Song of the Day - 30th March

Today is Mother's Day in the UK, or Mothering Sunday as it is more properly known.

Although it has become a day to spoil, pamper, honour and generally show love to our mothers, Mothering Sunday was originally a day when Christians historically visited their mother church—the church in which they received the sacrament of baptism.

Constance Adelaide Smith revived its modern observance beginning in 1913 to honour Mother Church, 'mothers of earthly homes', the Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus), and Mother Nature. It gained popularity in response to the American Mother's Day, established in 1914 by US President Woodrow Wilson.

Aa a mother myself, I have been properly looked after today by my children with chocolates, flowers, a couple of new dresses for the upcoming summer, a lovely scented candle and some Lego daffodils!!

Today's song is a setting of a poem called "My Mother" by Ann Taylor (1782 – 1866). Often published with her sister, Jane, Ann was part of an extensive literary family. Her father was a pastor and an engraver, her mother an author, her sister a poet, one brother was also a writer, another a publisher and her third brother Isaac not only wrote theological works but also invented the beer tap!

"My Mother" became a sentimental favourite. It was republished throughout the 19th century and was still being memorized as a standard recital work into the mid-20th century.

This song is dedicated to my own mother, Joanne Cavanagh who turns 80 this year and who is, and always will be, the strongest woman I have ever known. I grew up with this determined woman knocking down walls, teaching herself bricklaying to build a new brick gatepost and beautifully landscaping our back garden single-handedly. She gave me my first lessons in music at the age of about 3, cutting out notes from a cereal packet and having me stick them on a giant stave she had drawn on a piece of cardboard, and playing the results on her clarinet.

Because of her, I grew up bold and confident and so loved. Thank you, Mum - I love you!

This song is being beta tested by The High Peak Singers.

My Mother

By Ann Taylor

Who sat and watched my infant head

When sleeping on my cradle bed,

And tears of sweet affection shed?

My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,

Who gazed upon my heavy eye,

And wept for fear that I should die?

My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray

And love God’s holy book and day,

And walk in wisdom’s pleasant way?

My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be

Affectionate and kind to thee,

Who wast so very kind to me,

My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear,

And if God please my life to spare

I hope I shall reward they care,

My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and grey,

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away,

My Mother.