From the recording Welcome In Another Year
This track is from Bonfires (Azalea City Recordings 2009). The song was originally written for Hudson Harding's Happy Holidays Sampler #1. It features Tom Fairbairn (fiddle), Cheryl Prashker (percussion) and Al Parrish (bass). The song draws on a variety of new year's customs including those of China, Iran, and the Celtic pagan tradition.
Lyrics
Build up the bonfires Now the seasons turnWelcome in another year and let the old one burnBuild up the bonfires, light the candles brightAll the hungry spirits will be coming by tonight. Light the bonfires; another year has flownGather friends around you Don’t spend the night aloneSweep out the courtyard to greet the coming yearLay a handsome table Your visitors are hereBuild up the bonfires - Now the seasons turnWelcome in another year and let the old one burnBuild up the bonfires, light the candles brightAll the hungry spirits will be coming by tonight. Here come your sorrows, all your old regretsevery broken promise and every unpaid debtPerched on your shoulder yearning toward the flamePour them a glass of whiskey and greet them all by nameBuild up the bonfires - Now the seasons turnWelcome in another year and let the old one burnBuild up the bonfires, light the candles brightAll the hungry spirits will be coming by tonight. Now make them welcome Offer them releaseOffer them atonement and pray they may find peaceGive them your blessing but do not let them stayBeat on the cans and the pots and pans and send them on their wayBuild up the bonfires - Now the seasons turnWelcome in another year and let the old one burnBuild up the bonfires, light the candles brightAll the hungry spirits will be coming by tonight.