here - Mourne Heritage Trust

MOURNE
SONGBOOK
This book and songs have been born out
of the Songbook workshops held by the
Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership
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Contents
Introduction
The Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership
(MMLP) is a Heritage Lottery funded programme
that targets funding at a wide range of heritage
projects, many of which draw on local creativity
to celebrate the landscape in which we live and
work. Working in partnership with Peter Baxter
from Createschool, the MMLP ran a series of song
writing workshops to raise awareness of music in
the area and provide opportunities for local people
to compose, perform and record songs. A total of
20 songs were composed and recorded, involving
18 enthusiastic musicians, as well as 50 pupils from
three local schools who also produced podcasts of
their compositions.
Farewell Old River Bann ........................................................................................... 5
Splendorous Peaks ....................................................................................................... 7
The Magic of Home ..................................................................................................... 8
The Mourne Dander ................................................................................................. 10
Just Her and Me ............................................................................................................. 11
The Mourne Songbook celebrates the creativity of
the musicians involved and captures their feelings
and connection to the Mourne landscape.
Marvel Milk in My Tea ............................................................................................... 12
Bloody Bridge .................................................................................................................. 13
The Riddle of the Stone ........................................................................................ 14
The Witches of Mourne ......................................................................................... 15
My Dear Home ................................................................................................................ 16
Mourne Beauty .............................................................................................................. 17
The Annalong Valley ................................................................................................ 17
Glorious Mistake .......................................................................................................... 18
Kiss Bloody Kiss ............................................................................................................ 19
Whispering Mountain .......................................................................................... 20
Just Outside My Door ............................................................................................. 20
Closer to Home ............................................................................................................... 21
The Morning Glory ...................................................................................................... 21
Queen of the Hills ........................................................................................................ 22
Many the Time ............................................................................................................... 22
Createschool: Songschool Workshop ................................................. 23
What People Said ....................................................................................................... 23
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Songwriter Profiles
Bronagh Lynch, Rathfriland
I sing and play guitar, and have recently begun to
write songs and record. The Mourne Songbook was
unbelievably my first time to ever play with others in
a group and I am so happy with this!
I grew up with seven siblings who all loved music, most
of them good singers, with my Mother at the helm,
for she had a lovely voice. However, song writing and
performing wasn’t even a figment of my imagination,
so to be writing songs and singing publicly is an
amazing phenomenon.
I wrote my first song three years ago when I was
spending most evenings with my Mother who
had a long period of illness, so I did what she did
for me, when I was little and unwell…I sang to her.
I have my late Mother to thank for my song writing,
undoubtedly, if it weren’t for her period of illness,
I most likely would not have started writing.
It was a pleasure to be part of the Mourne Songbook.
Like many others, I have spent time in the Mournes
since my childhood. However, it wasn’t until I returned
from travelling and living abroad that I now fully
appreciate the beauty of the Mourne landscape. The
song book was an exciting opportunity for me to get to
meet like-minded people. I enjoyed the craic and the
opportunity to contribute to the project. I hope the
Mourne Songbook is a great success not only for those
who participated but for the people of Mourne and for
those who visit our Splendorous Peaks.
Colleen Savage
I have been singing for as long as I can remember and I have
always been drawn to Irish traditional music, Irish folk and
American folk music. I had never been able, however, to compose
or write songs and didn’t really know how to go about it. Therefore
I was delighted to take part in the Mourne Songbook Project
and jumped at the chance. Although apprehensive at first, I
soon found that everyone who attended was there for the same
purpose - to create music. It was so refreshing to be amongst such
a mix of different people, young and old, with the same common
goal in mind.
Farewell Old River Bann
The River Bann’s alluring
When early breaks the dawn
When mountains blue come into view
God seems to have showed his hand
Story behind
Farewell Old River Bann
Chorus
But this nature’s source will end its course
If they rob the River Bann
Its graceful flow from her will go
If they rob the River Bann
I just want to give you a little history on this song. It was
written by my Grandfather in the early 1950’s. The exact
date is unknown.
This old, renowned, majestic river
Through ages has flowed along
It’s rugged course by mountainside,
O’er rocks and boulders grand
Mum had spoken of letters that Grandfather had written
to my Grandmother when he was a sheep-herder in
New Zealand in 1916. Mum would say that one day the
letters would belong to me. Three years ago I was looking
through them and found a letter from Grandfather to Mum,
containing the words of this song, with a foot note saying
that it was a lament, the River Bann would no longer be in
existence because the water was being used for the dam.
