The “Alouette Song,” penned by the talented New Hampshire-based songwriter Alouette Iselin, is a piece that has resonated deeply within communities for years. For over three decades, we at amidoncommunitymusic.com have cherished and performed this song, drawn to its poignant lyrics and melodic beauty. Alouette Iselin, a therapist and singer-songwriter, brings a unique sensitivity to her music, evident in the heartfelt plea of the “Solstice Song”: “Let me come in and share your light, for I’m without a friend tonight; let me come in and share your light, and a warm place by your fire.” This evocative song perfectly captures the spirit of seeking warmth and connection during the darkest time of the year.
To truly appreciate the “Alouette Song,” exploring its various interpretations is key. We begin with Alouette herself, in a recent informal outdoor sing-along, showcasing the song’s raw, a cappella charm. This rendition, captured in its natural environment, highlights the song’s sing-along appeal and community-building essence.
Our own journey with the “Alouette Song” started in 1990, with a recording featuring banjo, piano, and improvised harmonies, enriched by Mary Lea’s fiddle. This early version, initially on our “This Longest Night” cassette and later included in our album “I’ll Never Forget,” presents a more intimate, folk-infused interpretation of the song.
Mary Alice and Peter Amidon sing Solstice Song
Expanding on this foundation, a simple SATB arrangement was created a few years later. This version, performed here by the children and adults of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton (MA) in December 2018, demonstrates the song’s adaptability to choral settings and its intergenerational appeal, making it perfect for community choirs and festive gatherings.
For our annual New Year’s Eve concert in 2014, featuring our family and friends like Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy, a new arrangement of the “Alouette Song” was crafted. This performance, blending folk instrumentation with rich vocal harmonies, is included in our “Twenty-five Anthems” collection and showcases the song’s potential for more elaborate and performance-oriented settings.
The versatility of the “Alouette Song” is further exemplified by a beautiful virtual choir rendition from December 2020. Directed and accompanied by Rip Jackson with the First Parish in Lexington (MA) UU Choir, this pandemic-era performance highlights the song’s ability to connect people even remotely, offering solace and unity through music during challenging times.
Finally, the adaptation of the song for two women’s voices and piano reveals another facet of its beauty. This intimate and elegant performance underscores the song’s lyrical and melodic strength, proving its appeal in smaller ensemble settings and highlighting its emotional depth.
The “Alouette Song” stands as a testament to Alouette Iselin’s songwriting talent and the song’s universal message of seeking light and warmth in darkness. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound lyrics and its adaptability to various musical styles and performance settings, making it a cherished piece for winter solstice celebrations and beyond. Thank you, Alouette, for gifting us this beautiful song.
