Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 17 Mar 14 - 01:23 PM

15 years on...Happy St Patrick's Day all!

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 09:55 AM

Daithi and Nick, beautiful songs. and Keith, you are more than welcome, sir.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:56 AM

Thanks EJ.
keith.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Nick
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:45 AM

Surprised that one of my favourite songs isn't here - Troubles of Erin by Vin Garbutt

I went to Ireland (north and south) for the first time last year and enjoyed singing it there

TROUBLES OF ERIN - Vin Garbutt

1. Oh, remember when civil rights marchers
were battered with clubs to the ground,
and the very first squaddie to lay down his body
and part with his soul for the crown

May the troubles of Erin be over
May the bubble of peace be preserved
May the white dove inspire the children of Ireland
Peace is the least they deserve

2 And remember that cold Bloody Sunday,
when troops opened fire on the crowd,
and the people of Derry again had to bury
their loved ones, and pay for the shroud.

3 And the tragedy of Enniskillen,
when a bomb broke the heart of the town,
and that elderly man, who held out his hand,
to the killer who cut his girl down.

4 And the boys in the bar room at Poyntz Pass,
good friends who could see no divide.
A cold heinous crime cut them down in their prime;
their blood was as one where they died.

5 Oh, the prisons are filled with their number,
the angry, the anguished, the shamed;
but the wire must come down in each county and town
for the ghosts of the past to be laid.

6 So let's pray for the day of forgiveness,
when the weeping and wailing will cease,
and may love reconcile all of Erin's green isle,
may the living and dead rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:29 AM

I find this particularly appropriate and moving, too...

NORTH AND SOUTH

I want to reach out over the Loch
And feel your hand across the water
Walk with you along an unapproved road
Not looking over my shoulder

I wanna see, and I wanna hear
To understand your fears
But we're north and south of the river

I've been doing it wrong all of my life
This holy town has turned me over
A young man running from what he didn't understand
While the wind from the Loch just get colder, colder

There was a badness that had its way
But love wasn't lost, love will have its day
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Can we stop playing this old tattoo
Darling I don't have the answer
I wanna meet you where you are
I don't need ya to surrender

'Cause there's no feeling that's so alone
As when the one you're hurting is your own
North and south of the river
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Some high ground is not worth taking
Some connections are not worth making
This old church bell no longer ringing
Some old songs are not worth Singing
North... / Higher ground is not worth taking

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 08:24 PM

12 years and a peace agreement later, here's

The Provo's Song

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 11:38 AM

Of the several threads I have begun on Mudcat through the years, this is still my favorite. More so because what many of us hoped and prayed for just a few years ago is finally coming to pass. It takes strength to fight, but it takes bravery to make peace, and the Irish have shown themselves to be both strong and brave.

Happy St Patrick's Day !

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 03:20 AM

I wish I could hear Mick sing The Provo's Song.
It is one I would happily sing along to.
Well crafted EJ.
keith.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 04:05 PM

This is a music venue, primarily. But we find, now and then, that more serious matters intrude. This thread is certainly one.

Generations of division and enmity, taught by fathers and mothers to sons and daughters in perpetuity, lead inexorably onward to more hatred and more strife, more of each generation doomed to succumb to the same ills that killed and maimed so many of their forebears.

At some point, not at all limited to Ireland, humans must find a way beyond the self-fulfilling prophesy of death and destruction, class or religious hatred or envy, economic or military domination and personal fear and insecurity. All peoples have gifts to bring to the table. They are better shared than hoarded.

The alternative, given the opportunities and tools for destruction now available, is unthinkable. Anyone can easily find a rationale for maintaining hatred. It takes all the more courage to overcome it.
Hopefully, music can be both a messenger and a balm in helping this along.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: breezy
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 02:20 PM

A republican maybe

The word 'United' will certainly be grounds for devisiveness and will not be P C

Its never going to be simple

The world of rugby leads the way

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 02:10 PM

With the constraints of time, I fall back on the old melody of "Galway Bay." My wife's grandfather and brothers all emigrated from County Mayo in the early 1900's. If any were alive today, I'm sure they would wish one day to return to their birthplace and find no more strife or hatred between their Irish brothers and sisters, and a united country much stronger than the one they left.

