Central to our order are the degrees through which all Knights must pass. They are a test and and instruction fitting each man for the duties that will be expected of him. They have their origins in the source of knowledge itself and present morals and meaning.
While a mystery that each candidate is bound to keep secret they are often expressed, alluded to and illustrated in art and song. One such song is the Blackman’s Dream. A poem alluding to the travels at the heart of our degrees is set to a haunting air.
One night I thought a vision brought
Me to a spacious plain,
Whereon its centre stood a mount,
Whose top I wished to gain;
Orange, blue and purple, too,
Were given me to wear,
And for to see the mystery
They did me thus prepare.
My guide a pack placed on my back —
With pillars of an arch —
A staff and scrip placed in my hand,
And thus I on did march;
Through desert lands I travelled o’er
And the narrow road I trod,
Till something did obstruct my path
In the form of a toad.
So then I saw what did me awe,
Though wandering in a dream —
A flaming bush, though unconsumed,
Before me did remain;
And as I stood out of the wood,
I heard a heavenly sound,
Which bade me cast my shoes away,
For it was holy ground.
Two men I saw, with weapons keen,
Which did me sore annoy —
Unto a pyramid I ran,
That standing was hard by;
And as I climbed the narrow way,
A hand I there did see,
Which layed the lofty mountains,
In the scale of equity.
Blue, gold, and black about my neck,
This apparition placed —
Into a chariot I was put,
Where we drove off in haste:
Twelve dazzling lights of beauty bright,
Were brought to guide my way,
And as we drove thro’ cypress shades,
One of them did decay.
Near to a mount I saw a fount,
Of living water flow:
I being dry, they did reply,
To drink you there may go;
The mystic cup I then took up,
And drank a health to all,
That were born free and kept their knee
From bowing unto Baal.
The song has been around in one form or another for centuries and is a favourite for Black Parades each year. Here we see a local flute band doing it justice.
The flute band tradition began with the fife and drum companies of various regiments. These regiments often had a strong Orange and Black presence and the military style soon found its way into parades by organisations like the Knights of Malta.
Here is a local reinactment group which commemorate a Williamite Regiment commanded by Sir Henry Ingelsby playing the same tune as it would have been heard in the 1700s – 1800s.
That military marching band format has evolved and today across the UK thousands of men and women are involved in a thriving marching band scene. There play at parades, concerts, festivals and events often two to three times a week. However it is to ‘lead’ Loyal Orders such as the Orange Order that many exist. They have perfected the traditional tunes which began in encampments and lodge rooms and have turned them into popular public entertainment. An example of one such parade is captured in this video by a member of the crowd.
Indeed an song like Blackman’s Dream which is over 220 years old with the tune being perhaps older forms part of the rich musical and popular culture of the United Knigdom today. We have even found one version which has been remixed as a dance version used in niteclubs and festivals and enjoyed by a new generation. Quite what our forebearers would make of it we’re not sure, you can make up your own minds.
For those of you who have been inspired by our musical post and who wish to give it a try we have included a virtual flute lesson, if you are good enough you could be on parade with us one day!
