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Witchy Ways: an October Mix​-​tape

by S. J. Tucker

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firstmaterouge
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firstmaterouge I always save this for the autumn, and it brings forth all of the warm, cozy things I love about October Favorite track: Come to the Labyrinth (Tricky Pixie - Unreleased).
solace_lunaria
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solace_lunaria "I am girl and firebird and Solace is my name!" My name in the witch community actually is Solace, so Firebird's Child naturally has become my anthem. Overall this is such a good easy-listening collection of witch-positive music, not just for October but all year round. 5 out of 5, thank you Sooj for creating this! Favorite track: Firebird's Child (Blessings, 2007).
charlie
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charlie I listen to this album as soon as it starts feeling like fall outside. Favorite track: City of Marrow (Solace & Sorrow, 2007).
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    TWO previously unreleased songs are included in this mix-tape, and BONUS: if you download the full album, you get a high quality jpg of Chaz Kemp's gorgeous art as well!
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1.
Sweet sixteen and bold as love the danger I've been dreaming of Sweet sixteen and here she comes; I see the candlelight from her window. She just bought her first book of spells-- one step further from the wishing wells of childhood. She's a woman grown. I tell you, girls, if I had known, I'd do it all over exactly the same. She walked into my life and I sang Witchka! Where have you been? Tell me 'bout the trouble you've been in! Twenty-six and mad as hell, who'd'a thought that I would fall for this turned-around, pouty-lipped Tinkerbelle? One step further from the wishing well, but what's her coven gonna say? All I know, when I see her face, she makes every little fairy princess fade away. Here she comes, and I say Witchka! Where have you been? Tell me 'bout the Mischief....oh, Witchka! Book of shadows and a lock of hair, she holds me there, she does not care. Witchka! From her little pointy boots to her pouty lip, you can tell she's thinking herself the shit. Well, who am I to teach her to watch and wait? A witch decides a witch's fate. She's gonna learn the hard way--that's all right. She says she likes it hard some nights. Keep a close eye on her witchy ways. She'll surprise us all one day! Say, Witchka! Where have you been? Tell me 'bout the trouble you've been in. Witchka, my, how you have grown-- time to make this world your own! Witchka! What have you done? Everything from raising hell to having fun! Witchka! Where have you been! Tell me 'bout the mischief....oh Book of shadows and a lock of hair, she holds me there, she does not care (2x) Sweet sixteen and bold as love, the danger I've been dreaming of (2x) Witchka!
2.
You think you know witches from stories and such maybe the truth isn't asking too much we look at the future and help it along to stir such a cauldron, you've got to be strong it's grander than fiction, the life that we lead. Just think of your prospects, my darling take heed: a sprinkle of glamour, a dollop of charm, trading family secrets and recipes long as your arm! Ask us to glance at your schedule next week. We'll churn you a forecast that wriggles and reeks made of salt and umbrellas and typewriters too and all of the things that you're ever to do There's no need for vanity, no need for fuss. We know that you're bursting to be one of us. We stir up the truth, but it's never to harm, steeped in family secrets and recipes long as your arm! (chorus) Tyranny’s child has not broken us yet Try as she might, not a drop will she get Tyranny's tantrums have come into play striking down witches for what we don't say Oh, no On the outside we look proper and prim but we battle nobility's ill-advised whim. Shameless and shining, we always ask why, for what cooks in our cauldron could call down the sky. Best believe we fought hard when temptation arrived threatening with lions and offering bribes We'd not do her bidding and draw down the moon, though she murdered our brothers and mother for want of a spoon! * Tyranny's child has not broken us yet Try as she might, not a drop will she get! Tyranny's tantrums have come into play, striking down witches for want of a day! Oh, no. It's when we are human that you must take care and learn how to dance when there's blood on the air. The world is a dangerous place, little one, but you already know there are marvelous deeds to be done! Wicked and strong in our shining we stand, straight backed with a drop of the future to hand; it's when we are human that you must take care, but wonders will come to you, darling if only you dare! Tyranny's child has not broken us yet! Try as she might, not a drop will she get! Tyranny's towers can't topple too soon from striking down witches for want of a spoon, Oh no!
3.
