Above a Plain

DESCRIPTION: Czech translated to English: "Above a plain of gold and green, A young boy's head is plainly seen. A huya, huya, huyaya, swiftly flowing river (x2). But no, 'tis not his lifted head, 'Tis Ifca's castle spires instead. For our pleasure it was made,..."
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1926 (The Song Book of the Y. W. C. A, according to mudcat.org thread "Origins: Lyr Req/ADD: Above a plain")
KEYWORDS: nonballad campsong
FOUND IN:
REFERENCES (3 citations):
Averill-CampSongsFolkSongs, pp. 146, 311, 444, "Above a Plain" (notes only)
Tobitt-TheDittyBag, p. 63, "Swiftly Flowing Labe" (1 text, 1 tune)
SongsOfManyNations, "Above a Plain" (1 text, 1 tune) (CC edition, p. 34)
ALTERNATE TITLES:
Ifca's Castle
NOTES [76 words]: The river "Labe" is the Elbe.
Tobitt's version is listed as arranged by Fjeril Hess and Lillian Jackson, but it isn't really an arrangement -- just the bare melody, with no harmonization or instrumental part. Nor is a translator listed, nor an original text. But it is stated that it is Czech.
"Ifca's Castle" is said to be in Přerov-nad-Labem, Czech Republic. This is a town perhaps fifteen miles east northeast of Prague, and yes, it's by the Elbe. - RBW
Last updated in version 6.3
File: ACSF146P

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