One Track at a Time, Day Two

Ceann Gaelach inniu.

Track 6: Deoraí Thír an Fhia/The Silver Spear

(Offer expired. Visit my website to purchase it, or search for me on Amazon or iTunes.)

The region of Conamara known as Ceantar na nOileán has produced a great many songs about emigration, from songs in the sean-nós tradition like Amhrán na Trá Báine, to English language ballads, to the "modern" music of Conamara, the ceol tíre of John Beag and those who have come after him. This song, from the perspective of a local man who left for London long ago, is part of that newest tradition. You can read the lyrics, my translation, and the CD liner notes on my website. The last verse is my favorite --

My curse on pubs and clubs and women.

They emptied my pockets and turned my head grey,

From Camden Town to Hammersmith and all around Edgeware Road,

They have left me sitting by the walls, with no soles on my shoes.

I lilt the Silver Spear afterward, for a bit of fun. That is Seán on the fiddle of course, and Martin Bulter on the bodhrán.

Looking forward to our first session at the new Four Green Fields tomorrow!