It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of singer-songwriter and activist Charlie Murphy on Aug. 6, 2016 after a long illness. My condolences to his husband Eric Mulholland and all those who loved Charlie. His song "Burning Times" was the most requested song on my weekly alternative spirituality radio program "The Spiral Dance" on KZUM radio in the 80's and 90's. I still have his 1981 album Catch the Fire, released on the Good Fairy Productions label, in my basement vinyl collection, along with the rest of Charlie's work, including Rumors of the Big Wave and Canticles of Light.That album contained the original version of 'Burning Times', later covered by many others. The original version is now available only on the compilation album The Best of Pagan Song. The album also contained the LGBT rights anthem 'Gay Spirit'. The album is notable for addressing LGBT issues and pagan spirituality within its lyrics. The song "Burning Times" concerns the persecution of women accused of witchcraft in the Middle Ages and early modern periods. Its Goddess Chant chorus, written by Deena Metzger, mentions goddesses Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali... Inanna. "Gay Spirit" expresses the frustration of growing up gay within a prejudiced society: When we were born they tried to put us in a cage, and tell our bodies what to feel, we have chosen to feel all the truth, that our bodies do reveal.... The chorus is a rousing burst of optimism: There's a gay spirit singing in our hearts, leading us through these troubled times, There's a gay spirit moving 'round this land, calling us to a time of open love. RIP Charlie. I'm glad you were able to visit China before passing.
I knew Charlie and saw him perform at Faerie Gatherings and a concert at UCSC. I had his strong feeling just now to look up his songs...and found this notice...I had his album; "Catch the Fire". I think he was a Taurus...he had it..natural earth talent and 'had' what was happening in his songs. Really no one captured the Faerie Movement more than Charlie. I was working on a documentary at UCSC..but the professor, stopped me from completing it. I still have the footage and tapes from Denver Gathering...and i was going to use Charlie's songs. The title of my film is "The Faerie's Gather"...Perhaps it was too valuable to be to well known. The Beat movement was a very small group of people...yet their influence, their 'beat' continues still today...Perhaps the Faeries will continue in similar fashion; Harry, John, James and all...It all comes from spirit...and spirit is eternal.
Laura, yes it is Charlie Murphy. The Pagan Song CD is using Charlie's original version of his Burning Times song from his 1981 album Catch the Fire. He and Jami didn't put out the Rumors of the Big Wave album with a revised version of the song until later when they released their Burning Times album.
I knew Charlie. I was at the first Faerie Gatherings. I made a documentary called "Gathering of the Faries" in 1983 at UCSC. I used his song for the film.
In light of the Supreme Court Ruling on prayer on the football field, I got online looking for this song. If we need to pray before games, why not Burning Times? Charlie and Jamie performed at my college in the early 1980's. Charlie's album Catch the Fire was a comfort and an influence during my senior year. I cranked up Burning Times and Double Love when the bigots were cranking up misogynist songs. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and long illness.
I was shocked reading the comment below about Charlie's death last year; I didn't know until now. This is the original version, recorded in a studio in Nashville in December of 1980. I played dulcimer on this song, and several others on the record. During the Summer of 1980, I met Charlie and Jamie in the parking area at the Kindred Gathering dulcimer festival that was held on Orcas Island that year, and we began playing there and that evening performed a couple tunes -- and later I was invited to join them in a few performances in Seattle and elsewhere and the recording session. Thanks, Charlie, for being able to participate in some wonderful music...
I think I remember you, Gary. You wouldn't know me, but I was friends with Charlie and Jamie in Seattle back then, and a huge fan of their music. I'm thrilled to find you in these comments. You all meant the world to me.
I had the pleasure of remastering the album, Best of Pagan Song, in the 1980s. I never knew Charlei but this song moves me deeply. All the Goddesses are my friends!
For some reason this song makes me flash back to a very special time in my life - a certain group of friends - a circle of friends I first met in the winter of 1987 - I believe I borrowed this tape from one of those friends - and got my own copy thereafter, then played it hundreds if not thousands of times as my own faith grew deeper, stronger, visceral. The music is the memory, the beat is the power. Amazing song, amazing words.
This version of Charlie Murphy's The Burning Times (on Catch the Fire album back in the vinyl days) was the most frequently requested song during the seven years that I DJed a weekly radio program called The Spiral Dance on KZUM Radio, 89.3 FM, Lincoln, NE back in the 1980's and early 90's. Jana Runnalls' We All Come From Goddess was second.
