Jacob's Dream

In the spring of 1856 with the snow still on the ground

Two little boys were lost in the mountains above the town

The father went out hunting the boys had stayed behind

While mother tended to her chores they wandered from her side

The two had gone to follow him and lost their way instead

By dusk the boys had not been found and fear had turned to dread

200 men had gathered there to comb the mountain side

The fires were built on the highest peak in hopes they'd see the light

Oh mommy and daddy why can't you hear our cries

The day is almost over, soon it will be night

We're so cold and hungry and our feet are tired and sore

We promise not to stray again from our cabin door

Now Jacob Dibert woke one night from a strange and eerie dream

He saw a path between two hills near a dark and swollen stream

He told his wife he saw the boys huddled close beside a log

For two more nights the dream returned, this vision sent from God

A thousand men had searched in vain the west side of Bob's creek

But Jacob's wife knew of this place and said to travel east

With a guide to take him there, Jacob came upon the scene

And found the boys cold and still beneath the old birch tree

Oh mommy and daddy, look past the tears you cry

We're both up in Heaven now, God is by our side

As you lay us down to rest in the presence of the Lord

Know that we will meet you here at Heaven's door

Performed by Alison Krauss. Written by Julie Lee and John Pennell.

No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues

A sure sign of a newly discovered song is when I'm to be found with headphones in my ears, the repeat button on and holding my eyes open due to the unearthly time at which I have chosen to become addicted to one particular tune. A few weeks back this scene occurred once again, this time to the music of the aptly named, Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends.

As the name suggests the group originates from the little fishing village of Port Isaac in Cornwall and is made up of local men singing a selection of sea shanties and folk songs. The ever-changing group have been warming the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over 15 years, and have now released their first album. This collection of music seamlessly joins each man's exquisite vocal tone together with a smatter of rolling drums, a dash of catchy guitar riffs and a pinch of harmonic genius.

Even though the whole album collectively presents a variety of different pieces to please all, there are three songs which particularly stand out: South Australia, Haul Away Joe and No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues. They each demonstrate the full sound quality of the group and the sheer beauty of the male voice in its natural state. The harmonies are flawless and it is made clear from the set-out that The Fisherman's Friends rely upon their vocal talent alone.

So, whether you're an avid folk enthusiast or refuse to hear even one note of a sea shanty, have a listen to this bunch of jokers and rogues and find out for yourself how these locals from Port Isaac are causing a stir in the world of music. And for the football fans among you, they've released Back of the Net especially for you. Go on, give them a listen!