There is a tradition of ancient & communal circle dancing in Europe which is nigh extinct. I think it is possible that circle dancing (original meaning of the word ‘carol’) took place inside henges, whether made of earth or later with standing stones. Knowlton Henge was also used as a ‘Thing’ or formal meeting place in Anglo-Saxon times. That a 12th century church was built inside the henge suggests that it held unbroken ritual significance into at least the Middle Ages.
lyrics
Will you come & join the dance &
We shall step the ancient round
All hold hands & we begin
Our feet traverse the hallowed ground
Generations trod this ring
Their memory steps with us today
A church now stands where stones once stood
Around the churchyard once again!
Will you come & join the dance
And we shall turn in step once more
If I miss you this time round
We’ll meet again I know for sure
And if I miss you once again
I’ll meet you on the furthest shore
credits
from To Speed The Plough,
released August 31, 2015
Words & music by Ric Kemper.
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