I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there Janet tied her kirtle green above her knee and not below and she's gone to Carterhaugh just as fast as she can go She's come to the roses growing wild she's pulled a single one when a wild young man appears and cries 'O, lady, let alone! 'How dare you pull my roses out, How dare you break my tree How dare you run in these green woods Without asking leave of me?' Says Janet fair 'this wood's my own My father gave it me And I can pluck myself a rose Without asking leave of thee.' Bold as brass, he takes her hand and color rises to her skin She looks the young man in the eye and knows him now for young Tam Lin. I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there Janet holds her petticoats well above her dirty knee and she's gone to her father's hall just as fast as she can hie. All the ladies of the court at their play turn red as rose except for Janet, fainting fast, green as growing grass she goes Out then speaks her father dear, doting, caring, meek and mild. 'Janet, darling daughter mine, I fear you go with child.' 'Father, if I be with child, be sure myself shall bear the blame. There's not a knight within your hall shall get the baby's name. Father, if I be with child, 'twill prove a wondrous birth for well I swear it's not the get of any mortal man on earth.' I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there Janet's tied her kirtle green When near nine months are gone And she's away to Carterhaugh, To speak with young Tam Lin. But young Tam Lin will not be found and Janet's in despair to the forest floor she falls and swift her lover catches her Janet asks 'Tam Lin, my love, why is it in these woods you hide?' 'The queen of faeries stole me hence, alas, when I was but a child. 'My lordly sire was a skillful man and hunting he loved well but I was prey for the Faerie Queen when from my horse I fell. 'Ever since, in yon green hill, with the Queen I'm bound to dwell I'd never tire of living there for the land of Faerie does me well 'But at the end of seven years, the queen doth pay a tithe to hell I so fair and full of flesh, am fear'd 'twill be myself.' I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there 'Tonight's the night of Halloween, and the fairy court will ride; And she that would her true love win at Miles Cross must bide. 'But how shall I thee ken, Tam-lin? Or how shall I thee know? Among a troupe of faerie knights, The like I never saw?' 'First let pass the horses black then let pass the brown Run ye to the milk white steed and pull that rider down. 'They will change me in your arms into a deadly adder but hold me fast and fear me not I am the baby's father 'They will change me in your arms into a bear or lion bold but hold me fast and fear me not I am the father of your child 'At last they'll change me in your arms into a naked knight. Then cast your mantle over me and keep me out of sight.' I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there Gloomy, gloomy, was the night, And eery was the way, As Janet in her mantle green To Miles Cross did hie. The heavens dressed in baleful black and all was silent as the grave, But Janet waited in the dark Her own true love to save. Betwixt the hour of twelve and one, the north wind blew and tore and rent she heard the elfin bridles ring upon the wind where e'er it went Janet stood, with mind unmoved, The gloomy heath upon, And louder, louder rang the bells, As the fairy court came riding on. First rode by the night black steeds and then went by the brown; then up she ran to the charger pale and pulled her lover down. They changed him in her arms to all the beasts and flames and hateful things, but she did all that her lover bade and young Tam Lin she won. Up then spoke the Faery Queen An angry queen was she. 'Woe betide the wretch who's ta'en the best knight of Our company. 'Had I but known, Tam-Lin,' she said 'What defeat this night I'd see I'd've stolen both thine eyes and changed thee fast into a tree.' 'Had I but known, Tam-lin,' she said 'before we left this night to roam, I'd have et thy heart of flesh and left thee with a heart of stone!' I forbid ye maidens all who let fly your lovely hair to go down to Carterhaugh for young Tam Lin is there Janet tied her kirtle green above her knee and not below and she's off to Carterhaugh as fast as love can go.
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5.
You'd never know that Marrow was a glowing place, beautiful, before her tarnished heart lost its way so long, so long Gone are the colors, the apples and gems each hunger answered with more Above and below she has rotted away so long, so long The great market calls from canopied stalls but a ghost town is all you will find Purses large and small gold coins changing palms gone paper and ruin and lost time Seventh sons and golden ball daughters can take their own lives to hand I have been to the city of Marrow and I have come out again. Fear not the wind of wasting its howling is not for you It's only an echo now within the hearts of those just passing through Beauty is lost in translation no savoring what is devoured I look at my lover and only see bones No one looks under the skin now. Fear not the wind of wasting its cries are not for you They're only echoes now within the hearts of those just passing through Beauty is lost in translation no savoring what is devoured No one looks under the skin anymore There's only the wind now when seventh sons and golden ball daughters take their own lives to hand fear not the city of Marrow for you will come out again I have been to the city of Marrow and I have come out again Fear not the wind of wasting Its cries are not for you They're only an echo now within the hearts of those just passing through Fear not the wind of wasting Its howling is not for you It's only an echo now within the hearts of those just passing through the hearts of those long ago passed through I have been to the city of Marrow and I have come out again.
