Christy
Temporarily am here in the centre of Aberdeen and whilst, like all cities, inequality, deprivation, despair,closing down sales ….are on show, however…
there is a street singer who greets the day outside the Bon Accord centre every morning with his guitar bringing a smile to the passing faces.
Round the corner there is the statue to Dennis Law, hand raised in his old celebration, the man knew where the goal was and has been rightly acclaimed by his fellow northerners.
Behind him sits Robert the Bruce King of Scots ,astride his trusty steed, on a grand statue, proclaiming he and his reign. Rightly he is sitting outside a fine granite building looking down on the descendants of subjects he saved.
At the other end of a wide street William Wallace, a man of equal fame to The Bruce, stands famously in warrior pose higher than the rest with wise and noble words on a plinth below.
Aberdeen is a good city, despite the seagulls, and it is clearly the place for statues and hopefully the street singer is collecting on my way past tonight with a tune to tap the feet to.
rory of the north-east
Christy's reply
first time I played Aberdeen….an outstanding memory….4 listeners….went home with them at closing time….great club
we recieved the final product yesterday …. took it out of the wrapper…felt the vinyl in our hands…turned the pages of the booklet….absorbed it all….then placed it on the shelf beside its predecessors…..job done…..fair play to all concerned…….
………now lets get singin them
1st November has been circled on the calendar for awhile…
Another reason now,having heard a fascinating radio piece about ‘Small things like these’ for cinema release on the same date as ‘Terrible Beauty’ hits the turntables…
The background to the film will be familiar to many here ,if only via your great version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Magdalene Laundries’…a strong cast and more class work from Cillian Murphy.
So 1/11 is set to be a cracking day…Friday on my mind
Dave
Christy's reply
heading up the country today..
to play one of my fave gigs
its slap dash on the border
the dressing room ‘s in the uk
…………..but the stage is in Éire
Dear Christy, I would like to thank you so much for the beautiful evening of September 26th in Bundoran. Thank you for dedicating a greeting to us as you did a few years ago in Carrick on Shannon, we are Michela and Enrico the Italian couple in love with Ireland. Listening to your voice and your music is always a great emotion, unfortunately we do not speak English well and when everyone laughs or applauds at your words we often do not understand well, but it does not matter we know your songs well! I hate taking the plane but for Ireland and Christy Moore it is worth it! Will you never come to play in Italy??
I wish you the best, see you soon!!!
Christy's reply
Dear Michela and Enrico
Glad you enjoyed Bundoran…always a good gig ….I doubt if I will make it back to Italy…you write English perfectly..Thanks for feedback….
Morra Christy, landed today, thank you! It’s a beautiful piece. Really looking forward to lifting the needle onto track one side one Friday week! “When you’re flying low, mind how you go” Thanks again, much appreciated!
Sorry, yes I guess I am asking about the lowest note in your register. Useable is different to what happens when we’re practising though? I can get much lower humming than singing?
I’m not surprised David is asking for more low notes. He loves sound.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
no more “sorrys” Rebecca…. unnecessary….thanks for feedback
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. Life, it’s just one thing after another.
Not sure who said it buy I like it…
I’m sorry, my post had enough autocorrects and typos to sink it. I’ll try to type it right,
Basso profundo.
It was a note you played with between songs. Right down in the depths of the earth. It was beautiful.
I’ll try to find that interview, the workings of the voice… lovely đź’š
I sing along to the two conneeleys pretty regularly so I worked out what that low note is. It’s an e flat. Couldn’t get down to the depths till I started singing with you. It’s damn low and lovely. Sorry, I don’t know about the gortatagort one. Deep song full of jewels.
A while ago you mentioned that, during making an album, you’d taken a live recording and stripping away some of the layers. Kind of the opposite to what often happens.
