We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Watergrove Farm

from Moorscape - Album by John Reed

/
  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Cardboard CD case with CD slot on third leaf. Original artwork by John Reed, professionalised by CR8, Leigh.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Moorscape - Album via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      £5 GBP or more 

     

about

WATERGROVE FARM was once located in the valley near to the village of Watergrove near Rochdale. As Greater Manchester’s industrial population grew and its population demanded more fresh water, the valley was flooded to create Watergrove Reservoir, and the farm was moved to its current location. The chorus starts with the first line of the last hymn sung at the Church before it was inundated.

lyrics

WATERGROVE FARM

The world beneath is not seen now
Where cattle grazed and farmers ploughed,
The sweat and the labour of the weaving mills
The Church and the Orchard at the foot of the hills
These days it takes a drought to see
The lives once lived, the deserted streets
And the ghosts of workers, arm in arm
As they made for the fields at Watergrove Farm

“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Was the last rendition by the Wesleyans
Two hundred villagers were sent abroad
As the sluice gates opened for the valley to flood

The rising warm air from the coast
Darkens rainclouds from the west
That hurl their venom on the higher peaks
To gather in gullies, channels and creeks
And Higher Slack and Wardle streams
Pool their force for the water wheels
And to feed the land as the village sleeps
And cut their valleys deep

And Ramsden Road
And Bowers Row
Sheltered and sunk
Beneath the overflow

“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Was the last rendition by the Wesleyans
Two hundred villagers were sent abroad
As the sluice gates opened for the valley to flood

Mirror clouds on waters still
The sluices metering the spill
The pumping station hums its tune
Till sunset and the rising moon
These days it takes a drought to see
The lives once lived, the deserted streets
And the ghosts of workers, arm in arm
As they made for the fields at Watergrove Farm

“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Was the last rendition by the Wesleyans
Two hundred villagers were sent abroad
And the sluice gates opened for the valley to flood

credits

from Moorscape - Album, track released April 4, 2016
JOHN REED: Cittern, 12 String Guitar, Vocals
KIERAN HEANEY: Bass Guitar
HEYGAMAL: Production

© Lyrics and music to all songs copyright John Reed 2016. All Rights Reserved

All recordings © and ℗ ND4PRM 2016

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

John Reed Berwick Upon Tweed, UK

John is a Blackpool born singer-songwriter and radio show host whose songs cover themes of social injustice, environment, politics, love, & life

Music is never more important than in difficult times. Therefore, all downloads on this site are provided on a "Pay What You Can Afford" (PWYCA) basis. Merchandise is available at the prices stated.

John is also 1/3 of nightsong.bandcamp.com
... more

contact / help

Contact John Reed

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

John Reed recommends:

If you like John Reed, you may also like: