This is the first in a series of articles taking a look at songs I have written down through the years. So have a listen to the song and I’ll write a bit about the background and the inspiration for writing it.

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First up is Smokey Stoor of Scariff, a song I wrote in 2002 shortly after I arrived in East Clare, about Scariff’s chipboard factory. Like many people coming to live in and around Scariff the Finsa factory came as a bit of shock. If the wind is blowing in your direction the sight and smell of the fumes is unmissable. Like most “blow-ins” to the area, my hippy tendencies were outraged by what seemed like obvious pollution and health concerns. However when you talk to the local population, the majority see the factory as the huge employer it is in the town and one that has helped their families through grim times, past and present. Read more…

Recorded at Shay’s Studio, April 2005

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I’m not hurting no more
Seems like tears have ended
I’m not crying no more
Broken heart is mended Read more…

Recorded at Shay’s Studio, April 2005

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My woman don’t want my kisses
My woman don’t want my hand
My woman don’t want my kisses
I don’t understand Read more…

I went to a pub that I used to frequent
With songs for the singing, no sins to repent
When my eyes opened you flashed me a smile
You flushed me right out and exposed my denial

Read more…

Is there a roadblock in my brain?
Secret harbour of some pain?
See the little soldier(s) standing in the way,
Red light circling just like the bad old days
Asking all the questions ’bout the things they need to know
Like: “where have you been?”, “where d’ya wanna go?”
Is there a roadblock in my brain?

Read more…

Recorded at Shay’s Studio, April 2005

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We thought it would rain all day.
Never thought we’d see the sky so blue.
We thought it would rain all day.
There’s only one thing I wanna say to you.

Read more…