6.
Beware the Bleu Cheese of Redmond and the honey-mustard of gloom Be careful how you stick your fork into the Notorious Salad of Doom An army of croutons comes crunching while sinister spinach doth creep invading the heart of your luncheon and stirring your belly from sleep Tempting and colorful veggies seek only to draw you in and learning your fate, you'll find it's too late as dressing drips from your chin! iceberg lettuce will come to chill your soul don't say we didn't warn you as you blindly fill up your bowl! Oh, HEADS OF LETTUCE WILL ROLL! Ho! Dress it in flowers and clover, but it consumes you still! In leather and lace, past the bounds of good taste, this salad is dressed to kill! The popping of cherry tomatoes resounds throughout the land! Innocence lost when the salad was tossed, but Dave was just feeding the band!! Iceberg lettuce will come to chill your soul don't say we didn't warn you as you blithely fill up your bowl, oh, heads of lettuce will roll! Oh, Health nuts, seek other nutrition! Vegans, best run from the room! Be careful how you stick your fork into the Notorious Salad of Doom Woe to the grazers of green things, whose stomachs will growl all too soon! We'll lose all we love in the tastiness of The Notorious Salad of Doom
7.
peeking through the embers stirring up a storm kashkash is watching you and keeping you from harm Ember Ash and Kindling pretty kings and queens counting out your wishes lighting up your dreams listen to your mother when she takes you to town for kashkash gobbles all the naughty children down Hearth, Tinder, Flint & Steel pretty kings and queens granting all your wishes dancing in your dreams never make a wish that will make your mother frown for kashkash gobbles all the naughty children down
8.
Look long enough into the eyes of any creature, there's no knowing what you'll find. We all seek the light one way or another, mostly flying blind. Everything flies at the mercy of the moonlight, lovers more than most at times. You've sought the light where few have ever found it, captured deep in tawny eyes. Little one seek and ye shall find. Take care what you find in the tawny eyes of a hunter by night. Who, who, who is it dares to find these feathers, stroke this skin? How, how, how can you dream of the night he spreads his wings to hold you, shows you all he knows and lets you in? I've heard it said none but fools will ever count on shifting shapes and flying dreams. Foolish the heart that lights upon a love who's never what he seems: Shows one face at dawn and another in the twilight, kings have worn his shape before (kings have worn his wings before). Lord of the evening, so handsome in the sunlight, leaves you wanting so much more. Child, death is a dance on the forest floor! Who, who, who is it dares to find these feathers, stroke this hide? Why, why, why set your sights on the night he spreads his wings to hold you, shows you all his heart and bids you fly? shifting shapes and flying dreams love is never what it seems wears another skin by day be his love and not his prey Who, who, who is it dares to seek the sun and still want more? How, how, how can you trust that he'll open up his wings to hold you, leave you brighter than you were before?
9.
I am the firebird! I am his daughter! I am the firebird's child! I am a firebird! I am his daughter! And like the flame, I am wild wild wild wild WILD! I am the firebird! I am his daughter! I am the firebird's child! I am a firebird, the boldest song you've ever heard Join in the dance, and make it wild, wild, wild! Join in the dance and make it wild! To see a maiden dance around a fire is not so strange but fire dances round the limbs of this uncommon maid! Be brave enough to burn and you'll be brave enough to fly! Join your sister Solace as she lights the morning sky! I am the firebird... Wonders of the water air and earth are all the same you'll never know a wonder like the wonders of the flame! Freely fly as what you are and never walk in shame! You must not fear to blister if you'd live a life in flame! I am girl and firebird and solace is my name! I am the firebird... If you're brave enough to dance then you are brave enough to fly! Forget what's right and proper! You won't know until you try! If you're brave enough to fly, then you are brave enough to burn! Take my hand and join me in the Carnival of Dawn! I am the firebird... Sister will you follow me? Sister will you follow me? Sister will you follow me? Sister sorrow walk with me! (Solace, Sorrow, round and round Sisters burn the morning down Solace, Sorrow, round and round, Sister, burn your Sorrow down!) Like a flame you must be wild/I am a firebird! I am the firebird... You must not fear to blister if you'd live a life in flame! Freely fly as what you are, keep dancing just the same! You'll never know a wonder like the wonders of the flame! I am girl and firebird and Solace is my name!