I was fortunate enough to chat with Bronagh Lynch and I was
drawn to her bubbly ‘can do’ attitude. She introduced me to a
family poem for which she had a melody drafted and we worked
on this for the day, tweaked and fine-tuned it and the rest, they
say, is history!
Chorus
How of‘ times have I wandered
Her leafy banks along
In a shady nook I read my book
And listen to birds’ sweet song
I did a bit of research and at the time of the construction
of Spelga Dam Reservoir (1953-57) there were protests
regarding its construction. The local and wider community
feared that the river (Bann) waters would be depleted as the
waters were being contained in the reservoir. The River was
very important to the local farming community and the linen
industry. Needless to say their fears were unfounded. My
guess is that there was insufficient information given to try
and dispel fears.
It was great to work with Peter who had great advice on
amendments which he thought would bring value to the song
and the performance. It was all so relaxed and inviting and I am
so glad to have been part of the project.
For me I gained valuable experience in song writing, melody
composition and it certainly was a great confidence building
experience - something which I struggle with daily when
performing. Needless to say I am now writing away and
collaborating with other musicians to create new music.
Chorus
Kings and Queens they have tottered
But the Bann flows proudly on
By lea and fertile valley
She’s our own Rio Grande
The song captures the love Grandfather Mick had for the
River Bann, the Mournes and the surrounding country side.
Grandfather lived in Cabra Islandmoyle (approx. 3miles
from Rathfriland) which lies within the Mourne region. My
Grandfather requested my Mum to sing it to the air of Annie
Lorrie. Mum never sang it nor did she tell her family of its
existence. There lies an unanswered question.
Many thanks to Alwynne and the MMLP for letting me be part
of such an innovative project! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Chorus
Go ask them why they steal from her
Farewell Old River Bann x2
I never knew my Grandfather and when I discovered his letter
I was instantly drawn to his spirit. I wanted to put my own
melody to it. I think it is what he would want. And now after
60+ years his wish for his song to be sung has been fulfilled.
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Lyrics by Michael McAlinden
Melody by Bronagh Lynch
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Songwriter Profiles
Toby, Colleen and Rory
I sing and have been playing guitar for
the last couple of years. I used to play
the piano and have a little bit of recording
experience. I’ve written some songs
with another songwriter and hope to gain
more experience with this and how to
perform and record with confidence!
It should also be a great way to meet
others and network.
Martha Guiney, Newry
I am an Irish traditional flute player and singer,
currently studying a degree in music. With this
project I wish to expand my compositional skills
and styles and also work with others to create
songs that will have an impact on both our local
and wider community.
Joe Mc Nulty, from Camlough.
I am an experienced musician with at least sixty
songs to date. I hope to develop my songwriting
further and network with others.
Toby, Joe and
Colleen Savage
Mar tha
Bronagh, Martha,
Rory, Toby and Jo
e
Splendorous Peaks
The Mournes are ageless, forever young
For the love of these mountains
There’s been many a song
With you infinite beauty you allure and entice
You stimulate my senses
Leaving me breathless.
Slieve Beg and the Devil’s Coach Road
Painting by Roland Inman
Chorus 1
In your midst, I am at ease
I am with nature, I am at peace
I am grateful, I am moved
I am hopeful, I am soothed.
But never doubt this beauty at foot
Respect the dangers that can lurk
Like the broken vow of love once sworn
Changes can come, and left forlorn.
Chorus 2
Iconic are your splendorous peaks
Older than the statues of Greece
You guard overall and embrace the sky
To the powers above the God’s most high.
And when we no longer able to wonder
I pray fond memories for to ponder
Your lakes, bog lands through Gorse and wild Heather
The ‘Wall’ of 12 peaks from Newcastle to Rostrevor
Chorus 2
Chorus 1
Lyrics by Bronagh Lynch. Melody with Martha Guiney,
Joe Mc Nulty, Toby and Rory Shannon
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Colleen and Shanno
n
An Cuan Workshop,
Rostrevor
Songwriter Profiles
Rory, Bronagh, Joe, Gary, Martha and John
Catherine Mc Grath, Rostrevor
I sing and play guitar but haven’t as yet written
a song. I’m interested in seeing other people’s
approach to song writing.
Shannon Woods, Warrenpoint
I sing and play guitar but haven’t any song
writing experience.
Roland
The Magic of Home
New faces are only new for so long
You can’t see the stars past the city lights anyway
Cause I like the freedom and I thought I could do this alone
But it didn’t quite turn out that way
Cause I miss the comfort and the smell of the rain
Remember how we said we couldn’t wait to get away
Now that I know that you can run (and run for miles) as far as you think you want
But you can’t let go
But don’t forget the way
You can’t stop missing home
There’s a piece of home with you no matter where you go
Settled now or so it might seem
Resigned to put aside my hopes and my dreams
Every now and then I feel a gentle breeze
And think
It’s come all this way to find me
Danny, John, Gary
and Conor
Lyrics and melody by Catherine Mc Grath and Shannon Woods
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Songwriter Profile
The Mourne Dander
Always on a Sunday
The first weekend in June
The annual Mourne Wall Walk was held
It started near Annalong
The walk it started early
At six o’ clock a.m
And had to be completed
Twelve hours down the line.
There were teams from the security forces
Including the army too
And teams from all other walks of life
All raring to have a go
In the end we showed them how
In a record time as well
A record never broken
During that great- great walking spell.
Chorus
There are many stories about this walk
Too many for to mention
But my team mate Harry was on his own
When it came to competition
One year in the walk
And the sun so hot
With jeans (glued- to- his -legs) with sweat
He demanded that the legs be cut right out
And nobody dare question that
A passer - by had scissors
And our team-mate done the rest
Ignoring Harry`s wishes
Could have ended being laid to rest
He was the most psyched up sportsman man
That I have ever seen
He had taught me a lot about competing
When I was young and green
Before I end my story
Can’t forget our Winston too
He was director in Tyrone Brick
And a Mourne walker through and through
I begged from him a sandwich
When I began to lag
He kindly gave me two or three
And I went off like a stag.
It started as a challenge
For the rich and for the poor
To get the people to the hills
Such beauty to explore
And as time went along
The crowds got more and more
Until one day they stopped the walk
And it would be no more.
It attracted many people
From every walk of life
Thousands prepared to bust themselves
Their fitness to highlight
The walk was 22 miles long
Ten thousand feet of climb
They covered all the higher peaks
On their journey to the end.
I met a man that I knew well
A neighbour of me own
He wore old working trousers
And shirt and jumper too
And on his feet old working boots
Both well broken in
His Ma’s oul shopping bag in hand
No fancy gear for him.
Just Her and Me
Danny Johnston
I’m originally from Dromore, Co Down but have
lived near Tyrella for a good number of years.
Much of my life has been spent in the Mournes
and so I think of the hills as my second home.
I’ve a strong interest in both music and
the hills and was challenged by the idea of
song writing.
Was once to the hills I did go
A six hour hike, in ice packed snow
Then half way round, I had a break
For my lunch, I wanted to take
Sitting there eating, all alone
No rush at all, to be back home
Although the chill, was minus seven
Being up there, was simply heaven
For me it combines my past experiences and
pleasures - the enjoyment of both the mountain
environment and traditional music.
Chorus
The Mournes were like, my second home
In them, I never, felt alone
By day and night, through them I roamed
Around the hills, I called my own
And then a female came along
Looking very cold, and withdrawn
I asked her if, she was OK
She didn’t bid me, time of day
Appeared no language, she could speak
But signed, she needed, for to eat
I gave her two bits, of my own bread
She scoffed them down, glad to be fed
Gave her two Kitkats, from my hand
She signed to me, those would be grand
With her woolly white coat, near the ground
Without a word, the two she downed
Chorus
She searched my rucksack, for more food
Says I to her, don’t be so rude
She stood there staring, at my face
Then at me, she suddenly raced
Before I could, put up a guard
She charged at me, very hard
Hit me in the gut, with her head
Then down the mountain, she quickly fled!
So if you go walking in the Mournes
And you stop for a welcome treat
Look out for that quiet female
She could be posing as a sheep!
