Judy,

Here are the lyrics to "Hard to Say Goodbye" (my title for the song Celtaddict calls No Consolation). When I get around to doing another CD of my own stuff (next year, maybe?), I'll include this.

HARD TO SAY GOODBYE (tune based on "Leave Her, Johnny")
by Jerry Bryant
Copyright 1996

Oh the hour was late and the moon was high yet still we did not depart,
For the glow of pleasant company warmed each and every heart.
"Just one more song," said someone, as the landlord doused the light,
So we sent a final chorus ringing out into the night.

Chorus
It is no consolation to know that time must fly;
It's still very hard, when the hour comes, to have to say goodbye.

"Why must you go?" the young wife says, and tears are in her eyes.
"To build a better life for us," he tenderly replies.
Together they have talked of this for many a long day,
And still she cries when he, at last, is finally on his way.

Chorus

Two brothers stood upon the dock not knowing what to say,
For one was going to board a ship while the other one would stay.
One had made the choice to travel out into the world alone,
While the other one chose family, security and home.

Chorus

When the news arrived from far away that our old friend was gone,
We did not call it tragedy to hear he'd traveled on.
For his life had been a long one, with friends and pleasure filled;
Yet still a stone was in our hearts to think his voice was stilled.

Chorus


Written for Stan Hugill's memorial service at the 1992 Mystic Sea Music Festival.

Jerry