Uploaded October 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This ''Passing over of the soul'' religious chant has its origins dating back as far as the 14th Century .. Lyke(Old dialect for corpse)
The "Lyke-Wake Dirge" is a traditional English folk song The song tells of the soul's travel, and the hazards it faces, on its way from earth to purgatory. Though it is from the Christian era and features references to Christianity, much of the symbolism is thought to be of pre-Christian pagan..
There are variations of this song throughout the UK , but it's mainly associated with Yorkshire and the lyrics are old Yorkshire dialect which I have tried to stick to the best I can, Some of the words are of German/ Norwegian origin dating back to ancient language in England.
It's a Traditional one i return to at this time of year, as Celtic/pagan I do not celebrate the contrived 'Halloween ' but the celebration of this time for pagans and Celts alike, ,' Samhain,' where we honour and remember all our loved ones who have passed.
There are still Samhain pagan celebrations today, throughout England, Ireland and very much associated with The Isle Of Man too, where the harvest is thanked and blessed and great feasts are had , and doors and windows on this eve are left slightly ajar to welcome back the souls of loved ones. I always leave my window slightly ajar.
Hope you enjoy my version of this song, and there are plenty to find. who have covered it. Pentangle and the Young Traditions being just two worthy listens.As already mentioned,
the song is written in an old form of the Yorkshire dialect of Northern English, although some of the words have both Germanic and Norwegian roots.
This ''Passing over of the soul'' religious chant has its origins dating back as far as the 14th Century .. Lyke(Old dialect for corpse)
The "Lyke-Wake Dirge" is a traditional English folk song The song tells of the soul's travel, and the hazards it faces, on its way from earth to purgatory. Though it is from the Christian era and features references to Christianity, much of the symbolism is thought to be of pre-Christian pagan..
There are variations of this song throughout the UK , but it's mainly associated with Yorkshire and the lyrics are old Yorkshire dialect which I have tried to stick to the best I can, Some of the words are of German/ Norwegian origin dating back to ancient language in England.
It's a Traditional one i return to at this time of year, as Celtic/pagan I do not celebrate the contrived 'Halloween ' but the celebration of this time for pagans and Celts alike, ,' Samhain,' where we honour and remember all our loved ones who have passed.
There are still Samhain pagan celebrations today, throughout England, Ireland and very much associated with The Isle Of Man too, where the harvest is thanked and blessed and great feasts are had , and doors and windows on this eve are left slightly ajar to welcome back the souls of loved ones. I always leave my window slightly ajar.
Hope you enjoy my version of this song, and there are plenty to find. who have covered it. Pentangle and the Young Traditions being just two worthy listens.As already mentioned,
the song is written in an old form of the Yorkshire dialect of Northern English, although some of the words have both Germanic and Norwegian roots.