Indigenous peoples still exist in Australia, the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and parts of Europe & the Middle East. As do a lot of those labeled witch or heretic - often Jewish, Romani, and those now called LGBTQ+. And those labeled pagan - who in some way stuck to parts of Nordic, Scandinavian, and Celtic beliefs alive despite their ruler turning to Rome and adopting Christianity as the national religion. All of the above are still here, despite oppression and acts of genocide. It's difficult, and we need investment human rights - especially civil and reproductive rights - and in preserving & restoring cultural arts & languages. But we're still here. And nature is here too, if we're willing to start working to preserve the ecosystems and start restoration of the lands we've fragmented and made barren with construction and roadways.
It saddens me that there are those who wish to change the events in history, and deny that the Burning Times even occurred. Great tribute! Blessed rest Charlie.
Just came across this. Thank you for posting. I had been searching for Charlie for a while, and was heartbroken to learn that he crossed over a few years ago. I played with him the first time(the only time?) he appeared in NYC in 1982. Accompanying him on Burning Times was like a dream in trance.... If anyone knows how to get in touch with his widower husband, I have a few things I'd like to pass on
This version was on a album called Catch The Fire put out by Good Fairy Productions, The other version was a cd he produced called Rumors of the Big Wave.
@ravenstar100 Look for "burning dance" someone posted the version you're looking for of the Burning Times with Charlie Murphy and Jami Seiber (female vocal & cello) under that title.
I have a copy of that album; a lovely album. Haven't listened to it in some time as I have not had the LP player up in a long long time. This seems a little light compared to what I remember ... not as much base, and I recall a cello....
Was he affiliated with Starhawk and Reclaiming? Someone just introduced me to this and his voice is sooo familiar. Sorry to hear he passed on. Bright Blessings
this is not the original good version & fowllows their arangment pretty close buty not charlies voice ! ~ look up rumors of the big wave , charlie murphy & jami seber
Give it a while. CD's and DVD's often get scarce on Amazon and high-priced, then a few months later there are 20 copies and they're down to $10 apiece. I've seen it happen. :)
Does anyone know the history behind the verse about those who by the hundreds chose their deaths in the sea? I haven't been able to find information about this.
Wow! Nice to see a current comment! I am a pagan witch (shhhhh don't tell anyone, because the government deemed us EVIL!) Lots of info. about this has been removed from the internet! I guess Nature Worshippers really do scare them! Namaste
hi we could be sentenstensed to fire burning or be drowned. the drowend using the dunking stool we had a 50/50 chance. most were burnt afterwrods. the triles were horrible. hope this helps. i stooded this one day. and from my own memeroys of the time. from a felloow witch.
Listen to the song Allu Mari Mi Portati recorded by Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith. Its an Italian phrase sung by women who committed suicide by drowning to avoid being burned.
There is a 3 part documentary called The Burning Times (1990) that should provide most of the history. I had the VHS tapes. Changed my life. The book by Merlyn Stone - "When God Was A Woman" (originally called The Paradise Papers) might also be of interest to you. Blessed Be ~
ravenstar100 that version was on Canticles of Light, and included an amazing gospel choir out of Seattle! Embarrassingly, I can not recall their name . . .
Perfect song for today, 10.26.2020 as the removal of woman's dominion over her own body hangs in the balance in the Supreme Court of these United States.
Roy Bailey recorded a strong powerful arrangement, a version of 'Burning Times' on his album 'Freedom Peacefully' . Christies version misses out the line about the Pope/church……i guess he was worried about some reactions. Go well.
I like this cover, The original was from Charlie Murphy's album, Catch the Fire (1981). but I dont think this is Charlie singing? Is this Christy Moore who is doing this cover?
This version is also sung by Charlie Murphy. The album is "Rumors Of The Big Wave." (1991) Karly Taliesin asked: I like this cover, The original was from Charlie Murphy's album, Catch the Fire (1981). but I dont think this is Charlie singing? Is this Christy Moore who is doing this cover?
yes, this is charlie singing… and sounds like Jamie Sieber's wonderful cello playing. it is a slightly different version than is on rumors of the big wave, but might be the same as "catch the fire" - it's been so long since i heard that one.
