New Joyalai’s double single: Holly Valley (Waltzing Matilda) / Weeee (It’s Time)
Holly Valley is Al James’ very particular version and adaptation of Waltzing Matilda, Australia’s very popular unofficial anthem, originally composed by «Banjo» Paterson. This first cut of Joyalai’s new double single also pays tribute and nods to My Secret Valley (another famous version of Waltzing Matilda), which many will remember from the children’s television series of the same name in the 80s.
Thus, Holly Valley, an intense and epic Indie Folk Rock that presents a more fortunate and empowering twist on the traditional lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, but remaining quite faithful to it and also to its subtle humor, which becomes more evident in this Joyalai’s version.
As for the second cut, Weeee (It’s Time), original composition by Al James, continues the celebratory atmosphere of the previous song, from a more intimate and (also sassy) calm angle, which nevertheless gains in intensity until reaching the climax reflected in the tittle. For the rest, this tune is a (Indie Folk Rock too) ballad that shows more the vocal artistry by Alice Parky, as well as the beautiful vocal harmonies and choruses alongside Allen Lightened.
Press note by SunnToneS
One jolly swagman walking by a billabong,
sat at the shade of a coolibah tree,
then he sang and waited ‘til his billy boiled
«True people share Holly Valley with me».
I love a valley, a jolly valley,
my holly valley where all can be free.
Then he sang and waited ‘til his billy boiled
«True people share Holly Valley with me».
Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong,
Up jumped the swagman to grab him with glee,
being the same sheep the squatter stole from him,
«You’ll gonna share Holly Valley with me»
I love a valley, mmm jolly valley,
my holly valley where all can be free,
singing as he stowed that jumbuck in his tucker bag,
«You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me».
Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three,
asking «Where’s that jumbuck you’ve got in your tucker bag?»
«You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me».
Up jumped the swagman, leapt into the billabong,
«You’ll never catch me alive,» said he,
crossed the waters as the bullets whistled on,
getting away with the sheep after him.
I love a valley, a jolly valley,
my holly valley where all can be free.
Feel this vibe now, as I sing to you this song:
«True people share Holly Valley with me».
It’s time to feel love
and joy like I never felt before.
It’s time for all blessing
meant for me to cheer up my world.
Cos my heart is beating
I know I belong
here and now.
Yeah i’m worth of living
the bliss that I am.
Meanwhile my gaze softens
I’m able to love myself and all,
then tasting the present
that is here and now.
It’s time to feel love
and fun like I never knew before.
Time also for bed
and not precisely only to sleep.
Already avalaible in Bandcamp.
–