..................................................................


Oh, some day I will go back again to Ireland,
When the troubles and the wars are put to rest;
When the Green embrace the Orange as Irish family,
And find a common ground that stands the test.

What have all the years of strife produced that's worthy?
Are our children better off for all the noise?
Must we lose a part of every generation?
For pikes and guns and bombs are dangerous toys!

Why not bind the wounds of war and stand together?
A united Ireland serves the people best.
In a world sometimes gone mad there is a lesson,
That seeking peace is God's most worthy quest.

Open minds and open hearts must find the answers,
That will bring Ireland together, once for all.
For a new millenium calls upon the people,
To leave unbid the war pipes' siren call.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: breezy
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 01:37 PM

Yes it is Cara Dillon on Tommy Sands' 'There were Roses'

however there is one omission

No mention has been made as far as I'm aware of Anthony John Clarke's song 'Broken Years'

The first verse begins

'The whole family's sitting watching T V
It's the only thing that makes them feel better
And no one plays the radio, the news is always bad
The kids have been keeping Daddy up all night
Rocking rolling , shouting fighting
Tommorrow is the marching season
We'll meet at the roundabout

chorus

'I want eat at the same table,
Break the same bread
March down the same street,
Hear the same band
Sing the same songs
Say the prayers
Together we can mend the broken tears'

4th [and final] verse

With all the pretty colours on the pavement,
the green and gold ,red , white and blue and all.
And all the little broken shops and houses
with their badly spelt slogans on the wall.
It's no wonder everybody's leaving,
It's no wonder at all at all at all
Three cheers for the broken years

Mo Mowlan was most complimentary about the song

Anthony John C modestly thinks it's nothing special

As a teacher of english - last known whereabouts Liverpool - its great to see him put his literary talents to good use.

I hope he doesnt object to me posting part of his song

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 03:27 PM

I guess that almost went unnoticed

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 12:25 PM

I have looked back over this thread and was surprised to find no reference to The Dubliners singing "The Town I Loved So Well" which for me has a poignance all its own... written when the Irish troubles were still in force... or at least a greater force than now. I used to sing this many years ago.... great song.

The Dubliners.. The Town I Loved so Well

Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Stringsinger
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 12:17 PM

"We're formed by one Deity,
To worship him, let's all agree,"

This may be a clue as to why there are the Troubles.
Worshipping Deities gives rise to sectarianism.

I don't agree that the root is economics.

I don't agree to worshipping any Deity, Catholic or Protestant.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 09:10 AM

Dick Gaughan has notation and a midi for Westlin Winds at THIS PAGE . To my ear, Peace in Erin is sung to a a slight variation - but the fit is just as good.

Regards

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 08:30 AM

Warsaw Ed

The version of Burns Westlin Winds in the DT has a Midi attached. Unfortunately, it sounds very odd to me! Let's see if we can find a better...

Regards

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Big Mick
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 11:52 PM

I don't know how I missed this thread the first time around, but I love it.

I am putting a tune to Provo's Song, with alison's chorus. Ernie, I will sing it at the Getaway.