No. The Church cannot murder or torture pagans any more (which must be very frustrating for them,) however the propaganda war against pagans in the popular media seems to be intensifying. As the song says, wicked people are still burning and poisoning the earth with their endless wars and poisons. And trying to deny the realities of man-made climate change.
Wish I could get this song through spotify with him singing it
It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of singer-songwriter and activist Charlie Murphy on Aug. 6, 2016 after a long illness. My condolences to his husband Eric Mulholland and all those who loved Charlie. His song "Burning Times" was the most requested song on my weekly alternative spirituality radio program "The Spiral Dance" on KZUM radio in the 80's and 90's. I still have his 1981 album Catch the Fire, released on the Good Fairy Productions label, in my basement vinyl collection, along with the rest of Charlie's work, including Rumors of the Big Wave and Canticles of Light.That album contained the original version of 'Burning Times', later covered by many others. The original version is now available only on the compilation album The Best of Pagan Song. The album also contained the LGBT rights anthem 'Gay Spirit'. The album is notable for addressing LGBT issues and pagan spirituality within its lyrics. The song "Burning Times" concerns the persecution of women accused of witchcraft in the Middle Ages and early modern periods. Its Goddess Chant chorus, written by Deena Metzger, mentions goddesses Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali... Inanna. "Gay Spirit" expresses the frustration of growing up gay within a prejudiced society: When we were born they tried to put us in a cage, and tell our bodies what to feel, we have chosen to feel all the truth, that our bodies do reveal.... The chorus is a rousing burst of optimism: There's a gay spirit singing in our hearts, leading us through these troubled times, There's a gay spirit moving 'round this land, calling us to a time of open love. RIP Charlie. I'm glad you were able to visit China before passing.
I knew Charlie and saw him perform at Faerie Gatherings and a
concert at UCSC. I had his strong feeling just now to look up his songs...and found this notice...I had his album; "Catch the Fire". I think he was a Taurus...he had it..natural earth talent and 'had' what was happening in his songs. Really no one captured the Faerie Movement more than Charlie. I was working on a documentary at UCSC..but the professor, stopped me from completing it. I still have the footage and tapes from Denver Gathering...and i was going to use Charlie's songs. The title of my film is "The Faerie's Gather"...Perhaps it was too valuable to be to well known. The Beat movement was a very small group of people...yet their influence, their 'beat' continues still today...Perhaps the Faeries will continue in similar fashion; Harry, John, James and all...It all comes from spirit...and spirit is eternal.
this isn't charlie ~great version but not him ~ find rumors of the big wave {band} charlie murphy & jami seber
Laura, yes it is Charlie Murphy. The Pagan Song CD is using Charlie's original version of his Burning Times song from his 1981 album Catch the Fire. He and Jami didn't put out the Rumors of the Big Wave album with a revised version of the song until later when they released their Burning Times album.
RIP. This song is one of my favorites on this C.D. Charlie Murphy makes it so powerful with his passionate delivery.
Julie Porter absolutely love Charlie's version. I performed this at many folk festivals inspired by this version.....R.I.P
I knew Charlie. I was at the first Faerie Gatherings. I made a documentary called "Gathering of the Faries" in 1983 at UCSC. I used his song for the film.
Still miss you Charley. Thanks for the music.
He was the best. 🙏💕
In light of the Supreme Court Ruling on prayer on the football field, I got online looking for this song. If we need to pray before games, why not Burning Times? Charlie and Jamie performed at my college in the early 1980's. Charlie's album Catch the Fire was a comfort and an influence during my senior year. I cranked up Burning Times and Double Love when the bigots were cranking up misogynist songs. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and long illness.
this song touches every fiber of my being
I was shocked reading the comment below about Charlie's death last year; I didn't know until now. This is the original version, recorded in a studio in Nashville in December of 1980. I played dulcimer on this song, and several others on the record. During the Summer of 1980, I met Charlie and Jamie in the parking area at the Kindred Gathering dulcimer festival that was held on Orcas Island that year, and we began playing there and that evening performed a couple tunes -- and later I was invited to join them in a few performances in Seattle and elsewhere and the recording session. Thanks, Charlie, for being able to participate in some wonderful music...
I think I remember you, Gary. You wouldn't know me, but I was friends with Charlie and Jamie in Seattle back then, and a huge fan of their music. I'm thrilled to find you in these comments. You all meant the world to me.
