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Penned by John Jardine in 1825 is one of our oldest folk songs. Sandy Ives recorded a version and I borrowed from his melody for this version. The fire in 1825 was the largest fire in recorded history and burned homes in Fredericton some 165 km away from Newcastle. Some old timers tell me it started in Juniper, one of my favourite fishing locations

lyrics

This is the truth what I now tell you
part of which my eyes did see What did happen to the people
On the banks of Miramichi;
On the seventh evening of October Eighteen hundred and twenty-five
Two Hundred people died by fire It Scorched those that did survive.
Some said it was because the people’s sins did raise like mountains high;
they did ascend up to Jehovah He would not see and justify.
In order to destroy their lumber And the country to distress
He sent the fire in a whirlwind from the howling wilderness.
‘Twas on the nor'west was discovered Twenty-two men there then did die,
Then it passed o’er the meadows To Newcastle it did fly.
While the people were a-sleeping Fire seized upon their town,
Fine and handsome were the buildings they soon tumbled to the ground.
It burned three vessels they were a-building
And two more at anchor lay, Many that had seen the fire
Thought it was the judgment day.
Twelve more men were burnt by fire In the compass of that town,
Twenty-five more on the water In a scow upset and drowned.
A family below Newcastle Were destroyed among the rest,
Father, mother, and three children, One an infant at the breast.
Thirteen families were residing Just out back of Gretna Green,
All of them were burnt by fire, Only one alive was seen.
Then it passed o’er to Black River, Where it did burn sixty more
So it forced its way with fury Till it reached the briny shore.
Forty-two miles by one hundred This great fire did extend;
All was done within eight hours Not exceeding over ten.


I heard the sighs, the cries and groaning Saw the falling of the tears,
By me this will not be forgotten Should I live a hundred years.
Sisters weeping for their brothers, Father crying for his son,
And with bitter, heartfelt sorrow, Said the mother, "I'm undone!"
It killed the wild beasts of the forests and In the rivers many fish
Such another horrid fire See again I do not

credits

from Depends Upon The Pay Traditional Miramichi and New Brunswick Folk Songs, released July 3, 2020
MIke Bravener - Lead vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jason Flores - Bass
Patrick Gushue - Fiddle
Liam Keith-Jacques - Lead Acoustic Guitar
Rebecca Tinsley- Background Vocals

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Mike Bravener Fredericton, New Brunswick

Mike Bravener began his career as a professional entertainer in 2003. He won many awards as a professional Elvis Tribute Artist. He's well known for rockabilly. Mike has just released an album of Traditional Miramichi and New Brunswick Folk music from the 19th century. This album and tracks are a weekly feature for the summer on CBC's info am shows in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint-John. ... more

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