A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony

Candy corn is probably the most traditional of all Halloween candy ... dating back to the 1880s.  Created by George Renninger in Philadelphia, PA, it was originally mixed and molded by hand.  It was shaped to mimic real kernels of corn, while its tri-color design was revolutionary in 19th century, rural America.  People flocked to buy candy corn, and here we are 130 years later.  Today the Goelitz Confectionery Company is the longest producer of this abiding Halloween treat.

The basic ingredients of candy corn remain the same: sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, marshmallow, honey and food coloring.    And as far as spooky treats go, it's not a bad choice.  A single serving, consisting of 22 pieces, has about 150 calories and 0 grams of fat.  But, it's very sweet, so a little goes a long way.  Just remember to brush you teeth soon after eating.

Moreover, what would Halloween be without a lovely, but haunting little ditty?  Down In The Willow Garden is a traditional Appalachian murder ballad.  Historians believe the song comes from various Irish folk songs. Sometimes called Rose Connolly, a version of the song was noted as early as 1811 by the Irish folk music collector, Edward Bunting.  

The rendition featured here is by the Everly Brothers from their gorgeous 1958 album. Every song on that album is a gem.  It's time for the Kennedy Center Honors to recognize the Everly Brothers, while they are still alive and well.  The duo was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, as well as, received coveted awards for their songwriting talents.  They also have a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on Hollywood Boulevard.  Hello.  Swe-et Car-o-line, it's high time!  An eerie ballad in ¾ time ... click the arrow to listen and follow along with the lyrics, if you wish: 

Lyrics

Down in the Willow garden

Where me and my love did meet

As we sat a-courtin'

My love fell off to sleep

I had a bottle of Burgundy wine

My love she did not know

So I poisoned that dear little girl

On the banks below

I drew a sabre through her

It was a bloody knife

I threw her in the river

Which was a dreadful sign

My father often told me

That money would set me free

If I would murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connolly

My father sits at his cabin door

Wiping his tear-dimmed eyes

For his only son soon shall walk

To yonder scaffold high

My race is run, beneath the sun

The scaffold now waits for me

For I did murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connelly 

Enjoy a safe, frightening and Happy Halloween!

You may also enjoy:
Ready For Halloween? - gives the history of Halloween
Halloween Tricks And Treats
All About Apples
My Love Letter To Queen