I hadn't known either and I was shocked to learn this! R.I.P. Charlie Murphy.
A fellow pagan and mentor turned me on to this. Blessed be. :)
Yes this is Charlie Murphy singing. From his album "Catch the Fire". I bought it when it was first issued. Awesome song indeed.
I had the pleasure of remastering the album, Best of Pagan Song, in the 1980s. I never knew Charlei but this song moves me deeply. All the Goddesses are my friends!
I love this song! I have the album.. Blessed be..
Joana, você pode me passar o album? você tem ele digital? meu email é mleandroportugal@gmail.com.
Obrigado, muita paz e luz em nossos corações!
For some reason this song makes me flash back to a very special time in my life - a certain group of friends - a circle of friends I first met in the winter of 1987 - I believe I borrowed this tape from one of those friends - and got my own copy thereafter, then played it hundreds if not thousands of times as my own faith grew deeper, stronger, visceral. The music is the memory, the beat is the power. Amazing song, amazing words.
This version of Charlie Murphy's The Burning Times (on Catch the Fire album back in the vinyl days) was the most frequently requested song during the seven years that I DJed a weekly radio program called The Spiral Dance on KZUM Radio, 89.3 FM, Lincoln, NE back in the 1980's and early 90's. Jana Runnalls' We All Come From Goddess was second.
I got to see Charlie Murphy performing this song at Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA a few yrs back. I still think it was magical.
a beautiful gem and telling of a tragic end of the nature people
Indigenous peoples still exist in Australia, the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and parts of Europe & the Middle East.
As do a lot of those labeled witch or heretic - often Jewish, Romani, and those now called LGBTQ+.
And those labeled pagan - who in some way stuck to parts of Nordic, Scandinavian, and Celtic beliefs alive despite their ruler turning to Rome and adopting Christianity as the national religion.
All of the above are still here, despite oppression and acts of genocide. It's difficult, and we need investment human rights - especially civil and reproductive rights - and in preserving & restoring cultural arts & languages. But we're still here.
And nature is here too, if we're willing to start working to preserve the ecosystems and start restoration of the lands we've fragmented and made barren with construction and roadways.
I would be grateful to have this cd again! 💜
It saddens me that there are those who wish to change the events in history, and deny that the Burning Times even occurred. Great tribute! Blessed rest Charlie.
because they havent quite ended yet
such a moving rendition of a classic pagan song.
Hmm, Charlie wrote this and he is playing, and singing it, so it is the original, and not a rendition of a classic.
Just came across this. Thank you for posting. I had been searching for Charlie for a while, and was heartbroken to learn that he crossed over a few years ago. I played with him the first time(the only time?) he appeared in NYC in 1982. Accompanying him on Burning Times was like a dream in trance.... If anyone knows how to get in touch with his widower husband, I have a few things I'd like to pass on
This version was on a album called Catch The Fire put out by Good Fairy Productions, The other version was a cd he produced called Rumors of the Big Wave.
this song always brings me to a better mood. i love it i feel one with myself
I made found this late, but I am glad I did. Such a powerful, lovely voice. I am glad to have heard this.
🧙♀️ Blessed be
Oh my!!! This song is so beautiful!!! And also so true! Love it! Blessed Be
He was Best !!! He Knew !!!!
Great song thanks for uploading. Charlie Murphy is a great musician and songwriter
RIP loved you on the chappelle show
@ravenstar100 Look for "burning dance" someone posted the version you're looking for of the Burning Times with Charlie Murphy and Jami Seiber (female vocal & cello) under that title.
I have a copy of that album; a lovely album. Haven't listened to it in some time as I have not had the LP player up in a long long time. This seems a little light compared to what I remember ... not as much base, and I recall a cello....
FYI: I just checked my CD (Best of Pagan Song), and this is Charlie Murphy's original recording, from the album "Catch the Fire".
I had the pleasure of remastering that CD. This and Magic are my favorite songs, but they are all great!
Sail away, Charlie...
Enjoy your sojourn in Summerland, Charlie. See you n the next incarnation.
@elrhiarhodan it is, thank you very much for clearing that up for me, im gonna keep looking till i get it!
blessed be
)0(
Was he affiliated with Starhawk and Reclaiming? Someone just introduced me to this and his voice is sooo familiar. Sorry to hear he passed on.
