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03 Jul 03 - 02:28 PM (#976106) Subject: Lyr Add: DRUMSNOT (Brian O'Rourke) From: MartinRyan We've mentioned this one a few times. It's a piss-take on the classic Irish songs about every nondescript little village or landscape feature. If at times it doesn't appear to scan - it's just that Brian also does an insider's piss-take on the art of decoration in song! DRUMSNOT (Brian O'Rourke) Oh come all ye pleasant fellow peasants and listen to my song It has twenty verses and what's far worse is, it's three times as bad as its long Oh lend me your ears while I spill the beans about the place where I was got For it's likely that you haven't much of a clue, about the place they call Drumsnot Where my birthplace lies beneath Irish skies isn't easy to explain Its not in the Pale or the Golden Vale, nor yet in the Central Plain It affords no view of mountains blue and it sure is no beauty spot And to date no county has claimed the bounty for admitting it owns Drumsnot Oh, on Inishcarra and Gougane Barra, on Macroom and on Omagh Town God poured out air of a fragrance rare that gained them high renown On King Williamstown He showered sweetness down, on Lough Neagh and Glanlee and the lot But those rare perfumes were all well consumed by the time that he reached Drumsnot Ah but savage Nature, that lavish creature, Drumsnot did not neglect For its stony fields with hoary weeds are gaudily bedecked Them thistles, thorns and bouchalawns would be an ugly blot Upon the face of any place – excepting dire Drumsnot And all around wildlife abounds and leaps and creeps and crawls And prowls and scowls and growls and howls, and fights and bites and bawls And shrieks and yells and reeks and smells and kills and the devil knows what And the ould triangle goes strangle-mangle, in the jungle around Drumsnot. Now to sing of the birds, sure I have no words to express just how I feel For the sweetest notes in their cheeky throats are the five pound notes that they steal The sly magpie he rules the sky and ruins every garden and plot And every songster is a fully-fledged gangster on the rampage around Drumsnot Oh, we have no fleadh, we've no cine-MAH for to goggle at spectacles lewd And Tim Lyons couldn't grouse about our eating-house that never heard tell of fast food We've two broken down bridges infested by midges – and a gaming machine with no slot And the meanest street between Kansas and Crete is the main street of Drumsnot. Oh now you might guess that Drumsnot's a place where old customs they are held dear And you'd be right for our faction-fights halve our numbers every year. But our Gaelic tongue you'll as soon hear sung as the speech of the Hottentot In fact we're distinguished for unspeakable English in the backwaters of Drumsnot. Oh in Ireland's fight for her birthright we had no glorious share For the Black and Tans with their trucks and guns never knew that we were there Now they've gone away and 'tis sad to say, things haven't changed a jot For in Leinster House neither Minister nor mouse, gives a sugar about Drumsnot. Our hedge-master died in eighteen-o-five and since then we have had no school And for all we see of C.I.E. we might as well be in Kabul Ah but soon we might get th'oul electric light – and then again we might not And the Christmas mail arrives without fail – around Easter in Drumsnot. Oh a telephone kiosk or a Shi'ite mosque would be equal novelties there So our smoky signals and dopey pigeons our urgent messages bear And no motor car has yet got that far for the Spring Show could justly allot For sheer scope and size a major prize to each pothole around Drumsnot. We've no B & B's, no facilities for the stranger touring round No Cead Mile Failte in your tracks will halt you if you tread on our tainted ground If you're tracing your ancestors in parish registers, I'm afraid you won't here find a lot Ah sure japers we barely can point out our parents in the shambles they call Drumsnot. If you've a low opinion of our dominion, please don't broadcast your point of view For although the locals are yobs and yokels, they have their fine feelings too A bass-baritone weighing twenty-two stone dropped a hint that we weren't too hot Well, he sang falsetto as he left our ghetto and staggered away from Drumsnot. Oh 'twas in Drumsnot I was begot and there I squandered my boyhood days And my youthful deeds they now recede in an alcoholic haze When I grew a man, I drew up a plan and teamed up with a well-endowed mot Her father owns the Rag and Bones – that's the only pub in Drumsnot. By the effluent pump near the rubbish dump, I courted her right well And we got engaged within seven days for she couldn't stand the smell Then came the day in the month of May when we tied the fatal knot And the wedding do was crubeens for two in the eating-house of Drumsnot Now we live in a cabin with the thatch in ribbons and the rent we can barely pay And all the roses around the door won't keep the wolf away And all my dreams of pints so creamy, alas they have come to naught For supplies of stout they did soon run out in the only pub in Drumsnot Oh I wish I was far from the Shamrock Shore in some place where I might find work And I tried of late for to emigrate – but I missed my lift to Cork So to settle down in my native town has become my doleful lot And to sink my roots and my hobnail boots in this dungheap they call Drumsnot Now as you all know, some years ago, big blundering Uncle Sam Tried to lift fifty-one of his native sons held hostage inside Iran Ah but isn't it strange when 'twas all the rage, that the whole bloody world forgot To break in and let loose us hundred and two poor hoors, marooned inside in Drumsnot. Now, at last I must conclude, arrest and terminate this desperate ditty And I hope you good people true by now feel for me some pity And when at last my life is past and my bones have to moulder and rot I pray God on high they won't have to lie in the cemetery of Drumsnot. Its a while since I've heard it sung, so I'll need to rack my brains a bit more to identify the tune Brian uses. Regards p.s. In the notes to the album on which this appears, Brian gives helpful cultural notes on some of the more obscure references in the song. Mudcatters don't need that, do they? |