10.
Shield brother calls to beg me get a message to his girl ancestors stirring, sending messages through our own across the world I am listening, I am following as warriors of the light can only do we ride rootless on heavy medicine every day until our lives are through CHORUS 1 we ride rootless on heavy medicine disconnected from the ground we ride rootless in dark places unafraid that we might fall or die or drown we are working, we are tireless we are seekers of the way we ride rootless on heavy medicine and we live to fight another day Time to do the work while my bones and blood are wild with lessons learned and secrets shared Friends and lovers help me put my armor back together and never let me leave home unprepared My comrade sets his fiddle to his shoulder and I know today there'll be no turning back. We'll ride rootless on heavy medicine unashamed of what we lack CHORUS 2 We ride rootless on heavy medicine disconnected from the ground We ride fearless in dark places hearts in danger but our spirits safe and sound We are working, we are tireless singing songs to stir the sky We are honor bound to share these visions walking tall and getting by walking tall when we don't fly Dirt beneath my nails I claw my way home from the forest just as crazy as before but I am breathing and I am laughing taking one step at a time bringing truth from door to door and I'm not the only one one of many unafraid to open eyes or heart or mind We ride rootless on heavy medicine and we do it all the time CHORUS 3 We ride rootless on heavy medicine disconnected from the ground We ride windward across the wasteland skin in danger but our hearts all safe and sound We speak the language of song and shadow We are tenders of the flame We ride rootless on heavy medicine and from day one we've never been the same CHORUS 4 We are healers working retail or working graveyard without pay We tell stories in our circle We listen or we dance or we just pray We are working, we are tireless We are teachers of the way We ride rootless on heavy medicine and we walk it every day CHORUS 1 END COUNTERMELODY: we are here so the stories get told don't give up ride out be bold build the fire bright and strong speak your truth and sing your song you are here so the stories get told goddess bless your weary soul raise your voice to call the cry storytellers never die goddess bless your weary heart tried and tested, torn apart holding hands around the flames healed and whole we rise again goddess bless your weary soul we are here so the stories get told and we live to fight another day
11.
12.
I am a daughter of the glade never tamed to mortal ken. goat feet and striking yellow gaze the sultry voice of the summer maze I am the beast beneath fair skin with but a song your love I'll win As you would a satyr when he roams, Beware the faun who hunts alone, a prowling spirit on her own all spice and fire to the bone! a thirsty chalice for thy blade! Come now, to the daughter of the glade! In Song and Storm I came to life By Hoof and Horn I came to be I need no pipes to cast my spell I am the tale no heroes tell! hie to the woods, boy, you'll be glad you stayed. Come now to the daughter of the glade! Satyr, when thy mortal lovers fade, I will take you, unafraid! and here's your perfect chance to try a lover bold and as sweet as I-- Dark and warm as winter wine! You've never tasted fruits as fine! I see you waste your golden song on mortal maidens, dusk to dawn Those virgin girls will ne'er be true come taste a love as wild as you! You'll meet your match when you meet my eyes! but I'll allow you your surprise. I am a daughter of the glade, and I will make no man a wife! By Hoof and Horn I came to be; in Song and Storm I came to life! Leave off thy chase! Thy prize is here! and she will love you without fear! I am a daughter of the glade never tamed to mortal ken. goat feet and striking yellow gaze the sultry voice of the summer maze I am the beast beneath fair skin My song is done. Thy love I've won.
13.
You can say your prayers, work your rites burn your little candles day and night you can shimmy 'til dawn to the pounding drums but you best be ready when the Horned One comes, yeah If you wake to the sound of a hunting horn, dance a ring in the gathering storm. If the Solstice time gets your panties in a wad, it's just the coming of the Horned God He will call you out, make you sweat, give you a blessing that you'll never forget. So revel in the chase and let your heartbeat run: Blessed are the children of the Horned One! Hunter who tracks outside of time, guardian lord of ancient rhyme, brother stag in the musky glen and consort of the Goddess in her woodland den, we call you forth as we make our way, walking in your power every day. Guide us true in our hunt this night and maybe even later in the Great Rite! He will call you out... If you wake to the sound of a hunting horn dance a ring in the gathering storm revel in the chase and let your heartbeat run but you'd best be ready, little one! You'd best be ready when the Horned One comes! He gonna call you out...
14.