Bright Blessings
And so this is the original version... I knew it by the (good) Christy Moore cover. But this is fabulous.
this is not the original good version & fowllows their arangment pretty close buty not charlies voice ! ~ look up rumors of the big wave , charlie murphy & jami seber
Laura Martin this *is* Charlies voice. It pre-dates his version with Jami by a few years, and was released before Rumors was formed.
Ive been to salem .....Tears
@SkyeRangerNick The cello version includes Jami Seiber. It's also here on UA-cam.
I date from the late 70's as well and it's so nice to hear the oldies again. Pity that the CD is only available from scalpers for $100.
Give it a while. CD's and DVD's often get scarce on Amazon and high-priced, then a few months later there are 20 copies and they're down to $10 apiece. I've seen it happen. :)
+Jane Harper get this program then! www.maniactools.com/?version=8.4
Type UA-cam to mp3 converter.
Where can I purchase this? iTunes seems to only have a different version
I wish I can use this album in my twitch stream
Does anyone know the history behind the verse about those who by the hundreds chose their deaths in the sea? I haven't been able to find information about this.
Wow! Nice to see a current comment! I am a pagan witch (shhhhh don't tell anyone, because the government deemed us EVIL!) Lots of info. about this has been removed from the internet! I guess Nature Worshippers really do scare them! Namaste
hi we could be sentenstensed to fire burning or be drowned. the drowend using the dunking stool we had a 50/50 chance. most were burnt afterwrods. the triles were horrible. hope this helps. i stooded this one day. and from my own memeroys of the time. from a felloow witch.
Listen to the song Allu Mari Mi Portati recorded by Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith. Its an Italian phrase sung by women who committed suicide by drowning to avoid being burned.
There is a 3 part documentary called The Burning Times (1990) that should provide most of the history. I had the VHS tapes. Changed my life. The book by Merlyn Stone - "When God Was A Woman" (originally called The Paradise Papers) might also be of interest to you. Blessed Be ~
@BlackthorneBay thank you!
how many versions of this song did charlie murphy do?!
im looking for the one he did with a chorous that was really dynamic, but i cant find it!
ravenstar100 that version was on Canticles of Light, and included an amazing gospel choir out of Seattle! Embarrassingly, I can not recall their name . . .
Can anyone please tell me where I can find the album, "Catch the Fire" by Charlie Murphy??? 🙏🏼 I can't seem to find it on UA-cam or anywhere.
Perfect song for today, 10.26.2020 as the removal of woman's dominion over her own body hangs in the balance in the Supreme Court of these United States.
Roy Bailey recorded a strong powerful arrangement, a version of 'Burning Times' on his album 'Freedom Peacefully' . Christies version misses out the line about the Pope/church……i guess he was worried about some reactions. Go well.
I love the guitar... is this Charlie? Where is this from? When?
I like this cover,
The original was from Charlie Murphy's album, Catch the Fire (1981). but I dont think this is Charlie singing?
Is this Christy Moore who is doing this cover?
This version is also sung by Charlie Murphy. The album is "Rumors Of The Big Wave." (1991)
Karly Taliesin asked: I like this cover, The original was from Charlie Murphy's album, Catch the Fire (1981). but I dont think this is Charlie singing? Is this Christy Moore who is doing this cover?
yes, this is charlie singing… and sounds like Jamie Sieber's wonderful cello playing. it is a slightly different version than is on rumors of the big wave, but might be the same as "catch the fire" - it's been so long since i heard that one.
I have the Rumors Of The Big Wave album. I had a copy of the original version. This is definitely the Rumors version.
? i was wondering , doesn't sound like charlie to me ? maybe just a dif. version ? cello a bit dif. but could be jami ??
It is Jamie...and Charlie!
Are burning times truly over?
No. The Church cannot murder or torture pagans any more (which must be very frustrating for them,) however the propaganda war against pagans in the popular media seems to be intensifying. As the song says, wicked people are still burning and poisoning the earth with their endless wars and poisons. And trying to deny the realities of man-made climate change.
Look around. Wow, fucqing great point, Nina!!!!!!
The Library of Alexandria...
No this is not Christy Moore. I like this cover, too. Wonder who sang this.
Geej Langlois, this is Charlie Murphy's original recording of this (his) song.
these people says Hekate's name strangely.
most I know speak it thus
Cat people have spoken!
Not bad, but I like Elaine Silver's version way better.