Levellers — Four Winds
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Total ratings: 2795
Length: 3:16
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The Summer came round early this year,
Oh Winter swung around soon after,
The scent of Spring was high with fear,
The Autumn crows call disaster
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
And the music that now fills the street
Falls to the rhythm of marching
I find no comfort here
No not in this, or any other year
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
Tell of a future born in fire
A stranger asks me what do you know
And just where are you going
I told the truth, I just don't know
If you don't mind, I'll just keep going
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
Tell of a future born in fire
Oh Winter swung around soon after,
The scent of Spring was high with fear,
The Autumn crows call disaster
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
And the music that now fills the street
Falls to the rhythm of marching
I find no comfort here
No not in this, or any other year
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
Tell of a future born in fire
A stranger asks me what do you know
And just where are you going
I told the truth, I just don't know
If you don't mind, I'll just keep going
Because the north wind blows so cold,
Chilling the warmth of my desire,
And the whispered words we know,
Tell of a future born in fire
Tell of a future born in fire
Comments (195)add comment
Got a 1990's Waterboys kinda feel with a bit more crunch
Sounds like a million other songs written in a minor fifth.
One of my favourite live bands. If you played some Skunk Anansie and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls my life would be complete!
Proclivities wrote:
Yes, that and Bo Diddley's "Billy, Don't Be A Hero".
am partial to Ella F's "Lovin' You".
Yes, that and Bo Diddley's "Billy, Don't Be A Hero".
am partial to Ella F's "Lovin' You".
For those who like a little "Behind the scenes"of a The Levellers name, the term was used to describe a movement in England in the 1640s:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Ptijoc wrote:
This is a problem with recording music in this highly litigious society. As a guitar and keyboard player, you're aware that in 12 bar arrangements there are only so many ways chords can be shuffled before it sounds at least slightly derivative of someone other's work.
Intellectual property law is at odds with the conversations between artists that take place across generations. Recording companies, music licensing, copyright law all have become the vehicle by which modern artists are compensated. They are also the chief impediment to a vibrant, creative culture.
This tune is too near from "Roulette" a great song by Bruce Springsteen
This is a problem with recording music in this highly litigious society. As a guitar and keyboard player, you're aware that in 12 bar arrangements there are only so many ways chords can be shuffled before it sounds at least slightly derivative of someone other's work.
Intellectual property law is at odds with the conversations between artists that take place across generations. Recording companies, music licensing, copyright law all have become the vehicle by which modern artists are compensated. They are also the chief impediment to a vibrant, creative culture.
Terrific track from the lads😎
I FREAKIN LOVE THIS TUNE! Hint: Great add to your workout playlist.
First time I heard this song and gave it an 8
Levellers - purveyors of the finest little festival in Merrie England 
reminds me a lot of " the black sorrows " harley and rose " groove onthis is marvelous.
From me only 5 -Decent
Amazing, the invigorating pulse, the Celtic drumbeats, the slam your drink and get up and dance it as a bloody jig, laddies! of it; love it!
Levelling the land is in my opinion their best album.
Zocket wrote:
Yes, that and Bo Diddley's "Billy, Don't Be A Hero".
Excellent seque from Neil Diamond's Like a Hurricane!
Yes, that and Bo Diddley's "Billy, Don't Be A Hero".
This guy's voice is quite similar to the lead vox for Cuff the Duke (Wayne Petti) from Toronto. Musically in the ballpark, too. Haven't heard CTD on RP, which would be nice. They are disciples of Blue Rodeo, who could also use some RP love.
Haven`t heard them for years! Thanks for bringing the Levellers back to me! Such a cheery music!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes!
I'm getting a Waterboys vibe.
Yes!
Nice! Thank you!
fredriley wrote:
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
Please post this a required reading before allowing people to join. "I have read the above agreement and have no objections."
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
Please post this a required reading before allowing people to join. "I have read the above agreement and have no objections."
I like how his song comes thundering along to carry me back to the rugged, snowy coastal wilds of Noto, Ishikawa, where I first discovered this band, thanks to a mad, drunken expat Brit up the road. We'd get properly hammered and play 'em good and loud, as befits them.
Fortune Cookies From Reiver
Just born yesterday
And I'm already looking for a job
Can you tell me what my future is?
Just born yesterday
And I'm already looking for a job
Can you tell me what my future is?
On_The_Beach wrote:
That's who I thought it was at first.
I'm getting a Waterboys vibe.
That's who I thought it was at first.
Mosay wrote:
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
'Rule Brittania', or 'Swing Low',
Are they the only songs the English know?
(Show Of Hands)
1st saw the Levs in Brighton in '92 (a mate of mine was going out with their managers sister - Hi Reb, if you're out there)
staggering to realise how long ago that now is . . .
sob!