Wonderful thread,

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 10:56 PM

Best to start a new thread requesting that.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Warsaw Ed
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 10:29 PM

I've searched but can't find in Mudcat or elsewhere the tune for Hugh McWilliams PEACE IN ERIN.   Rattling Guns or whatever. Can someone direct me to the tune? Thanks Ed

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 12:35 PM

Happy St Patrick's Day to all! May Peace Endure.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: bradfordian
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 04:41 PM

Contents of songs referred to in this thread.
Information subject to confirmation


Title,FirstLine / Author / Submitted by

Peace In Erin / Hugh McWilliams / eoin o buadhaigh
Tune: Danny Boy

The Provo's Story / LonesomeEJ / LonesomeEJ
Tune: The Garden Where The Praties Grow (suggested)

Look Ahead Tommy / Jed Marum /Jed Marum

A Bumbling Englishman / Roger Gall / Shambles

White Snow of Springtime / Kevin McGrath / McGrath

Ireland To Me / Roger Gall / Shambles

Only Love / Brendy   / Brendy

Bring The Peace Home / Kara / Kara

Children Of Erin / A H Jessop / Amos
Tune: Foggy Dew

The Island   / Paul Brady / Kara

This Irish Land / Rene Zabil / Rhianan

Listen To Your Heart / Kevin McGrath / McGrath

Zombie /                              / Kara

Peace Is Breaking Out In Ireland/M.Lipscombe/Mike Lipscombe

All The Fighting, Lord / Amergin / Amergin

Last Roar Of The Dinasaur / Roger Gall / Shambles

Go Home Little Girl /   mg   / mg

Parents Are Dying / Merlin / Merlin

Streets Full Of Violence/ Baby Bleus / Baby Bleus

Down On The Border / Roger Gall / Shambles

Come Ulster /   Big Tim   /   Big Tim
Tune: Danny Boy

Johnny, Why Did Ye Do It? /Wrinkles / Wrinkles

Give Up The Guns / Don Thompson / Don T

When Will There Ever Be Peace Once Again
                        /Swave N. Deboner / Swave N. Deboner

Let The Children Sing / Julia Lane / Julia

Also mentioned:
There Were Roses / Tommy Sands / Paul from Hull
Recocilliation    / Ron Kavana   / Shambles
Brave New World   / Dominic Behan / Marie
Anthem For Ireland / Desmond Leslie / Mbo & Declan

Plus my recommendation
The Last House In Our Street / Colum Sands

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 01:28 AM

I believe that Joan Baez, Kathy Matthea and Dolores Keane all recorded "There Were Roses"
KT

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: oldhippie
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 06:12 PM

To "Paul from Hull" - the female singer of "There Were roses" was probably Cara Dillon.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 02:59 PM

On the seventh anniversary of this thread, things look much brighter for Ireland. Thanks to all who have posted such wonderful words and songs here.
Happy St Patrick's Day!

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 06:07 PM

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Amos
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 10:10 PM

THese recent addtions are very fine indeed -- thanks to you all.


A

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 09:50 PM

For those who are interested, the Enniskillen hostel, called "The Bridges" is in the William Jefferson Clinton Peace Center on the site of the 1987 bombing. It was built there as a statement of healing and reconciliation and they hold events and retreats for bringing diverse communities together. I was very moved by the display of children's art that is there.
There is a network oof these hostels called Youth Hostelling for Peace developed by Hostelling International
www.hihostels.com

here's a song I wrote when I was in Irelandafter the Warrington bombing in 1993

Let the Children Sing -copyright Julia Lane Castlebay Music

Let the children sing
Let the children sing
A song that their parents never knew
A song about living
Loving and forgiving
Making all the dreams of the world come true

Let the children play
Let the children play
In the place where their parents fired guns
For the anguish of a nation
Brought down through generations
Can only be healed when the fighting is done

Let the children sleep
Let the children sleep
And grow in the peace of a fruitful land
Where anger and fear
Have all disappeared
With all of the people in God's loving hand

PAX
Julia

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Swave N. Deboner
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 05:06 PM

I just stopped in and saw this thread. For some reason, Richard Thompson's song, "When Will I Ever Be Simple Again?" came to mind, and words just started flowing. I'd like to make this contribution, set to that beautiful melody. Please understand, although I'm not Irish in the absolute sense, I am by blood, so this is an issue that concerns me.

