Released 31st July 2023
Written and performed by Jackie Ward
Acoustic/electric/slide guitar, vocals, and snare drum by Jackie Ward
Violin by Gustavo Nome
Accordion by Ellie Blake (flaming top hat)
Cello by Natalie Ivey (chrysalis)
Poetry by John Milton
Cover art by Gustave Dore, design by Jackie Ward
Paradise lost. Unfashionable sacrifice, departing was the most painful thing
I have often haunted the halls of our memories in an effort to see what facsimile
Of what we had I could build up in my mind but I can’t forget the cost
My voice began quivering and my words came out meek and soft
Our sweet recess and only consolation left, accustomed to immortal fruits I found myself bereft
To live in these wild woods forlorn it was an early death, I clung onto you waiting for the end with bated breath
Cause I was a kid
And I am still a kid
A child asking “do you still believe in me?”
Must I thus leave thee, paradise?
Thus leave thee native soil
These happy walks and shades
Fit haunt of Gods where I had hoped to spend
Quiet though sad the respite of that day
That must be mortal to us both
Oh flowers that will never in other climate grow
My early visitation and my last