He and his workmate Kenneth
Had this wonderful idea
They called their bricks
The ‘Mourne Range’
After the peaks
They loved so dear
Names like Donard, Heather Mixture
And Binnian Multi Red
They had put the Mournes
On the global map
It can certainly be said
In the year of 1975
And we thought we were fit
We had a team from round Dromore
All champing at the bit
Although it was never meant to be
It turned into a race
And a shield was there for the team
Who set the fastest pace.
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by
Danny Johnson 15th March 2015
Chorus
Lyrics by Danny Johnson Nov 2014 Sang to the air of the song:
“My Lagan gently Flows”
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Marvel Milk In My Tea
Background to Song
‘Marvel Milk’ recalls special times I also had
with my Dad and Uncle Leslie walking in the
Mournes. They always had tea with condensed
‘Marvel Milk’ in it, and that taste always brings
the memories flooding back.
You got your knee length shorts and your big woolly socks on
Got your pack on your back and you’re over the rocks and
The map’s in your head, make it up as you go along
Drinking Marvel Milk in your tea when the day is done.
If the day is warm, we go out on the heather
If the rain’s coming down we say ‘bugger the weather’
We go out with our coats and our hats and our gloves on
Drinking Marvel Milk in our tea when the day is done.
Toby, Rory and
Bloody Bridge
John
Now I can’t wait to be back by the fire
Where my hands aren’t cold
And my legs aren’t tired
The suns going down
But you can bet next week
I’ll be back with my socks and my boots on my feet.
Chorus
Chorus
Whoa whoa oh, Dad, Uncle and me
Whoa whoa oh oh, Marvel Milk in my tea
(repeat)
Where the river returns to the ocean
Where the mountains give way to the sea
There’s a bridge that is bloody and broken
And there’s a spirit there waiting for me
Drawing by
Roland Inman
I held the beat of your heart in the palm of my hand
I was the jailer and I was the key
I promised you that you would come to no harm
If Montgomery honours the deal
Now I’m over the hill but I’m out on the mountain
Life is run of the mill and there ain’t any doubt that
We’ll be dust but the Mournes will be here till the sun has gone
Drinking Marvel Milk in our tea when our days are done.
Background to Song
Now I don’t care for the clouds or the fire
When my hands grow cold
And my brain is unwired
My sun’s going down but
You’ll see next week
There’ll be my kids with their kids and their boots on their feet.
Songwriter Profiles
John Shannon – Rathfriland born and bred!
I got involved with this project along with my 3
sons Toby, Rory and Caleb. We wrote the songs,
arranged them and performed them in one day!
It was a joy to write and perform with the boys,
and the songs are therefore very special to me.
Chorus
Written Lyrics and melody by John,
Toby, Rory and Caleb Shannon
‘Marvel Milk’ recalls special times I also had
with my Dad and Uncle Leslie walking in the
Mournes. They always had tea with condensed
‘Marvel Milk’ in it, and that taste always brings
the memories flooding back.
Chorus
A bargain, a ransom, there’s no difference to me
They’re as long as they’re also broad
The Lieutenant, the Curate and you Mr Tudge
I’m returning these gifts to their God
“Bloody Bridge” is based around the story of the massacre
of hostages by Conn Magennis in 1641. He was travelling to
exchange those held by Lord Montgomery in Newcastle with
his own. As he travelled he was informed that Montgomery
had already killed his hostages. Magennis, enraged, hanged
his prisoners including a Mister Tudge who, it is said, haunted
Magennis until he died of old age. The bridge where the
killings took place is known as Bloody Bridge.
Chorus
(spoken)
Now Mr Tudge is an innocent victim
Wrong place wrong time wrong birth
He’s a pawn, he is currency, not flesh and blood
His religion dictates what he’s worth
And trembling with Lord Montgomery
Is another poor victim like Tudge
High principles govern their captors
And give them their license to judge
Rory, John, Caleb
an
d Gary
Then 400 years in the future
Can we build another Bloody Bridge?
Oh yes we are very slow learners
It’s our religion. No surrender. Not an inch.
Rory Shannon
I play piano, drums and the Cajon. I’m doing
music at school and like to mess around with
others developing songs and music.
They always had tea with
condensed ‘Marvel Milk’ in it,
and that taste always brings
the memories flooding back.
Toby Shannon
I play piano and key boards and did music to
AS level. I’m interested in all sorts of music and
also play the ukulele.
Chorus
And what was their deaths great achievement
Fourteen tragic souls wiped away
Fathers and brothers and mothers
Not soldiers, no battle, no fray.