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
'Rule Brittania', or 'Swing Low',
Are they the only songs the English know?
(Show Of Hands)
1st saw the Levs in Brighton in '92 (a mate of mine was going out with their managers sister - Hi Reb, if you're out there)
staggering to realise how long ago that now is . . .
sob!
this drew me from across the room-nice!
I've just had a curry. Look out for the 5th wind tomorrow morning.
I can smell them from here.
Would like to hear a little more of The Levellers on here - if only just to remind me that I'm going to Beautiful Days in the summer. Let's have some Dreadnoughts!
Ptijoc wrote:
Not bad but too close from the Bruce Springsteen's song "Roulette". Pure hasard?
Oups! already posted ! need rest...
Not bad but too close from the Bruce Springsteen's song "Roulette". Pure hasard?
fredriley wrote:
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
bump
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
bump
I think this song is their level-best!
But..whatever bolws your hair back, by all means.
But..whatever bolws your hair back, by all means.
Excellent seque from Neil Diamond's Like a Hurricane!
I saw the Levellers in the Limelight after work on damp midweek night in the early 1990s.
A real charismatic bunch of swamp dwellers, manic fiddler, small venue – they were superb.
I was there in me suit, cashmear coat and a copy of the Independent.
Sadly the Limelight has now gone, demolished for the Tottenham Ct Rd Crossrail project I think, shame.
A real charismatic bunch of swamp dwellers, manic fiddler, small venue – they were superb.
I was there in me suit, cashmear coat and a copy of the Independent.
Sadly the Limelight has now gone, demolished for the Tottenham Ct Rd Crossrail project I think, shame.
They've certainly put the years in. I was first turned on by 'In this garden' from 1994. Still fab - best played at 11
This tune is too near from "Roulette" a great song by Bruce Springsteen
grungepuppy wrote:
On the first glance I thought you said "this is a great camp song" and I agree - it is!
I'll join the this is a great song camp.
On the first glance I thought you said "this is a great camp song" and I agree - it is!
I'll join the this is a great song camp.
fredriley wrote:
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
keep this post UP!
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
keep this post UP!
Thank you RP!
fredriley wrote:
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
Well said.
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
Well said.
Is this song on the soundtrack to a movie? I feel like I've heard it recently.
This reminds me a bit of the Canadian band The Punters. Anyone else hear it?
My iTunes account would have gone dormant years ago were it not for RP.
This one goes straight to the "wish list"
I'm getting a Waterboys vibe.
Foot wrote:
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
Here,here!P..S Off and listen to commercial crap!
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
Here,here!P..S Off and listen to commercial crap!
Addictive. Propulsive. Too short! It reminds me of another act, can't place it. Ol 97s? Drive by Truckers? Something a lot older —
Looks like the UK crew are pretty united in liking the Levellers!
And a really good reply Fred!
And a really good reply Fred!
Foot wrote:
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
This isn't your station, and it's not your place to tell people to go away. Bill and Becky need contributing punters and want to increase listeners, not have them driven away. The OP has every right to consider this song terrible, and to say so, without being told that he doesn't "get it" (whatever "it" is). IMO this is a Godlike 10, but one listener's Godlike is another's Sucko-barfo, and that's to be celebrated and to be expected on a deliberately eclectic station.
mirland wrote:
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
This is just terrible!
If that's your opinion change the station & never come back. You obviously don't get it.
The Levs on RP-Outstanding-seen them most years at least once from small halls to festivals-The Didgeridoo guy is one of the road crew-and always has some weird & wonderful get up on
see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mycameraobscura/4198883376/
more please and as mentioned oysterband worth a listen
Dave
see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mycameraobscura/4198883376/
more please and as mentioned oysterband worth a listen
Dave
very cool song, never heard before, thank you for playing it
Love this! It woke me from my working slumber! Thanks!!!
I could have sworn this was Blue Rodeo!
I find it amusing that you can hear an office phone ringing in the background, not once, but twice.
Levellers Four Winds
Poe Wild
Snow Patrol Run
Florence and The Machine Cosmic Love
Poe Wild
Snow Patrol Run
Florence and The Machine Cosmic Love
Just awesome to begin my day!! Thanks a lot Bill :)
Nice.
woodchuk wrote:
I've read that it's a double meaning: the Levellers movement and an area called The Levels in Brighton where they're from. The socio-political movement fits in well with their anarchist politics, and their links with the radical activist news sheet Schnews.
Of course they'd be English..being named after the 17th century political movement of the same name!
I've read that it's a double meaning: the Levellers movement and an area called The Levels in Brighton where they're from. The socio-political movement fits in well with their anarchist politics, and their links with the radical activist news sheet Schnews.