I’m wondering if the the song you’re talking about is Ride On, on the On the Road album. Listening yesterday, the layers felt so poised and stripped back, it made me think of what you said. Worth a punt anyway…
Rebecca
Christy's reply
There is an instrumental track on the new album called “The Rock” it was recorded at a Soundcheck in Vicar St….a tune from Cathal Hayden he plays it beautifully on Banjo…..originally there were four players on the track…I halved the duration and dropped two “layers”..then brought in another player towards the end…I love the track Cathal is a master
Hello Christy, yesterday I joined the march for Palestine and Lebanon in Brussel. There were a lot of people and when we passed in front of the American embassy and we shouted loudly i lost some of my frustrations. My return home, after the end of the manifestation, was a bit hylaric. I was on my own and I don’t know Brussel well. It was my first time in the Brussels metro to take me to the trainstation (shame on me). I finally got home, exhausted (my knees are in bad condition) but what does it mean compared to what the people, I did it for, have to suffer.
Christy, I’m really looking forward to your new cd. It won’t be long now! I sent you lots of love.
Christy's reply
let us all do whatever we can on any given day …well done Moeke
Today’s Guardian has an excellent interview with Barbara Dane. Conducted last week as the 97 yo artist battled terminal illness. She died a few days ago – her final interview/ epitaph is a terrific read.
Her spirit and activism shone to the end. Looking back on the Greenwich Village era,she describes Dylan as an ‘endearing young scallywag’…such a great definition!
Hi C I remember that Iarla interview, I think it was on the radio, part of a series. I went to look for it and found this gem instead, what a great version of Tiles & Slabs from the Folktale Album https://youtu.be/5y1S5mMSKeU?si=ECLbcWRaEIbGGj8r I was on my way home from New York in May 1994 when we got off the plane that tragic story was all over the media we could not believe it. Such loss of life and the horrific back story of Brendan O Donnell. Ireland had just won the Eurovision with Rock and Roll Kids in The Point and the country seemed to be on a high and then all those people died so tragically. It’s such an empathetic treatment of the events, well done to you and Nigel Rolfe. You have certainly chronicled major events in the country from tragic to comedic from sporting to politics. It’s only 12 days to a Terrible Beauty !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Hey H…I sometimes marvel at how versions of these songs re-emerge….I’d completely forgotten this session with Donal & Steve…..
Lat us remember Imelda Riney, her 3year old Liam and Joe Walsh who sought to save them from their ordeal in the Woods of East Clare.
I hope, Christy, you didn’t mind anything in what I said. Good intentions…
We’ve just got on the stena, it’s a beautiful clear day here. No sign of Ashley, so I hope it will be calm on the sea.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I appreciated your comments and insights into voice on your previous post..I’d meant to reply but life itself intervened …thank you for your observations and remarks…its very seldom that the workings of a voice are considered….did a good interview some years back with Iarla Ă“ Leonaird…we talked at lentgth about the practice of singing..how a voice functions, needs minding and proper use….I did not realise I was playing with a Basso profundity note….whatever it was I hope I keep doing it ?? are you asking about the lowest note in by register ?….David has been encoraging meto hit low notes…he likes getting them in his mix….I must check how low I go in performance…. Two Conneeleys and Gortatagort both take me right down towards the Base end
Unfortunately I could t join you for Castlebar in my wonderful beloved West.
But when I ve read your comments now exspecially from Rebeccah could you please perhaps share the clip with us? …. calling the bodhran an animal… wow…It went under my skin… only you and the bodhran really has a very, very special feeling … I remember, when smoke and strong Whisky was released I used to listen to „green Island“ on and on and on .
So I digged up „tippin it up to nancy“
Unfortunately I m unable to post the link here… you ll have to search a bit for it… but it s really great ….
and I love it …. and…. I think it s also kind of a bodhran song „burning times“ which is so touching as well.
So keep on playing with this wild animal and merging with it which is so fascinating. Thanks so much for this another very special thing…..
Still to us, the earth is a healer, a teacher, and a mother.
A weaver of a web of light, that keeps us all alive….
herbs to heal our bodies, you give us songs to make our spirits whole.
Ride on
Ursula
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Christy. Dad would have loved to have read that about his song!
As it happens I have played opening slots for Johnny Boy Spillane a few times – he actually helped me with some sage advice and guidance when I was writing another song years and years ago – a true poet. When he heard this song he actually encouraged me to send it to you, as did the late great Wally Page – I did a guest slot at one of his Annesley House gigs way back too, and he was really supportive of the song when he got to hear it a few years ago – such a huge loss.