When Will There Ever Be Peace Once Again

There's fighting and strife in the streets of ould Derry,
There's violence, there's bloodshed, there's tears and there's pain.
What does it matter who's Green, or who's Orange?
Oh when will there ever be peace once again?

Too long has this land been divided by hatred,
Yet, asked why it's so, no one can quite explain.
Tis an honour to die for the Cause, yet it's hopeless,
Oh when will there ever be peace once again?

Let bygones be bygones, accept one another.
Put an end to the killing, for it's all done in vain.
Lay down your arms, stop these bold acts of terror.
Oh when will there ever be peace once again?

Hear not the closed-minded words of the skeptic,
He'll tell you that things here will not ever change.
Tis that way of thinking that lets it continue,
Oh when will there ever be peace once again?

Oh, bring back the happier days we remember
Before the Troubles in Ulster began.
Look past your differences, stand all together
Then, maybe then, there'll be peace once again.

When will there ever be peace once again?

SND

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 12:54 PM

GIVE UP THE GUNS



Ch.        Give up the guns lads, for they've had their time,
Think about peace lads, it isn't a crime,
You can't have real freedom until you decide,
To lay all your weapons aside.

1.        If you use a pistol to settle disputes,
Then victory goes to the first man who shoots,
Which means that he comes out on top in the fight,
But it sure doesn't mean that he's right.

2.        It's true, justice sometimes is won by revolt,
As America thrived, at the point of a colt,
What's democracy worth, that can only be won,
If every man carries a gun?

Ch.        ………………………………………………………………………

3.        A bomb doesn't know if you're black, or you're white,
And a bullet can't choose, where to finish it's flight,
But the users don't care if they kill foe or friend,
As long as they win in the end.

4.        Sixty years have passed by without a real war,
But small ones a-plenty, some forty or more,
And the millions they slaughtered have not died in vain,
If you stop it happening again.

Ch.        ……………………………………………………………………….

5.        The guns have to go, the killing must cease,
It's ballots, not bullets, we need to bring peace,
If you talk to each other, you'll certainly find,
That the winner is all of mankind.

Ch.        ………………………………………………………………………..

Ó Don Thompson      March 2004

Don T.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Wrinkles
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 09:43 AM

Many of the songs in this thread have brought tears to my eyes. I feel more
than a bit outclassed by this company, hence I feel the need to justify
including my own effort.

This is not exactly a "peace" song, more of an anti-Troubles song. I
composed it sometime around '77/8 after the first decade of the Troubles in
the hopes it would make folk think about the Troubles, what perpetuates
them, and their ultimate futility, because it seemed to me at the time that
nothing had been gained from the Troubles, but there was plenty of things
that had been lost because of them.

I've always found songs that deal with "issues" are so intellectual that
they lack emotional punch and reality, so I personalised the issues and
wrote a song about one woman's loss from her point of view. It seemed to
work; when ever I performed the song there was always a few moments silence
afterwards before the audience loudly applauded. It was a very humbling
experience; the song is greater than the composer.

I was approached more than once by folk asking if I'd based the story on a
real life cases that they were able to cite. This somewhat took me aback, to
realise that the story had really happened more than once, because I'd made
it all up from my imagination.

What got me thinking along these lines was someone remarking " 'T'is easy to
die. There's plenty as has died for Ireland, but who can ye name that has
chose to _live_ for her? Now that'd be hard, aye."; I've no idea if that was
a quote or spontanious.

I taught the song to a few local Belfast performers of the time (from both
"sides"!) and for a while it took up a life of it's own. I left NI almost
two decades ago now, so I've no idea if anyone is still singing this in the
clubs today.

The verse verse chords repeat for every two lines, and the tempo is a slow
4/4.

Wrinkles


JOHNNY WHY DID YE DO IT

[verse 1]
[Asus2]When I was a [Cmaj7]young maid my [D] Johnny courted [Am]me
and he [C]made me so [Em]happy when he [C]said "My bride ye'll [G]be".
We were wed and when I was seven months with child
the fire grew in his eyes, I could see him turnin' wild.
He said that he was off "A Rebel for to be"
so that his child could be raised in a land of the free.
And so my husband left to fight the forces of the Crown,
but it t'was not very long 'afore he was shot down.

