Ayreheart feat. Sarah Pillow “Pastime with Good Company” by King Henry

“Pastime with Good Company” by King Henry VIII (1491-1547) performed by Ronn McFarlane & Ayreheart with Sarah Pillow - guest vocalist Ayreheart: Ronn McFarlane - lute Will Morris - colascione Mattias Rucht - percussion This is an English folk song attributed to “The Kynge .” Henry was held in high esteem as a composer and musician, and this became a popular song in England. The early years of Henry VIII’s reign exhibited a distinct spirit of exuberance and overindulgences in the English court. The song, penned during this period, reflects general praise to all these entertainments and diversions, depicting a general state of mind of leisure and unconcern that prevailed in court at the time. The text simultaneously provides a moral justification for all this merriment: company is preferable to idleness, for the latter breeds vice. It was probably written for Catherine of Aragon. ~Michael Spencer Song Text: Pastime with good company I love and shall until I