Thanks so much a chara – sure you never know, we might bump into each other one day down in Gougane and pop in for tea and a scone in the Hotel!
Christy's reply
then a ramble round the lake to greet the pair of swans…those eternal love birds
Morning Christy/all
Yes…well done,Jim…a great tribute to your father and a special place…
I mentioned Nick Drake’s,’Pink Moon’ here and realised I hadn’t played it in awhile. I put that right yesterday,culminating in a late night headphones fest…
Brilliantly recorded by John Wood,it’s such a gem.Intricate guitar,perfectly in synch with Nick’s distinctive voice.
I hope some here will enjoy Nick Drake’s music (if not already converted)Three superb LPs in an all too short life.RIP
What a beautiful song and tribute to your dad, Jim. I am especially taken by the imageries you convey, I hope I get to visit this magical place one day. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt homage with us.
Christy's reply
you have a treat in store when you set eyes upon Gougane Barra…if possible, choose a quiet day,it can get very crowded betimes
well done Jim,
I know not a great amount about the capital of the rebel, a few visits, a couple to a tent by the Lee, a long weekend, a cuppa with a friend, travel through many times , a great friend there, sundays well rebels, young offenders ….. but what i do know is that it is a fiercely proud and wonderful place full of fiercely wonderful and proud people.
Your lyrics for your dad does it all justice, and no doubt him.
It made me feel of john spillane’s songs, he is a magnificent artist,…. rule britannia rule in hell, who are these men who have haunted my childhood, bozo the dog running alongside us, by the river they lived and they died…. but the one that made me think of your song was …… i have dived into the lake in gougane barra and swam with the monster.
all the best
rory
Christy's reply
Like you Rory, I heard echoes of Johnny Boy Spillane in Jim’s beautiful song….
Hi Christy,
I was hoping you’d have a listen to this song. I wrote it a few years ago for my Dad – he loved Gougane Barra, and when he sketched and painted it was, more often than not, the subject, and each piece always included two swans. I’m not the most technical minded when it comes to recording or videos but I threw this video together so I could put it on YouTube and send the link to you. Below are the lyrics, I’d be honoured if you had a listen. Here’s the link to the YouTube video https://youtu.be/SNV8DKeNw5g
Thanks for the music and the stories, hope to see you in Vicar Street in a couple of months.
Kind regards,
Jim.
The Peaceful Valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a child of wonder, the pine and boggy oak trees
Blanket the foothills in an eiderdown of green
A thousand wild fountains weep the tears of angels
To the lake beneath the mountain, the birthplace of the Lee
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a young man, my life laid out before me
The old stone walls and coloured glass dance in the summer sun
Silver ripples on the lake dance up to the water’s edge
Sparkling like a beacon where Finbarr laid his head
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I go there now, the child has gone, October greets the winter
A veil of mystery drifting down like the Tailor’s dancing star
As I draw near I feel the ghosts of childhood days calling me
Like a magnet I am drawn to the wellspring of my soul
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
Christy's reply
Morra Jim,……this is beautiful….thank you for sharing…..it all blends beautifully, your Dad, Gougane, the lyric,melody, singing and accompaniment carried me back to that place where I love to be……
I’ve had but fleeting glances at Gougane Barra, that glorious scene etched deeply….
your mention of “The Tailor” brings me back to an amazing Production of “The Tailor and Ansty” that was staged in a marquee behind the Hotel about 20 years ago….Ronan Wilmot and Nuala Hayes played the legendary couple beautifully…it was a magic night…..they held our gaze, jusl like those two Island swans upon your Father’s canvas….
I’ll be listening again……and again
Christy
Temporarily am here in the centre of Aberdeen and whilst, like all cities, inequality, deprivation, despair,closing down sales ….are on show, however…
there is a street singer who greets the day outside the Bon Accord centre every morning with his guitar bringing a smile to the passing faces.
Round the corner there is the statue to Dennis Law, hand raised in his old celebration, the man knew where the goal was and has been rightly acclaimed by his fellow northerners.
Behind him sits Robert the Bruce King of Scots ,astride his trusty steed, on a grand statue, proclaiming he and his reign. Rightly he is sitting outside a fine granite building looking down on the descendants of subjects he saved.
