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about
The Deer’s Cry is a Nashville based band named after an old Irish prayer. They play and sing original music inspired by Irish, Bluegrass, Jazz, and other traditional genres. The Deer's Cry band is Karen Ballew (Vocals, Celtic Harp, Portative Organ), Bryan Brock (Percussion), Patrick Atwater (Double Bass), and Will MacLean (Banjo).
In late March, at the beginning of the quarantine in Nashville, Karen saw a father and his little girl out walking in her neighborhood. The girl was wearing a bright blue princess dress, and it made her smile! That dress began to symbolize hope for Karen and the band and is the inspiration for their new single, “Princess Dress”.
Karen grew up in Abilene, Texas surrounded by country music. Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Alison Krauss are great inspirations to her. Fans will hear how they influence The Deer’s Cry on this new single.
“Princess Dress” is a collaboration with Irish trad guitarist Joseph Carmichael and bluegrass musician Katelyn Buckley on fiddle. Band members, Bryan, Patrick and Will brought their intuitive arranging skills to the table on this recording. Many thanks also to Ren Renfree (Sound Catcher Recording) for the mixing and mastering and to Madison Thames for creating the original artwork for this song!
The Deer’s Cry released their debut album, Rise with the Dawn, in January 2020. The soundscapes on this album are enriched by the unique voices of their collaborators: friends in the US, Iceland, England and Ireland. Together, they journey through various hues of light and dark which culminate in their final track, The Deer's Cry prayer.
The band looks forward to more live performances as soon as it is safe to do so! In the meantime, they will continue sharing recordings, music videos, and live performance footage (from their January CD release concert) on YouTube and social media.
lyrics
“Princess Dress”
By Karen Ballew and Joseph Carmichael
Shoulders stooped, head in hands, she sees her daddy now—
Careworn eyes eclipse the light deep within his soul;
So down the hall, on she goes, puts on her princess dress,
Graces the room, makes her daddy smile.
They go on a walk today along the quiet road.
He puts on his shoes and cap, she her princess dress—
Bright blue and flowing, with small steps she walks;
Gentle, ever knowing love and springtime song.
I’ll wear my princess dress
Though I know not where this ends;
This present trouble grieves us so,
But I’ll wear my princess dress.
There’s an ancient song, carries her along,
Clad in hope of blue, light that never dims—
Source eternal, springs of joy, flow forever on
Guide us down this treacherous path ‘neath the setting sun.
I’ll wear my princess dress
Though I know not where this ends;
This present trouble grieves us so,
But I’ll wear my princess dress.
What can one small child say to us today?
Bigger problems, unknown fears, against the odds we fight.
Maybe she reminds us, we are not alone;
We are made of greater stuff than this world has shown.
So I’ll wear my princess dress
Though I know not where this ends;
This present trouble grieves us so,
But I’ll wear my princess dress.
credits
released June 18, 2020
"Princess Dress"
Music by Karen Ballew and Joseph Carmichael
Lyrics by Karen Ballew
Karen Ballew (vocals)
Joseph Carmichael (guitar)
Patrick Atwater (double bass)
Will MacLean (banjo)
Bryan Brock (percussion)
Katelyn Buckley (fiddle)
Mixed and Mastered by Ren Renfree (Sound Catcher Recording)
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