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03 Jul 03 - 03:55 PM (#976158) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: katlaughing Wordy bastard isn't he? **BG** Love it! |
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03 Jul 03 - 04:44 PM (#976187) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: MartinRyan Very wordy! There was a (perfectly serious) proposal some years ago to exploit low levels of gold in Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. Brian's song on the subject was entitled: Your place or mine? Regards |
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04 Jul 03 - 04:35 AM (#976487) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Brilliant! After reading about a line and a half, without even consciously searching for a tune, I found myself mentally humming it to the tune of "Banna Strand". |
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04 Jul 03 - 09:28 AM (#976609) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: Snuffy With the internal rhymes, it put me more in mind of "The Rare Old Mountain Dew" |
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04 Jul 03 - 09:42 AM (#976620) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: GUEST,Martin Ryan Yeah - it sort of fits into many of them , doesn't it? I think he used the "Cruise of the Calabar" or thereabouts. Regards |
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04 Jul 03 - 03:58 PM (#976877) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: GUEST,Maurice The tune Brian uses is "Ballyshannon Lane", but many tunes would fit.It's on his tape called "When I grow up" which is well worth a listen. His address was given in another thread. |
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04 Jul 03 - 05:51 PM (#976939) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: TheBigPinkLad Try singing it to "Star of the County Down" |
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04 Jul 03 - 07:33 PM (#976970) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: GUEST,Learaí na Láibe I'd be afraid to sing that song in ANY village or small town in Ireland. It's brilliant. "Chantelle" - all 14 minutes of it - has to be his masterpiece though. What's happened to Brian, has he stopped composing since marrying and begetting his own offspring? Gafa sa Láib Learaí. |
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05 Jul 03 - 11:50 AM (#977311) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: weerover I have words to Ballyshannon Lane, but unfortunately without the tune - abc anyone? wr |
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05 Jul 03 - 12:09 PM (#977318) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: GUEST,John Moulden Brian has written a couple of songs since his marriage. He and his wife, Paula Carroll will be giving the singing workshops at the South Sligo Summer School in Tobercurry from14th-19th July. |
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06 Jul 03 - 08:59 AM (#977742) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: MartinRyan Ballyshannon Lane, it is, give or take the odd musical license. To my ear, The Cruise of the Calabar is similar - but flatter! Regards |
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04 Aug 03 - 08:49 AM (#996373) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - extra verse From: GUEST,Mikey joe Not sure how accurate this is trying to remember off the top of my head
If you dye-dill or diddle, or scrape on the fiddle, or meddle with box or bones, No has onyoe got the words to Chantal. I started before but lost my tape and can't remember.... Mikey joe |
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04 Aug 03 - 12:56 PM (#996542) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: Noreen Wonderful! This'll be the chap who did Donal Og's reply that Donal Maguire gave me a copy of? I recognise the rhyming technique! Love the 'crubeens for two' :0) but what are bouchalawns? I can guess from the context, but never heard the word before. |
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04 Aug 03 - 06:34 PM (#996698) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Na buachalláin: literally "The lads" - a noxious yellow weed which I think is known in English as ragwort, and whose presence farmers are required by law to report to the authorities. I'd offer you a bunch only my wife might think I'm up to something. |
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04 Aug 03 - 07:36 PM (#996730) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: Noreen Thank you Mr Plumber :0) |