Caleb Shannon
I sing and play the piano and baritone. I am
interested in different types of music and
putting songs together.
John Shannon
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by John, Toby, Rory and Caleb Shannon
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The Riddle of the Stone
The Witches Of Mourne
(The Dreoilin Fascination)
I got a real buzz from working in
collaboration with other musicians
towards a common goal. I really
enjoyed the experience of recording
songs, and also performing on stage,
I have never sung in front of people
before! It has inspired me to develop
another project too.
My 1st is in CARVINGS, etched onto my face,
My 2nd is in LEGEND, thrown into place,
My 3rd is in MOUNTAIN, up which you have climbed,
My 4th is in UNIQUE, one of a kind,
My 5th is in GREEN, where fiddlers once roamed,
My 6th is in HEROES, of which stories are told,
My 7th is in MARTIN, below which I am placed,
My 8th is in FOY, where you see Finn’s face,
My 9th is in ROSTREVOR, the town at my feet,
My 10th is in ERRATIC, left by an ice sheet,
Stand in wonder at the view from my home,
As you ponder the answer,
To the riddle of the stone.
Songwriter Profile
Concept, lyrics and vocals by Gary Parr.
Three witches of Mourne
Met at midsummers dawn
To ply their noxious craft
The dark hag of Meelmore
The crone of Craigdoo
And the harridan of Drinnahilly
We’ll purge the mountains
We’ll perish the lands
We’ll grant all manners of troubles
Misfortune and pain
Sadness and sorrow
Famine, blight and disease
Gary Parr
Gary Parr
Although I was born in Australia I grew up in
Rostrevor and always loved the Mourne landscape.
As a teenager I wandered through the hills and
took part in the Mourne Wall walk. I took part in
the Songbook as I had a few good ideas that would
translate into songs. I’m here for the experience…
it’s been a long time since my punk rock days!
Working in collaboration with Conor McArdle,
John Shannon and Danny Johnson.
They came as hares
They left as crows
And set about their chores
And Dagda watched from afar
He watched through the haze
He made a solemn vow
He vowed to end their days
He went to the Morrigan
He went to Badb and Nemain
They spoke to ancient mysteries
And the Dreoilin fascination
Conor Mc Ardle, Newry
I play guitar and have written some songs.
I am looking to build on experience.
Three witches of Mourne
Met on a solstice Dawn
To further their monstrous deeds
Dagda lay in wait
Ready to captivate
Ready to seal their fates
He whispered words
They came as Hares
They left as Wrens
Witches bewitched by his spell
Cloughmore, Rostrevor
Painting by Roland Inman
And on Stephens Day
A band of Wren Boys came
They came for the hunt
To hunt and kill them all
Gary and Bronagh
14
Words and melody by Gary Parr
15
Hanna’s Close, Kilkeel
Painting by Roland Inman
Mourne Beauty
To be played with feeling
Solo introduction of eight bars
Main section: voice with guitar accompaniment
Sections 1 and 2 are sung to the first section
of eight bars with 2 forming the repeat
Rocky Knoll with louring crag
Abandoned kerbstones lie around
Broken rock by peaty hag
Spoils of quarry on the ground.
Here there’s heather on the peaks
Air of peace, tranquillity
Hazy skies and fluffy clouds
Lasting joys for all to see.
The Annalong Valley
Section 3 and 4 are sung to the second section
of eight bars with 4 forming the repeat
My dear home
In County Down’s fabled land
I spent my days to tarry
Explore a steep and lonely place
Within the Annalong Valley.
In the winter wind and storm
Cloak the hills with banks of snow
Ice and hoar frost duly form
Giving all a radiant glow.
Life is not all pleasure and sweetness
Estates and riches may suddenly part
Temporal things quickly do leave us
Cities and wealth are just things of the heart.
Chorus:
But as the passing years roll by
The less the time to tarry
I’ve many climbs yet to do
Within the Annalong Valley.
If we pause and then reflect
What this beauty does reveal
Moves our hearts to then express
Deep emotions that we feel.
Faraway cities of wealth and of pleasure
Tempt restless feet away for to roam
Yet keep this belief that one real great treasure
Is set in the Mountains of Mourne, my dear home.
