Now Be Thankful

"Now Be Thankful"
Single by Fairport Convention
B-side	"Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament for the 77th Mounted Lancer's Retreat from the Straits of Loch Knombe, in the Year of Our Lord 1727, on the Occasion of the Announcement of Her Marriage to the Laird of Kinleakie"
Released	September 1970
Format	7" 45 rpm
Recorded	22 July 1970 at Sound Techniques, London
Label	Island Records WIP 6089
Writer(s)	Dave Swarbrick / Richard Thompson
Producer	Joe Boyd Witchseason Productions
Fairport Convention singles chronology
If (Stomp) Now Be Thankful Walk Awhile

"Now Be Thankful" is a 1970 single by Fairport Convention released by Island Records (WIP 6089, September 1970). The lyrics are by Dave Swarbrick and Richard Thompson, :-

When the stone is grown too cold to kneel In crystal waters I'll be bound Coldest stone weary to the sounds upon the wheel

Ch:

Now be thankful for good things below

Now be thankful to your maker

For the rose, the red rose blooms for all to know

When the fire is grown too fierce to breathe In burning irons I'll be bound Fiercest fire weary to the sound upon the wheel

Though apparently cheerful, the lyrics can also be taken as referring to the barbarity of life in Medieval times.

The B-side "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancer's Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie" is actually a medley of three songs : "Biff, Bang, Crash" (Trad.), "The Kilfenora" (Trad.) and "Boston Tea Party" (by Dave Swarbrick)"

The song's title was an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, who did not acknowledge the title. Frequently cited to be the longest title, it is beaten by Test Dept's "Long Live British Democracy Which Flourishes and Is Constantly Perfected Under the Immaculate Guidance of the Great, Honourable, Generous and Correct Margaret Hilda Thatcher. She Is the Blue Sky in the Hearts of All Nations. Our People Pay Homage and Bow in Deep Respect and Gratitude to Her. The Milk of Human Kindness."