As her writings records, Julian experiences a terrible nightmare, featuring a red-faced fiend, invasive and over-powering, who almost strangles the life out of her. Crucifying voices from her past invade her peace.
lyrics
(This song is sung during a physical struggle. Julian enduring it, Stan watching on. We do not see the attacker, though we his effect.)
J: No comfort here in sealed cell, I shall be overcome
Torment arrives and where’s my God?
S: Your God is on the run
Who knows his whereabouts these days? He leaves you to your fears
Some monster from your past attacks
J: The fiend, he’s gross, he leers
P: The Pardoner brings pardon, you’ll find us very nice
I offer sweet forgiveness - but only at a price
R: St Agatha’s thigh, St Agatha’s thigh!
Oh me oh my, St Agatha’s thigh!
It’s for those who sigh, St Agatha’s thigh
J: Well, who am I to question, Lord? But question you I must
I lose my sense, I see you not
S: It can wear out the trust
J: But all I know is ‘It must be’
S: Though what must be who knows?
It may be time to think again
Alone you take these blows
J: So I become an anchoress, one anchored to a place
S: Those pretty days are gone my girl!
I see your haggard face
P: The Pardoner brings pardon, you’ll find us very nice
I offer sweet forgiveness - but only at a price
R: St Agatha’s thigh, St Agatha’s thigh!
Oh me oh my, St Agatha’s thigh!
It’s for those who sigh, St Agatha’s thigh
J: Don’t strangle me, you red-skinned rogue
I feel your spit, your phlegm
S: When Adam dug and Eve she span
Who was then the gentleman?
Exchange your dreams for something real
No paradise, no bliss
Between abandonment and death
There’s only shit and piss
credits
from All Shall Be Well - The Musical,
released March 11, 2021
Vocals: Ellen Armstong (Julian), Martin Hoile (Stan)
Instruments: Caroline Hoile ('cello), Sam Hoile (drums) Martin Hoile (all other sounds)
Composition / Arrangement / Production: Martin Hoile
Lyrics / Storyline: Simon Parke
Martin and Simon have worked together for over forty years but 'All Shall Be Well' is their first musical. So, ancient roots
of collaboration but fresh growth now in the remarkable story of Julian of Norwich, turned into fourteen wonderful songs of hope’s triumph over despair. A woman for our time!...more
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