Solo guitar conclusion of eight bars
Yet on the mountain where e’r I do wander
Sweet glamour and charm makes me now laugh
By sun or by star where the dark hill has risen
With wildest of song on the wildest of path.
To climb the Tors on Binnian’s slopes
To scale the walls of Cove
From Douglas crag to Brandy Pad
The valley floor I’d rove.
Lyrics and music by Roland A. D. Inman
10th November 2014
Chorus
Come sunshine or rain the peaks reveal beauty
The greatest of treasures for which we may roam
A place from which no time can now sever
Set in the Mountains of Mourne, my dear home.
Songwriter Profile
White flowing streams race swift by a pathway
Verdant green meadows border heathery slopes
Butterworts, Sundews and graceful Bog Cotton
Created works, fulfil all of our hopes.
On Buzzard’s Roost I’d make my boast
On Lamagan’s slabs I’d saunter
Hare’s Castle, Upper Cove and Beg
Are cliffs I would encounter.
Buzzard’s Roost, Annalong Valley
Painting by Roland Inman
Roland Inman
From childhood I loved all things natural and
my parents encouraged me to look and play
outdoors. I also loved music and developed
an early interest in guitar playing (especially
Flamenco Classical guitar). I was born during
the 2nd world war and mountaineering was
reaching its heyday. A book on Annapurna
(from my father) triggered my imagination
and got me hooked on mountains and
climbing. I’ve climbed from I was 12 years old
and now have 60 years mountain experience!
I came to N. Ireland 45 years ago and made
a beeline for the nearest mountains. The
Mournes brought many of my passions
(art, music and climbing) together.
So take your pick from the many and myriad
Mountains like Binnian, Bernagh and Cove
Relax in peace by the pool of Lough Shannagh
Or rest in bliss in some green dappled grove.
Dotted around, white cottages shining
With clusters of hills above blue bristling pines
By cliff-end and hollow, now banish all sorrow
Prove the truth of these words while you still have the time.
Lyrics and melody by Roland A.D. Inman
November 2014
16
Chorus
So even into older age
My zeal has not diminished
I’d try my best to climb those rocks
My quest just hasn’t finished.
Chorus
Music and words composed by Roland A. D. Inman
10 November 2014
17
Glorious Mistake
Songwriter Profile
Kiss, Bloody Kiss
Sinead
Sinead McAleavey, Hilltown
I live in Hilltown and sing and play the
guitar. I have written some songs and I’m
really keen to develop this and work with
professionals who can lend expertise and
advice. I also enjoy playing with others and
making it all come together.
We are standing in a doorway,
In a doorway
Face to face we shout
You are saying let me in
And I say sweetheart,
Darling let me out
Little stone walls tie the mountains down
Little men’s rules have broken up the ground
Negotiated hills are bleeding into town
Everything’s a mist
Kiss bloody kiss
Ciaran Mussen, Hilltown
I play guitar – basic, and sing but have never
attempted to write a song. This is a good
opportunity to learn.
Chorus:
If I show you how I feel
Will we look at this for real
The chances that we take
I’ll play for your heart
This can be a brand new start
Or a glorious mistake
Chorus:
Oh letters from the mountains
Oh letters from the mountains
Pamela Mc Clelland, Newcastle
I would like the discipline to write songs.
I play the piano, guitar, violin and sing.
Ciaran and Pamela partner Sinead in
“Kiss Bloody Kiss”
Belinda Cullen
I live in the An Cuan Centre, Rostrevor but
I’m originally from Canberra, New Zealand.
I play guitar, bodhran, djembe and sing too.
The Mourne region has become my home,
at least for now. I came over for 2 weeks and
2.5 years later I’m still here! The beauty, the
friendly people and the traditional music
have captured my heart. I love going for long
drives, seeing the sheep and the stone walls,
the glorious hills and the winding roads.