At the other end of a wide street William Wallace, a man of equal fame to The Bruce, stands famously in warrior pose higher than the rest with wise and noble words on a plinth below.
Aberdeen is a good city, despite the seagulls, and it is clearly the place for statues and hopefully the street singer is collecting on my way past tonight with a tune to tap the feet to.
rory of the north-east
first time I played Aberdeen….an outstanding memory….4 listeners….went home with them at closing time….great club
Congrats Christy on the great review in IT today https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2024/10/24/christy-moore-a-terrible-beauty-review-hits-the-bulls-eye-again-and-again/ Tony C L could have given you a 5 !! But hitting the bulls eye is not bad. This may be behind a pay wall! Safe travelling all to Carrickdale.Beir bua agus beannacht. H
we recieved the final product yesterday …. took it out of the wrapper…felt the vinyl in our hands…turned the pages of the booklet….absorbed it all….then placed it on the shelf beside its predecessors…..job done…..fair play to all concerned…….
………now lets get singin them
Hi Christy
1st November has been circled on the calendar for awhile…
Another reason now,having heard a fascinating radio piece about ‘Small things like these’ for cinema release on the same date as ‘Terrible Beauty’ hits the turntables…
The background to the film will be familiar to many here ,if only via your great version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Magdalene Laundries’…a strong cast and more class work from Cillian Murphy.
So 1/11 is set to be a cracking day…Friday on my mind
Dave
heading up the country today..
to play one of my fave gigs
its slap dash on the border
the dressing room ‘s in the uk
…………..but the stage is in Éire
Christy, today i relaxed into a corner we rarely go.
3 beautiful songs.
Rarely played, even more rarely are performed.
A tonic. Cheers
Rory
I often find myself
loungin in the dark corner
list’nin to some old buddy croon
Dear Christy, I would like to thank you so much for the beautiful evening of September 26th in Bundoran. Thank you for dedicating a greeting to us as you did a few years ago in Carrick on Shannon, we are Michela and Enrico the Italian couple in love with Ireland. Listening to your voice and your music is always a great emotion, unfortunately we do not speak English well and when everyone laughs or applauds at your words we often do not understand well, but it does not matter we know your songs well! I hate taking the plane but for Ireland and Christy Moore it is worth it! Will you never come to play in Italy??
I wish you the best, see you soon!!!
Dear Michela and Enrico
Glad you enjoyed Bundoran…always a good gig ….I doubt if I will make it back to Italy…you write English perfectly..Thanks for feedback….
Hi Christy
A few weeks ago,you mentioned calligraphy and a typewriter used for the Irish/Celtic style alphabet.
I’ve just come across the work of Tim O’Neill…beautiful examples of his skills at
http://www.timothyoneill.ie
He’s a very skilled craftsman and may know of a typewriter that meets your requirements ?
All the best
Dave
I love the old Irish letters and font we grew up with….it has all but disappeared….shite and onions
Morra Christy, landed today, thank you! It’s a beautiful piece. Really looking forward to lifting the needle onto track one side one Friday week! “When you’re flying low, mind how you go” Thanks again, much appreciated!
happy spinning Gipp
Sorry, yes I guess I am asking about the lowest note in your register. Useable is different to what happens when we’re practising though? I can get much lower humming than singing?
I’m not surprised David is asking for more low notes. He loves sound.
Rebecca
no more “sorrys” Rebecca…. unnecessary….thanks for feedback
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. Life, it’s just one thing after another.
Not sure who said it buy I like it…
I’m sorry, my post had enough autocorrects and typos to sink it. I’ll try to type it right,
Basso profundo.
It was a note you played with between songs. Right down in the depths of the earth. It was beautiful.
I’ll try to find that interview, the workings of the voice… lovely đź’š
I sing along to the two conneeleys pretty regularly so I worked out what that low note is. It’s an e flat. Couldn’t get down to the depths till I started singing with you. It’s damn low and lovely. Sorry, I don’t know about the gortatagort one. Deep song full of jewels.
A while ago you mentioned that, during making an album, you’d taken a live recording and stripping away some of the layers. Kind of the opposite to what often happens.
