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The angel of the north

from A9 by Alex MacDonald

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about

I heard a song by Paulo Nutini that mentioned something about an angel and Scotland. That set me thinking of "angel of the north". Then for some reason a line from an old traditional song came into my head - "lily of the west". From there on it was just a matter of thinking of everything that would rhyme with "west"!

lyrics

ANGEL OF THE NORTH

You were lonely from the time when first I saw your face
You’d lost the one you loved, you were holding out for grace
To protect you and defend you I’d have laid my body down
If I could wield the sword, then you would wear the crown

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I love the way your hair falls across your breast
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
To know you is to love you and loving you I’m blessed

I was wandering the streets as I looked for someone lost
When I saw you with your friends and I wished I could have crossed
You were dressed up real fine for a party or a dance
But my heart went out to you and I stood there in a trance

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I love the way you talk and I love the way you’re dressed
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I want everyone to know you’re the one I love the best

You were lying very still and your face was deathly white
You were in another place and my world was black as night
When you opened up your eyes and you looked at me and smiled
Could have thrown my arms around you and held you like a child

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
When you’re standing near, I’m like a man possessed
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
But to think that I could love you, you never would have guessed

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I love the way your hair falls across your breast
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
To know you is to love you and loving you I’m blessed

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I love the way you talk and I love the way you’re dressed
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
I want everyone to know you’re the one I love the best

You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
When you’re standing near, I’m like a man possessed
You’re the angel of the North, you’re the lily of the West
But to think that I could love you, you never would have guessed

(C) Alex J MacDonald

credits

from A9, released November 16, 2012
Alex MacDonald: vocals, guitar
Doug MacDonald: backing vocals, bass guitar, 12 string guitar
Rebecca Green: backing vocals

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about

Alex MacDonald Edinburgh, UK

Grew up in Kildonan Strath, Sutherland, where I loved the psalms and hymns and the old folk songs my father had learned from his drover grand uncle.Went on to Cash, the Clancys and Corries, Tom Paxton and Dylan. Started playing guitar and writing songs in my teens, but only started recording this century with my rock band sons! Either solo or with my band, I've played all over Scotland. ... more

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