[chorus 1]
Ah. [Dm]Johnny [Em]why did ye [Am]do it?
Johnny why did ye do it?

[verse 2]
Our son was born and for his father was named
and as he grew I told him of his father famed.
I told him that his father had been a martyr brave,
who'd died a hero, his country for to save.
Young Johnny was but seventeen when he took up the gun
he said "I have to fight, for I am me father's son".
and it was on a bright May morning they came and said to me;
"They've caught young Johnny, and hung him from a tree".

[chorus 1]
Ah. Johnny why did ye do it?
Johnny why did ye do it?

[verse 3]
I wept, and I cried, I swore that I would die
but I choked upon my tears when I realised
I'd called my man a hero just to make my own grief less
and sent my son too his death by my thoughtlessness.
For my son may have never made his stand
if I'd not made a hero out of my husband.
This foolish woman has a lot to answer for;
with my selfish pride I fanned the flames of war.

[chorus 2]
Ah, Johnny, can ye forgive me?
Johnny can ye forgive me?

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 06:57 AM

A brilliant and hard hitting song of the troubles is Erc Bogles " My youngest son", the mother of whom could be on either side of the sectarian divide.

However for a beautiful and forward looking ong Ron Kavanagh's reconcilliation is my favourite. There is a link back up the thread(June 2002 from Shambles)to this. Dick Gaughan does a good reading of this.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Big Tim
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 05:49 AM

COME ULSTER (tune, "Danny Boy")

Some day to walk, in peace through Ulster valleys,
That Red Hand land, where once lived Danny Boy,
But Omagh Town, and round by Ballymoney
Are names of shame that once were pride and joy.

Too many tears, and years of blood and blunder,
For flag of green, and streets red, white and blue,
Too long we've seen, our people torn asunder,
Tear down these walls, instead, and start anew.

Chorus
Come Ulster north, south, east and west together,
Through Antrim, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone,
Through Armagh too, then view the Walls of Derry,
Together now, and never walk alone.

Leave ancient days, and ancient ways, forever,
Within the rage, and page, of history,
With heart and hand, come Ulster stand together,
Come Ulster - build a new society.

And let us walk, in peace through Ulster valleys,
That Red Hand land, where once lived Danny Boy,
Let Omagh Town, and round by Ballymoney,
Again resound, in peace and pride and joy.

B.T.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 11:21 PM

Happy St Patrick's Day everybody! Keep working for Peace!

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,baby_bleus
Date: 23 Oct 03 - 10:25 PM

I firmly believe that peace in Ireland can and WILL only be found through the Jesus Christ. My song follows...

The streets are full of violence
There's mourning everywhere
The city's full of sorrow
For your love they do not know

You asked how much we want it Lord
Yet we still turn away
You want to reclaim your land
The decision's in our hands

How much will we sacrifice for you Lord,
How long will it take for us to heed the call
How much will we give of ourselves
How long before we give you our all

Lord, you've given this land to us
And called us to spread your word
You've shown us how to love again
Now you're saying that it's our turn

How much will we sacrifice for you Lord,
How long will it take for us to heed the call
How much will we give of ourselves
How long before we give you our all

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,Paddy Joe
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 07:23 AM

That great Nobel Peace winner and First Minister Trimble has put in his bit for peace and neighbourly love by delaring that the Irish Republic is" amono-cultural, mono-ethnic,and a pathetic state." We love him. Paddy Joe.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: GUEST,Eoin O'Buadhaigh
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 06:41 AM

A great thread! A big thanks to John Moulden, I must admit, one of my favourite songs 'Peace in Erin' thanks for submitting the whole song. I once heard a singer from Mullaghbawn singing it, Gerry O'Hanlon. Fine job he made of it to!