I’m wondering if the the song you’re talking about is Ride On, on the On the Road album. Listening yesterday, the layers felt so poised and stripped back, it made me think of what you said. Worth a punt anyway…
Rebecca
There is an instrumental track on the new album called “The Rock” it was recorded at a Soundcheck in Vicar St….a tune from Cathal Hayden he plays it beautifully on Banjo…..originally there were four players on the track…I halved the duration and dropped two “layers”..then brought in another player towards the end…I love the track Cathal is a master
Ive just read that interview Dagrab. I got to confess I was not aware of her at all. A very interesting person.
Hello Christy, yesterday I joined the march for Palestine and Lebanon in Brussel. There were a lot of people and when we passed in front of the American embassy and we shouted loudly i lost some of my frustrations. My return home, after the end of the manifestation, was a bit hylaric. I was on my own and I don’t know Brussel well. It was my first time in the Brussels metro to take me to the trainstation (shame on me). I finally got home, exhausted (my knees are in bad condition) but what does it mean compared to what the people, I did it for, have to suffer.
Christy, I’m really looking forward to your new cd. It won’t be long now! I sent you lots of love.
let us all do whatever we can on any given day …well done Moeke
Hi Christy
Today’s Guardian has an excellent interview with Barbara Dane. Conducted last week as the 97 yo artist battled terminal illness. She died a few days ago – her final interview/ epitaph is a terrific read.
Her spirit and activism shone to the end. Looking back on the Greenwich Village era,she describes Dylan as an ‘endearing young scallywag’…such a great definition!
Another great has left the stage….
Dave
on to a higher plain
Hi C I remember that Iarla interview, I think it was on the radio, part of a series. I went to look for it and found this gem instead, what a great version of Tiles & Slabs from the Folktale Album https://youtu.be/5y1S5mMSKeU?si=ECLbcWRaEIbGGj8r I was on my way home from New York in May 1994 when we got off the plane that tragic story was all over the media we could not believe it. Such loss of life and the horrific back story of Brendan O Donnell. Ireland had just won the Eurovision with Rock and Roll Kids in The Point and the country seemed to be on a high and then all those people died so tragically. It’s such an empathetic treatment of the events, well done to you and Nigel Rolfe. You have certainly chronicled major events in the country from tragic to comedic from sporting to politics. It’s only 12 days to a Terrible Beauty !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Hey H…I sometimes marvel at how versions of these songs re-emerge….I’d completely forgotten this session with Donal & Steve…..
Lat us remember Imelda Riney, her 3year old Liam and Joe Walsh who sought to save them from their ordeal in the Woods of East Clare.
Hello Christy,
Um no probs…happy to post the link.
Here it is , full of all good things…
https://youtu.be/DPfUdQe8aNQ?si=elBvu-KQrGAuMq1B
I hope, Christy, you didn’t mind anything in what I said. Good intentions…
We’ve just got on the stena, it’s a beautiful clear day here. No sign of Ashley, so I hope it will be calm on the sea.
Rebecca
I appreciated your comments and insights into voice on your previous post..I’d meant to reply but life itself intervened …thank you for your observations and remarks…its very seldom that the workings of a voice are considered….did a good interview some years back with Iarla Ă“ Leonaird…we talked at lentgth about the practice of singing..how a voice functions, needs minding and proper use….I did not realise I was playing with a Basso profundity note….whatever it was I hope I keep doing it ?? are you asking about the lowest note in by register ?….David has been encoraging meto hit low notes…he likes getting them in his mix….I must check how low I go in performance…. Two Conneeleys and Gortatagort both take me right down towards the Base end
Unfortunately I could t join you for Castlebar in my wonderful beloved West.
But when I ve read your comments now exspecially from Rebeccah could you please perhaps share the clip with us? …. calling the bodhran an animal… wow…It went under my skin… only you and the bodhran really has a very, very special feeling … I remember, when smoke and strong Whisky was released I used to listen to „green Island“ on and on and on .
So I digged up „tippin it up to nancy“
Unfortunately I m unable to post the link here… you ll have to search a bit for it… but it s really great ….
and I love it …. and…. I think it s also kind of a bodhran song „burning times“ which is so touching as well.
So keep on playing with this wild animal and merging with it which is so fascinating. Thanks so much for this another very special thing…..
