"I want to marry Saffron!
I want to be her man.
One of those she's hitched
and then left ditched.
We are a mighty clan!
I want to marry Saffron!
I want her for my bride.
Even though my tale
will end in jail
You know it's worth the ride!
You know it's worth the ride."
OK, you could do better. And you really, really should.
It's dawned on me that although fans have written beautiful, funny, emotional songs about Mal, and the crew, and the ship, and the 'verse, we've never heard any original songs about my favorite character, Saffron. As far as I can tell, there are exactly two: Saffron's wedding song from the soundtrack (later covered by The Bedlam Bards on their "On the Drift" CD) and "Saffron," a filk to the tune of Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" by the immortal Lux Lucre.
That's it? I can't understand this. YoSaffBridge is definitely someone who would inspire songs. Cautionary ones, at least. We've seen stories, poems, even limericks, but where are the ballads about this beautiful, deceitful redhead?
Well, they're here. During June, anyway. I'm announcing "Sing a Song of Saffron," a month-long contest for great prizes, to be judged by me, The Bedlam Bards, and Saffron herself, Christina Hendricks! Check below for details.
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| ORIGINAL SONGS Write and record your best Saffron-related song and send it in! Must be original to you, and submitted as an unencrypted MP3. Doesn't have to be studio or even concert quality, just do your best. You can also submit written lyrics and music, but what fun is that? All songs will be posted online as they're received, The winner will get:
A custom-made Barbie Saffron doll, crafted by my wife Teresa. She doesn't make these to sell, so you won't get one any other way (the pic is of my own Saffron doll, yours will be slightly different). The "Firefly" soundtrack, signed by Greg Edmonson The "Firefly" score sheet music A copy of "Out in the Black," the Serenity RPG game featuring a familiar redhead.
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FILKS Give me your best shot and your funniest filk. Or your saddest one, for that matter. ("Filks" are songs written with new lyrics to existing songs) If your filk uses a copyrighted tune, please submit only the lyrics. The winner will receive:
A print of the Saffron portrait by Jason Palmer, created for the cover of the FX 2007 program.
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There will also be a Browncoats' Choice Award, given to whomever wins the popular poll held after the contest closes. That person/group will get a "YoSaffBridge Husband's Club" tee from BlackMarketBeagles.com and an autographed photo of Christina Hendricks.
And everyone who enters will receive a free pack of five marriage licenses from around the 'verse, with the bride's part helpfully filled in for you. You never know when you'll be in a marryin' mood!
About the judges
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Christina Hendricks is a beautiful young actress who began her career as the opportunistic, career climbing intern on Showtime's "Beggars and Choosers" before moving on to numerous appearances on "The Big Time," "ER," and "The Court," "Kevin Hill," "Without a Trace," "Cold Case," and as Saffron on "Firefly" for which we love her so. This spring she will start production as one of the leads in the new series "Mad Men." |
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The Bedlam Bards are Cedric and Hawke, who roam the country playing their songs and brightening the hearts of young and old. Along with beautiful Celtic and Irish pieces and some roguish tunes of their own, they're also known for their Browncoat anthem "The Ballad of Joss" and their later Firefly-inspired CD, "On the Drift." |
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And then there's me. |
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Many thanks to the Sing a Song of Saffron sponsors and good sports:
Christina Hendricks
Greg Edmonson
The Bedlam Bards
Margaret Weis Productions
Things from Another World
Black Market Beagles
If you have a YoSaffBridge-related item to add to the prize stash, let me know! I'm hoping to keep building it up all month!