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12 Aug 03 - 05:04 PM (#1001038) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: MartinRyan Noreen Yes - that's the lad! I was talking to him at the weekend at a festival in Feakle Co. Clare. In fine form, despite recent major surgery. He's quite happy to see his efforts posted at this site - and commends his tape to 'Catters attention! I'll repost his address later. Regards |
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24 Nov 03 - 10:21 AM (#1059890) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: MartinRyan As promised: Brian O'Rourke 36 Lakeshore Drive, Renmore Galway Regards |
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09 Jan 07 - 03:39 AM (#1931146) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot - the ultimate song of place From: GUEST,Dermot MacEnally Sure didnt i hear it sang on RnaG, played on John Spillanes Radio show of a Sunday night,tis only quality... |
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07 Nov 07 - 04:49 AM (#2188175) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST But seriously, where can the lyrics of 'Chantal' be found? It is our duty to learn these songs and sing them for amazed foreigners. |
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07 Nov 07 - 05:48 AM (#2188200) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: Stewie Guest, the words to 'Chantal' have been posted in the forum. For the full set scroll towards the end of this thread: Chantal. The various verses are put together in a posting by 'Guest/Wiredgoose'. --Stewie. |
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07 Nov 07 - 08:30 AM (#2188278) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: Micca I heard Finbar do this song and the "Donal Ogs reply" song at Sharps early this year and they are Hysterical, I was completely knocked out by the wonderful use of language and rhyme that Mr O'Rourke uses both accenting and taking the p*** out of the more "artificial" ways of decorating songs at the same time, Many thanks to himfor a splendid piece of work. |
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17 Mar 08 - 03:30 PM (#2290834) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: MartinRyan Refreshing this before we Irish disappear forever under the Paddy's Day tsunami of tsentimentality! Regards |
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22 May 08 - 09:12 AM (#2346820) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST I believe i bought one of the last available copies of when i grow up in Zivago in galway years ago . I lost the cassette is it available on CD i wonder . Love the site Keep her revvin The Duff |
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22 May 08 - 10:33 AM (#2346865) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST,Martin Ryan GUEST Brian talked of putting out a CD version a while back - but it hasn't seen the light of day yet. Regards |
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01 Mar 09 - 08:23 PM (#2578918) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST,Seadew Just received a wee recording of this and Chantal by Brian O'Rourke from a friend, this is brilliant ! Could not have appreciated it completely without this thread, thank you ! |
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02 Mar 09 - 03:14 AM (#2579052) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: MartinRyan CD published. Details later. Regards |
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09 Oct 09 - 03:20 PM (#2742273) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST,pazbhan Hi Martin Ryan, Have you any details yet on Brian O'Rourke's CD? All the best |
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09 Oct 09 - 03:37 PM (#2742288) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST At the moment, Brian seems to be selling the CD/Booklet through singers clubs and festivals in Ireland - aided and abetted by his young daughters, whom it is impossible to refuse! I don't know of any online availability, as of now. Best Wishes. |
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10 Oct 09 - 04:23 PM (#2743035) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST In fact, the first run of the CD has sold out - thanks to the children? A second batch is expected soon and will be sold through Custy's Music Shop ,online. |
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25 Apr 17 - 10:01 AM (#3852358) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: GUEST,Bas ten Asbroek, the netherlands I had the fortune to hear Brian sing his songs at the Fleadhs in Sligo, around 1992.Chantal lasts only for 15 minutes, and no stand up comedien could do any better. His lyrics are very refreshening, his singing is mighty. He has a strong way of attracting people to his song. Mighty singer, and kind man. |
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13 May 20 - 06:14 PM (#4052323) Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Drumsnot (Brian O'Rourke) From: Ross Campbell First heard this song about three years ago at a song session in Monica's pub in Drumshanbo. Don't recall the singe's name now, but he turned out to be a former colleague of my friend Bev Whelan when she worked at Dundalk University. Brian O'Rourke was the guest at one of the great sessions in McHugh's of Glenfarne last year when Celia and I were over. His "Carnations" song is as brilliant as "Drumsnot". Links to both below (and "Chantal de Champignon") Brian O'Rourke sings "Drumsnot". "Carnations" "Chantal de Champignon" Ross |