Galahad and the Castle of the Maidens

by @danielkelly

Liner Notes

Welcome to FAWM 2026 everyone! I have decided this year rather than just writing whatever song comes to me, I'll aim for an Arthurian theme for the whole month. #Arthurian

Lyrics

G D G To cursed castle of the maidens, C G Sir Galahad did ride, Em D G His shield held bold before him, C D G And his arms close by his side,

Outside he met an old man, He also met a squire, He met seven fair maidens, Who bid him to retire,

This castle is full of evil, This castle is full of woe, It’s walls they hold no pity, Only grief and mischief grow,

Seven knights came from the castle, Seven knights all brothers grim, They fell upon Sir Galahad, Wishing naught but death on him,

But Galahad held well his shield, And caught their grievous blows, With flash of sword and thrust of spear, He laid the seven low,

Then the seven fled in panic, The castle gates were open wide, The captives of some seven years, Were free to go outside,

The lady of the castle, Daughter of the Duke once slain, Asked Galahad what they should do, Lest the seven come again,

Then Galahad took the gilded horn, Of Ivory so white, And blew a single ringing note, To summon all good knights,

The knights they came from two miles round, Before good Galahad knelt down, And swore to defend the castle, And the Duke’s daughter newly crowned,

And as Galahad departed, To God commending all, News came Gareth, Gawaine, Uwaine, Had made the seven fall,

Comments

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your voice is so rich and sonorous

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Well I'm looking forward to more of these if it's going to be a theme! And I really like the sound of that instrument - fits the song and theme perfectly.

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A full month of Arthurian legend! Ok, you've totally got my attention.

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Looking forward to your theme month! This sounds like it's been around forever (which is highest praise for a song). For whatever reason, "It’s walls they hold no pity" (and the stanza that it's in) especially appeal to me.

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A good Arthurian ballad is always worth hearing. The evil knights should have learned from Terry Pratchett that a hero facing seven enemies will certainly win.

Laying them low seems inconsistent with their fleeing in panic. Maybe that could be tweaked?

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Thanks Gary, yes I paused on the ‘low’, I needed the rhyme, and figured if they are lying on the ground before running away, they are low, but many would think dead. Will have a look at reworking.

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Hmmn, this is NOT how Monty Python told this story...

Without the video, I'd have thought you were paying the Bouzouki? Are we running the guitar through a pedal?

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No pedal, just a little reverb and EQ. The new Crafter guitar has a lot more sustain in Open G than anything else I own.

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Very nice song and very well performed! i was brought up on the myths and legends which adds extra meaning for me. really enjoyed this!

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yes this works - an authentic feel - enjoyed

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how wonderful to revisit the classic authurian romances in this world that is losing its romance and heroism. excellent writing and a brilliant performance make this a joy to sing my ears into

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Many thanks for listening and your kind comments @billwhite51.

[FAWM]