It is my pleasure to share with you a tribute to Tommy Makem written and performed recently by Jim (Lad) Brannigan. You may listen to it at myspace: Click Here

"The Bard of Armagh"

Come all ye brave comrades who sit at my table
I'll tell you the news now I fear it won't keep
For he who is master of legend and fable
Has closed his poor eyelids forever in sleep.

For the hall stands deserted. The music is over
The chairs neatly folded, the lights dimmed and gone
And all who have known him from Keady to Dover
Their heads bowed in sorrow, their hearts all forlorn.

No more does the lark soar so high in the morning.
No more does the curlew bestow his soft call
The blackbird is hushed and the white dove in mourning
For one who is silent, the best of us all.

And high in the heavens the angels stand ready
Their voices in chorus, the harps all in tune
And light now the heart of one sweet gentle lady
To know that her loved one is coming home soon

So come all lads and lassies who sit at my table
Come rich man come beggar from near and from far
Then raise up your glasses and drink if you're able
To the bold Tommy Makem, The bard of Armagh.


Thanks, Jim. It is beautiful.

kat