Jack-o'-lantern gay.

Come forth, ye lass and trousered kid

From prisoned mischief raise the lid

And lift it good and high

Leave grave old Wisdom in the lurch

Set folly on a lofty perch

Nor fear the awesome rod of birch

When dawn illumes the sky.

'Tis night for revel, set apart

To reillume the darkened heart

And rout the hosts of Dole.

'Tis night when Goblin, Elf, and Fay

Come dancing in their best array

To prank and royster on the way

And ease the troubled soul.

The ghosts of all things past parade

Emerging from the mist and shade

That hid them from our gaze

And, full of song and ringing mirth

In one glad moment of rebirth

And again they walk the ways of earth

As in the ancient days.

The beacon light shines on the hill

The will-o'-wisps the forests fill

With flashes filched from noon;

And witches on their broomsticks spry

Speed here and yonder in the sky

And lift their strident voices high

Unto the Hunter's Moon.

The air resounds with tuneful notes

From myriads of straining throats

All hailing Folly Queen;

So join the swelling choral throng

Forget your sorrow and your wrong

In one glad hour of joyous song

To honor Hallowe'en!