Of course they'd be English..being named after the 17th century political movement of the same name!
Like it!
Like it!
ianmoff wrote:
Don't forget Oysterband!
Yeah and Fairport, Steeleye Span... English folk/rock and english folk songs.
Don't forget Oysterband!
Yeah and Fairport, Steeleye Span... English folk/rock and english folk songs.
Mosay wrote:
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
Don't forget Oysterband!
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
Don't forget Oysterband!
Why does this and Jadis' Across The Water always make me think of autumn?
:O
The Levellers!
I actually gasped. Loudly. And shuddered. Ta for putting this on!
The Levellers!
I actually gasped. Loudly. And shuddered. Ta for putting this on!
PurplePrincess wrote:
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
Well, let's hear it for Scottish political agitators, in fact let's praise political agitators of all ilk and stripe.Down with complacency.Oh, BTW, I love the way these guys sound.
Scottish? They're from Brighton, England.
They're folk/punk... It's just people think there is no English folk and automatically attribute it to Scotland or Ireland
Randomax wrote:
and a finger snapper
a real toe tapper!
and a finger snapper
a real toe tapper!
ThePoose wrote:
Echoes of Great Big Sea.
Cool. A UK band sounds like a band from Newfoundland.
Old World. Move over!
P.S. This is very good. Great foot-stompin' party-it-up music.
This is just terrible!
No question: This is very nice! A solid 8 (oh, I see I rated this before.....)
sometimes it's nice to not even look at the artist or comment page, and just ask, "do i dig this?". The answer for me is yes... i dig this 
Green Blade Rising - Red Blood Falling....- - OR - - Help - I've cut my waist with this big dowel rod . . .
fredriley wrote:
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
Wow, was he wearing pants, or at least a sock on it?
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
Wow, was he wearing pants, or at least a sock on it?
A solid 7. Good stuff.
Been hearing this alot lately
fredriley wrote:
I bought their Levelling the Land album ten or fifteen years ago, and it's worthy of yer hard earned music dollar (pound?) too.
This is a fine song from the one of the poppiest, toe-tapping bunch of Scottish political agitators around. I bought the album on the strength of this song, and the first 4 numbers are fantastic, easily as good as this, but the rest disappoint, unfortunately. This, though, approaches a 10.
I bought their Levelling the Land album ten or fifteen years ago, and it's worthy of yer hard earned music dollar (pound?) too.
And threw in a heavy dose of The Connells.It's like if you mixed The Waterboys with Toad the Wet Sprocket...
OMG just shut up.
I prefer the Bright Eyes song of the the same name...
to_the_eleven wrote:
Go to their MySpace area where they've a few songs you can listen to, or just buy any of their older albums which should be pretty cheap now. Avoid the Hello Pig album which was experimental, but the latest effort Letters from the Underground is pretty damn good IMO.
I quite like this one for the rhythm, fiddles and such. Anyone recommend any other Levellers songs besides that "one way" anthem?
Go to their MySpace area where they've a few songs you can listen to, or just buy any of their older albums which should be pretty cheap now. Avoid the Hello Pig album which was experimental, but the latest effort Letters from the Underground is pretty damn good IMO.
fredriley wrote:
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
Aren't you supposed to go to the emergency room if you have a massive didgeridoo? For four hours or more?
Seriously though, I dig 'em. Would love to see them live.
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
Aren't you supposed to go to the emergency room if you have a massive didgeridoo? For four hours or more?
Seriously though, I dig 'em. Would love to see them live.
I quite like this one for the rhythm, fiddles and such. Anyone recommend any other Levellers songs besides that "one way" anthem?
Oh, well the didgeridoo totally seals the deal. The things are good for nothing more than firewood.
Skorokoro wrote:
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
Great that they are still there and kept the sound and the singer the voice-
Yep. I saw them at Loopallu last September where they were the headline act, and they were feckin' good - an amazing stage presence, and f*ck me were they loud! Amps up to 11, right enough. They still retain their energy and enthusiasm, and for a couple of numbers they had a seriously deranged geezer on stage with a massive didgeridoo.
In Berlin on Saturday the 7th! 
Great that they are still there and kept the sound and the singer the voice-
Gednabb wrote:
This one's an 8. Great stuff.
Thank God for my ex-English boyfriend Jon's future girlfriend for playing this group in the car from Newcastle to Manchester.
This has become one of my most treasured bands.
Guess the pathetic git was good for something
Jon is no longer English?This has become one of my most treasured bands.
Guess the pathetic git was good for something
This one's an 8. Great stuff.
Gednabb wrote:
wait, i gotta get a pencil and map this out ... ok, never mind, my head hurts.