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: The Pooka
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 01:06 AM

Amergin - thank you. / Never would have remembered that.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Amergin
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 12:36 AM

Pooka....it was Wilfred Owens.....

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: The Pooka
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:49 PM

Big John - O, magnificent. "The white that stands between", ye got it exactly right. Thank you. My God, I wish I could write.

Dominic Behan, assuming it was indeed he who wrote it, may have meant it differently but I'll stand with the plain words of the first verse anyway (yeah yeah, I've read the threads on it)(*my* emphasis added):

Come all ye young rebels, and list while I sing,
For the love of one's country is a terrible thing:
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,
And it makes us all part of *the patriot game*.

Who was it that wrote of "...the old Lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" ?

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 09:46 PM

Brilliant, Big John.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Big John
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 08:59 PM

The thirty years of fighting that created so much hate, Has ended with the peace accord now we hold our breath and wait. Any now the common people must take it in their stride To forgive each others actions and to honour those who died. There is no right there is no wrong, Only heartache and the pain And a true determination that it must not start again. I speak to all those young men who have so much to give. Don't give your lives for Ireland, Far better that you live. Far better that you reach out and take your brother's hand, Than face him with a rifle and leave blood upon the sand. And if he's wearing orange and you are wearing green then let your peace take it's release on the white that stands between. The future of your children is there within your reach So learn to be tolerant, and having learned, teach. Our country now has come of age , from it's tempesuous past, So let us live in harmony And let peace reign at last.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 06:37 PM

I just watched Billy Connolly on the BBC, doing his Tour of the UK, & he was in Northern Ireland.

They kept playing snatches of 'There Were Roses' sung by a young-sounding Irish female voice I didnt recognise (& it was WONDERFULLY done, btw)

...Just wondering if anyone has any idea of who it might be?.....It didnt say on the Credits that I could see.

I know this is possibly a little bit of thread creep, & that I could do a Search on Google anyway for Discographies, but I just wanted to post to this thread & show my 'support' for it, along with what I've said/asked above.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: The Pooka
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 06:20 PM

I'm no songwriter; but here's a little hopefully-updated chant:

Down the long ladder and coil up the rope,
*Enough* with King Billy, and likewise the Pope,
Up the Orange and Green and the Red White and Blue!
This ain't sixteen-ninety, it's two thousand and two.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 05:21 PM

Refresh. Happy St Pat's 2002!

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Amergin
Date: 18 Mar 01 - 03:42 PM

Alan, why don't you write about your friend and the grief that followed?

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lanfranc
Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:28 AM

I came late to this thread, swinging by from the protest songs thread.

Having been closer than I cared to be to two of the IRA's bombs in London, and having known one victim, I tend to get het up about things Irish, and thus avoid them most of the time.

I also have a problem with the phrase "the peace process", which I consider a singularly inept neologism. Wherever it is used, be it in the Middle East or Ireland, it always seems to be a synonym for two implacably hostile factions making superficially polite conversation while figuring out how they can poison the other side's drinks.

What do you get after the peace process? Mushy peace?

The songs in this thread are superb, and I wish I could add something worthwhile. Maybe I will, though I'm a singer of songs, and not a particularly good songwriter.

"Peace will come, let it begin with me!" (Paxton)

Thank you, all who have contributed above, for making me think! I must leave and obtain treatment for my cynicism.

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Amergin
Date: 17 Mar 01 - 03:13 PM

Finding a good set of false teeth?

Amerginduckinghishead...

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Amos
Date: 17 Mar 01 - 01:46 PM

Amazing to think it has been a year, LEJ!!! And in all that time, Aine STILL hasn't sent me a recording of that tune I wrote!!! Where is the Gaelic Goddess when you need her!!!

A

Subject: RE: Peace in Ireland: A Song Challenge
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 17 Mar 01 - 12:25 PM

ref