We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Shaking a Deadman's Hand

by Spriggan Mist

supported by
-muttley-
-muttley- thumbnail
Michael Pearce
Michael Pearce thumbnail
Jane Armstrong
Jane Armstrong thumbnail
ghostscootaloo
ghostscootaloo thumbnail
mott1
mott1 thumbnail
Sally Greenberg
Sally Greenberg thumbnail
shodiew
shodiew thumbnail
Carolyn Lown
Carolyn Lown thumbnail
Paul Brighton
Paul Brighton thumbnail
canndyman
canndyman thumbnail
valerci2005
valerci2005 thumbnail
Catriona Barclay-Langridge
Catriona Barclay-Langridge thumbnail
zooterkin
zooterkin thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £1 GBP  or more

     

about

Shaking a Deadman's Hand originally appeared on the band's 2012 album 'Soul Retriever'. This version has been re-recorded featuring the current line-up. The lyrics are from a poem by Dorset historian and lyricist, Mark Vine, who kindly allowed the band to put it to music. It's remained a popular live song ever since. It is based on a true story of a World War One soldier killed when a trench collapsed, leaving only his hand exposed from the mud. Spriggan Mist felt it would be a fitting tribute to all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice on the centenary of the end of The Great War. All proceeds from this track will be given to the charity Help for Heroes.

lyrics

Shaking a Dead man’s hand
By Spriggan Mist
Lyrics: Mark Vine
Music B.Cilia


Well I’ve done some strange things in my time
Which I’m none too proud
But the Captain took one look at me
And he shouted out quite loud
First of all, he called me lazy
Then he called me dumb
He said he’d put me in a trench
With all the other scum...with all the other scum

Chorus
Never saw that dead man’s face never looked into his eyes
I know he saw the things I saw I know he heard the cries
Said he’d make a man of me and to attention I should stand
what he never told me was I’d be shaking a dead man's hand
I’d be shaking a dead man’s hand

We shook his hand to bring us luck to keep us safe from harm
As if some strange immortality rubbed from that rotting palm
Off we walked into the storm, a stroll in no man’s land
Nothing else to keep us safe but the touch of a dead man’s hand
A touch of a dead man’s hand


That Dead Man he had the last laugh from inside his earthen tomb
Cos every man that left that trench went walking to his doom
We realised way too late as we drew our final breath
The hand we shook was no friend at all it was the hand of Death
It was the hand of Death.
Chorus

credits

released October 11, 2018
Lyrics: Mark Vine
Music: Baz Cilia

Spriggan Mist:
Baz Cilia: Lead Vocals & Bass
Maxine Cilia: Lead Guitar & Whistle
Colin Garratt: Drums
Neil Wighton: Rithym Guitar
Hels Greenleaf: Backing Vocals

Recorded, Mixed & Mastered: Aaron Cilia at Spriggan Promotions Ltd

Artwork: Harbadix

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Spriggan Mist image

Spriggan Mist Bracknell, UK

Described as an energetic progressive folk rock band with Charismatic lead singer Fay Brotherhood providing the voice and onstage theatrics. Tribal belly dancers Jadoo tribal accompany the band with their mesmerising double Sword dances, injecting a fresh , exciting and welcome change to the Prog Scene where they have played stages such as the HRH Prog festival at The O2 in Sheffield. ... more

shows

contact / help

Contact Spriggan Mist

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Spriggan Mist, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now