Missed this one at Whittlebury, probably not in the barn at the time !

Interesting how certain stories inspire songs and sentiments and this is one of those - Julia's challange in the early 1990's did actually prompt more than one song re the "Coins in the Bar" and follows is the text of my offering of the time. A recording of it can be found on

Fellside FECD99: HEATHER INNES - COAINEADH - SONGS FROM THE HEART -1994.

I haven't sung it out for a quite a while now - perhaps I'll bring it out mothballs now I've been reminded of it !!

Cheers

Andy

TWENTY-FOUR COINS

Andy Barnes ( C. Friendly Overtures )

In a village in a bar, coins are set above the fire
Mementos of a bloody war that happened long ago
But up there they still remain glinting in that golden flame
To remind us all it happened again, another bloody war

Set in place by those who cared for men by Kitcheners posters snared
We need you, though unprepared, to fight a bloody war
But out there they still remain, corpses in that rough terrain
And loved ones cried out in vain, they're never coming home

Though some came home, as they returned, the coins bought drinks and the log fire burned
Heroes all with nothing learned, a score or more remained
A score of florins and a farthing too, a score of men though it seems few
It caused those left behind to rue and curse that bloody war

Faded now through mists of time names may be lost but the coins still shine
Through a haze of soot and grime that's gathered o'er the years
Through years of peace and years of war the coins cry out, no more, no more
What the hell was it all for, that cursed bloody war

In a village in a bar coins are set above the fire
Mementos of a bloody war that happened long ago
But up there they still remain, glinting in that golden flame
To warn us it might happen again, the FINAL bloody war.

Ends