Still to us, the earth is a healer, a teacher, and a mother.
A weaver of a web of light, that keeps us all alive….
herbs to heal our bodies, you give us songs to make our spirits whole.
Ride on
Ursula
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Christy. Dad would have loved to have read that about his song!
As it happens I have played opening slots for Johnny Boy Spillane a few times – he actually helped me with some sage advice and guidance when I was writing another song years and years ago – a true poet. When he heard this song he actually encouraged me to send it to you, as did the late great Wally Page – I did a guest slot at one of his Annesley House gigs way back too, and he was really supportive of the song when he got to hear it a few years ago – such a huge loss.
Thanks so much a chara – sure you never know, we might bump into each other one day down in Gougane and pop in for tea and a scone in the Hotel!
then a ramble round the lake to greet the pair of swans…those eternal love birds
Morning Christy/all
Yes…well done,Jim…a great tribute to your father and a special place…
I mentioned Nick Drake’s,’Pink Moon’ here and realised I hadn’t played it in awhile. I put that right yesterday,culminating in a late night headphones fest…
Brilliantly recorded by John Wood,it’s such a gem.Intricate guitar,perfectly in synch with Nick’s distinctive voice.
I hope some here will enjoy Nick Drake’s music (if not already converted)Three superb LPs in an all too short life.RIP
Dave
such comfort to be found in those deep grooves
What a beautiful song and tribute to your dad, Jim. I am especially taken by the imageries you convey, I hope I get to visit this magical place one day. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt homage with us.
you have a treat in store when you set eyes upon Gougane Barra…if possible, choose a quiet day,it can get very crowded betimes
well done Jim,
I know not a great amount about the capital of the rebel, a few visits, a couple to a tent by the Lee, a long weekend, a cuppa with a friend, travel through many times , a great friend there, sundays well rebels, young offenders ….. but what i do know is that it is a fiercely proud and wonderful place full of fiercely wonderful and proud people.
Your lyrics for your dad does it all justice, and no doubt him.
It made me feel of john spillane’s songs, he is a magnificent artist,…. rule britannia rule in hell, who are these men who have haunted my childhood, bozo the dog running alongside us, by the river they lived and they died…. but the one that made me think of your song was …… i have dived into the lake in gougane barra and swam with the monster.
all the best
rory
Like you Rory, I heard echoes of Johnny Boy Spillane in Jim’s beautiful song….
Hi Christy,
I was hoping you’d have a listen to this song. I wrote it a few years ago for my Dad – he loved Gougane Barra, and when he sketched and painted it was, more often than not, the subject, and each piece always included two swans. I’m not the most technical minded when it comes to recording or videos but I threw this video together so I could put it on YouTube and send the link to you. Below are the lyrics, I’d be honoured if you had a listen. Here’s the link to the YouTube video
https://youtu.be/SNV8DKeNw5g
Thanks for the music and the stories, hope to see you in Vicar Street in a couple of months.
Kind regards,
Jim.
The Peaceful Valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a child of wonder, the pine and boggy oak trees
Blanket the foothills in an eiderdown of green
A thousand wild fountains weep the tears of angels
To the lake beneath the mountain, the birthplace of the Lee
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a young man, my life laid out before me
The old stone walls and coloured glass dance in the summer sun
Silver ripples on the lake dance up to the water’s edge
Sparkling like a beacon where Finbarr laid his head
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I go there now, the child has gone, October greets the winter
A veil of mystery drifting down like the Tailor’s dancing star
As I draw near I feel the ghosts of childhood days calling me
Like a magnet I am drawn to the wellspring of my soul
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
Morra Jim,……this is beautiful….thank you for sharing…..it all blends beautifully, your Dad, Gougane, the lyric,melody, singing and accompaniment carried me back to that place where I love to be……
I’ve had but fleeting glances at Gougane Barra, that glorious scene etched deeply….
your mention of “The Tailor” brings me back to an amazing Production of “The Tailor and Ansty” that was staged in a marquee behind the Hotel about 20 years ago….Ronan Wilmot and Nuala Hayes played the legendary couple beautifully…it was a magic night…..they held our gaze, jusl like those two Island swans upon your Father’s canvas….
I’ll be listening again……and again