The thread about growing up Catholic made me think of one of my favorite songs on the subject. It was written by Mick Hanly and it is a reflection on a boy growing up Catholic. This one is about an Irish kid, but those of you that are roughly my age, that is on the cusp of Vatican II, will get a kick out of it. Some translations: bualadh bas = applause lámh = hand lámh eile = the other hand
ALL I REMEMBER Mick Hanly
I was raised on a rocking horse, sweets and bualadh bas, Fifty wild boys to a room, sing lámh, lámh, eile, the dish ran away with the spoon Black shoes and stockings, for those who say don't, blue is the colour outside God made the world, the snake tempted Eve and she died. Wild Christian Brothers, sharpening their leathers Learn it by heart that's the rule All I remember is dreading September and school
CHORUS: And they made me for better or worse, the fool that I am or the wise man I'll be And they gave me their blessings or curse it wasn't their fault I was me, Not the one that you see.
The priest in confession, condemns my obsession with thoughts that I did not invite I mumble and stutter, he slams down the shutter goodnight (eh, bye now) Stainless as steel, Lord you know how I feel Someone shoot me while my soul it is clear I don't think I'll last, but my vow to abstain was sincere Arch-confraternity men to the fight raise up your banners on high Searching for grace, securing my place when I die
CHORUS
God he kept a very good eye on me Stared form the frame in the night time he frightened me found me in the long grass so often he died on me.
Ballrooms of romance, in Salthill and Mallow, I stood like John Wayne at the wall. Lined up like cattle, we wait to do battle and fall You can't wine and dine her, in an old Morris Minor but ask her before it's too late, I stood on girl's toes, And accepted rejection as my fate. Oh drink was my saviour, it made me much braver but I couldn't hold it too well, I slipped on the porch, It ruined my approach when I fell
CHORUS
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