Thank God for my ex-English boyfriend Jon's future girlfriend for playing this group in the car from Newcastle to Manchester.
...
...
wait, i gotta get a pencil and map this out ... ok, never mind, my head hurts.
Thank God for my ex-English boyfriend Jon's future girlfriend for playing this group in the car from Newcastle to Manchester.
This has become one of my most treasured bands.
Guess the pathetic git was good for something
I (heart) this song.
Irisheyes wrote:
Scottish? I think you'll find they hail from Brighton - a bit further south!
Really? In which case they're the best thing to come out of Brighton since the pier ;-). My mistake, sorry - they sure do sound Scottish and Celtic phrases and rhythms are evident in their music.
So, prompted by that error I looked them up on Wikipedia where there's a long and detailed entry (click here) which is very enlightening, particularly about their anarchist background and philosophy. Well worth a read for fans.
omniphiliac wrote:
Hear, hear.
Echoes of Great Big Sea.
PurplePrincess wrote:
Well, let's hear it for Scottish political agitators, in fact let's praise political agitators of all ilk and stripe.Down with complacency.Oh, BTW, I love the way these guys sound.
Hear, hear.
Well, let's hear it for Scottish political agitators, in fact let's praise political agitators of all ilk and stripe.Down with complacency.Oh, BTW, I love the way these guys sound.
Yay!
I was hooked after the first three or four chords. I'm surprised that, even though I like Flogging Molly and The Pogues and Dropkick Murphy's, I've never heard this band. I think this may be my next music purchase, thanks!
fredriley wrote:
This is a fine song from the one of the poppiest, toe-tapping bunch of Scottish political agitators around. I bought the album on the strength of this song, and the first 4 numbers are fantastic, easily as good as this, but the rest disappoint, unfortunately. This, though, approaches a 10.
Scottish? I think you'll find they hail from Brighton - a bit further south!
So even this has reached California? This radio amazes me again and again. I didn't know that song, so thanks Bill. It's always good to hear some Levellers.
I always enjoy hearing this song.
euca_design wrote:
A revival of these guys is needed in these times!
D
Just couldn't believe my ears...nice song from 'yesterday'.
A revival of these guys is needed in these times!
D
This is a fine song from the one of the poppiest, toe-tapping bunch of Scottish political agitators around. I bought the album on the strength of this song, and the first 4 numbers are fantastic, easily as good as this, but the rest disappoint, unfortunately. This, though, approaches a 10.
Pantagruel wrote:
This is the type of music that if never existed humanity wouldn't regret or even remember about.
well, of course ... how can someone forget what has never been?
Makes me think of spring on the prarie, with mountains in the distance. Calgary? It's got a great sense of space. I always like that. Makes me want to get the hell out of the office and head out on the road.
There is no comparison to the Levellers. This is them at their finest... It is such a highly underrated song.
I am happy that RP gives it lots of play! Thanks Bill and Rebecca!
Pazzat wrote:
This is the type of comment that makes no sense.
Well, let me give it a try: Pantagruel (whose name tries to affect a literary, if ribald, air) just doesn't like good, straightforward rock 'n' roll. I can imagine this person mentally dozing in front of music of an industrial/improvisational nature and thinking how hip he or she is. (I'll bet this is at least in the ballpark.)
I'm hearing the Waterboys - in good way.
These guys rock -- every song, solid. Their early stuff was all good, and I like this A LOT! Crank it!
it's been a while since I last listened to this song. the first time was through here as well...
great song - a deserved 9
celadonstone wrote:
On a related note, "Rock the Casbah" features a video game noise in the middle of it, kinda in the background, which is now (20 years later) used in cell phone ring tones. So if you are hearing that song, especially for the 1000th time, that will drive you more than little nuts that a cell is ringing somewhere. And it cannot be answered. dundunDUN!
Are you on crack? I mean, wtf?
Art_Carnage wrote:
Funny. No, it lasts about 3 seconds, and you can hear it go off two or three times during the song. There's nothing musical about it. It's just your basic business phone-type electronic ringer. I wonder if it got on the track by accident.
On a related note, "Rock the Casbah" features a video game noise in the middle of it, kinda in the background, which is now (20 years later) used in cell phone ring tones. So if you are hearing that song, especially for the 1000th time, that will drive you more than little nuts that a cell is ringing somewhere. And it cannot be answered. dundunDUN!
This is great stuff! Kind of amazing that they manage to keep the spirit burning after all these years - "political" bands tend to burn out and/or get stale pretty quickly, but not so with the Levellers. 
Oh yeah this kicks ass!
Got a 1990's Waterboys kinda feel with a bit more crunch
Good point - come to think of it, they are a little similar.