In the beginning there was dust dust dust but we will eat the yellow as we must must must when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse? we swear by the dust we shall soon find out! In the beginning there was dust dust dust but we will eat the weaver as we must must must when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse? we swear by the dust we shall soon find out! Dust was first, then yellow came along viceroy Baldtail golden in the throng long live Baldtail eaten in a trice all for the glory of the kingdom of mice! In the beginning there was dust dust dust but we will eat the yellow as we must must must when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse? we swear by the dust we shall soon find out! Yellow came first, then green came along and purple met its end in the bellies of the throng Blackwhisker and Dustbelly made their sacrifice, all for the good of the kingdom of mice! In the middle there is dust dust dust but we will eat the green/purple as we must must must when we eat the sea will it taste like mouse? we swear by the dust we shall soon find out! Yellow, green and purple, crimson to come! we deserve better than the dust our home! Manglepaw came and we ate him up dead, there in the dust at the Feast of Red! In the end there is dust dust dust but we will eat the RED as we must must must when we eat the city will it taste like mouse? we swear by the dust we shall soon find out! down with the dust and the weaver's eyes! down with the spider with her belly full of flies we will take the brightest road and taste of the world as we tasted gold in the beginning there was dust dust dust but we will eat the colors as we must must must when we eat the world will it taste like mouse we swear by the dust we shall soon find out we swear by the dust we shall soon find out
15.
16.
Darksome Night and Shining Moon Balance of the dark and light, hearken ye our Witch's Rune, as we perform our sacred rite! With earth and water, air and fire, by blade and bowl and circle round, we come to you with our desire: let all that is hidden now be found! With censor, candle, book and sword, and ringing of the altar bell, we tie a knot within our cord to bind our magic in a spell. Mother of the summer fields, goddess of the silver moon, join with us as power builds! dance with us our witch's rune! Father of the Summer dew Hunter of the winter snows With open arms we welcome you! Dance with us as power grows! By all the light of moon and sun, by all the might of land and sea, chant the rune and it is done. As we will, so mote it be!
17.
Walk between the worlds, bravely down the candle road. The light will lead you deep into your core. Move into the center, add your sorrow to the coals with the incense rising, steady as a prayer. Though the heart is heavy as the dance is burning down, may you raise your eyes and never bow your head, For we are not alone. It only takes the tiniest of fires sometimes to light the way you knew was aways there. In the heart of matters, it's the journey keeps us warm, the lights that lead us where we are to go. May you raise your eyes and know with every step: we are not alone. We are come to the labyrinth tonight, walking one by one. In the dark of Samhain, a riddle burning bright, and the candles waving down. It only takes the tiniest of fires sometimes to light the way you knew was always waiting for you there. In the heart of matters, it's the journey keeps us warm and the incense rises steady as a prayer May you raise your eyes and never bow your head. We are come to the labyrinth tonight, walking one by one. In the dark of Samhain, a riddle burning bright, and the candles waving down. We are vessels of the highest love in a lesson, burning bright, the lesson of our lives. When all our sorrows cauldron into one, be reborn, this Samhain night. (We are not alone.) We are come to the labyrinth tonight, and the candles waving down.

about

A special Halloween collection especially for Shape Shifters, Spooks, and Witchkas everywhere, WITCHY WAYS features songs from S. J.'s catalogue, specifically chosen by the artist herself, which celebrate the season of Samhain and the things that go bump in the night. Running the gamut from silly to sacred, WITCHY WAYS features songs from S. J.'s album WONDERS as well as fun and familiar stuff from Ember Days (2013) all the way back to Tangles (2005). We hope it sends a tingle up your spine that extends all the way to your smile.

Note: downloads in the month of October go toward helping out Sooj's favorite animal charities, as part of the Online Artists' Studio Trick-or-Treat. 2013's charity: Wolfhaven International
2014 & 2015's charity: Turpentine Creek Big Cat Refuge
2016's charity: TBA!

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released October 1, 2013

Cover art by Chaz Kemp. All songs and recordings Copyright S. J. Tucker 2005-2013. All rights reserved.

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S. J. Tucker Perry, Arkansas

“Without our songs and stories, we are nothing.” S. J. Tucker has been captain of her own music career since 2004, when she left the workaday world behind to sing songs and change lives. Tucker is the voice of lore at the campfire and the sharp laughter of modern myth. With one hand anchored in her art and the other held out to us, she is songs and stories, community and wit. ... more

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