A Haunting Echo of Tradition: Peter, Paul and Mary’s “A Soalin’”
Peter, Paul and Mary, the iconic folk trio that defined a generation with their heartfelt harmonies and poignant storytelling, captured a unique blend of history and spirituality in their rendition of “A Soalin’.” Featured on their 1963 album Moving, the song intertwines English folk tradition with contemporary poignancy, creating a musical tapestry that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.
“A Soalin’” is a song rooted in tradition, drawing from the centuries-old practice of “souling.” This medieval custom saw the poor visit homes during Allhallowtide (the precursor to Halloween), singing and offering prayers for the dead in exchange for small cakes or food. The lyrics of the song echo this tradition, with the refrain “Soal, a soal, a soal cake / Please, good missus, a soul cake” inviting listeners into a historical moment where charity, spirituality, and community intertwined.
What sets Peter, Paul and Mary’s version apart is how they weave this tradition into a medley of folk elements. The song begins with an evocative vocal invocation, almost hymn-like in its simplicity, before transitioning into a lively, syncopated rhythm that brings the past to life. Mary Travers’ resonant voice, coupled with Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey’s harmonies, gives the song both gravity and warmth. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a sonic unity that feels like an embrace of humanity’s shared heritage.
At its heart, “A Soalin’” is more than a historical reenactment; it is a meditation on community and remembrance. While the song celebrates an old tradition, it also resonates with contemporary themes of gratitude and connection. The act of giving and receiving—a soul cake in exchange for prayers—becomes a metaphor for the mutual dependence and compassion that sustain societies.
Musically, the song is a showcase of the trio’s extraordinary ability to bring depth and nuance to even the simplest arrangements. The fingerpicked guitar accompaniment, characteristic of their style, is both intricate and understated, allowing the vocals to take center stage. The melody moves fluidly between solemnity and playfulness, capturing the multifaceted nature of the tradition it honors.
Though “A Soalin’” is not as commercially celebrated as some of Peter, Paul and Mary’s other works, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” or “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” it holds a special place in their repertoire. Its historical richness and spiritual undertones make it a profound listening experience, particularly for those drawn to the intersection of music and cultural memory.
For audiences discovering the song today, “A Soalin’” offers a poignant reminder of the power of folk music to preserve and reinterpret tradition. It calls us to reflect on the cycles of giving and remembrance in our own lives and invites us to connect with the echoes of history that resonate in the present.
In its quiet, haunting beauty, “A Soalin’” stands as a testament to Peter, Paul and Mary’s artistry and their unwavering commitment to bringing stories of substance to their audience. It is a song that lingers, much like the voices of those who once went souling, carrying with it the spirit of remembrance and the unbroken thread of humanity.