There’s something about this place…
I’m following the music
The music
Drifting through the door
I know you think the grass
Is greener over here
But I am not so sure
Play you for your heart
Play you for your heart
Play you for your heart
Belinda
Without you it’s a lonely place
Light breaks through to an empty space
And Heather bruises up the mountain face
Everything’s a mist
Kiss bloody kiss
Chorus
You want me to say there’s freedom in the thatch
You want me to tell you where to avoid the traps
You asked for a letter
A coloured ego patch
But I have written this
Kiss bloody kiss
I have written this
Kiss bloody kiss
I have written this
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by Sinead McAleavey
in collaboration with Belinda Cullen
Lyrics and melody by Sinead McAleavey
with Pamela Mc Clelland and Ciaran Mussen
d Ciaran
Sinead, Pamela an
Belinda, Sinead an
d Kevin
18
19
Shimna Integrated
School, Newcastle
Just outside my door
Just Outside My Door writers
Moira, Callum, Chloe, Alida, Matthew,
Aaron, Connor, Nathen
St Louis Grammar
School, Kilkeel
The Morning Glory
You don’t always notice
Can’t always see
But I try to focus
Afraid to discover
Almost too much
So close though
I could almost touch
Carved by the wind
It’s cold ageless face
A running river
Enchanted place
Embracing beauty
As it lies
Its towering hills
Go on for miles
Chorus:
So I climb into your arms
Admiring from afar
I saw you for what you really are
You were just outside my door
Chorus x 2
The Mountains of Mourne
A bridge between all
Reach to the sky
To the sea they do fall
A mystery that is hard to climb
Hiding behind the foggy sky
It’s hard to believe that beauty is so shy
Glazed in youth
But seeping with age
It was here I was born
And here I was raised
I draw my last breath
And when I depart
The Mountains of Mourne
Will be in my heart
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by pupils from Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle
With Moira, Callum, Chloe, Alida, Matthew, Aaron, Connor, Nathan
Closer to home
Whispering Mountain
Chorus
The moment, the feelings
The thoughts in my head
The memories of them
The places I’ve stayed
Try to be silent
Together alone
The further away
The closer to home
A walk along the shadow lies
The sun blazing on me
I never want to be defined
My mind is now set free
The air that shoots tranquillity
Though my puzzled mind
Makes me feel serenity
And my shadow close behind
Lyrics and melody by the Wildcats, St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel
With Emma, Brogan, Eoin, Aisling, Orla, Daniel, Michaela, Aidan, Conleth,
Oisin, Aoife, Jill
Chorus:
Still, quiet, safe in the way
Oh how I wish I could stay
Chorus:
The shadow that hears the whispering leaves
Has no choice but to believe
That the beauty will extend for all to see
My shadow of nature following me.
The wind still blowing into my face
Keeping me going even
Through my mistakes
The land is at peace
With the wind and the sky
I think to myself I’m ready to fly
Sparkling water trickling by
Held captive by a stream
Then cascading down the mountain wall
My shadow and I dream
About what else this mountain holds
What else could catch our sight
The luminous leaves then unfold
A new great beam of light
Chorus
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by pupils from Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle
Songwriters Megan Simpson and Marc Bretéché
With Hollie Graham, Chris Ogle, Jack Torrens, Philip Pickering,
Ruairi Richman, Ellie Bretéché , Anna Monteith, Kerri Valentine
The moment, the feelings
The thoughts in my head
The memories of them
The places I’ve stayed
Try to be silent
Together alone
The further away
The closer to home
Lyrics and melody by pupils from St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel
With Aaron, Catherine, Emily, Mary, Sarah, Ellie, Aoife and Rachel
20
21
St Malachy’s High
School, Castlewellan
Many the time
Mountains are grey today
So the rain’s not far away
They stand, so tall
Can the heavens, see them at all?
Chorus:
Many the times, I’ve seen the view
Many the times, I thought of you
Many the times, coloured stone
Many the time, I’m coming home
Colours are everywhere
Green and blue over there
Winter times as white as snow
The howling wind likes to blow.
Chorus
Createschool Profile
Peter Baxter Createschool Director on the
Songschool workshop
Like everyone involved in this project I have
a connection with the area. I lived in the
Mournes as a child and regularly visit family
in the area, enjoying the unique landscape
and culture. When the opportunity to
become involved in this project arose I
was delighted. Working with a variety of
people who brought their own stories,
skills and creativity to the workshops was
very rewarding. I honestly think that the
results of their collaborations are incredibly
valid and should be shared and valued
as contemporary interpretations and
reflections on this ancient space.
Peter Baxter
Lyrics and melody by pupils from
St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan
Queen of the Hills
Kevin Carrick
With Niamh Maguire, Anna Ni Nuallain, Aoife Dobbin, Aaron
Devlin, Anne Gribben, Tieran Egan, Liam Mc Cann, Christopher
Shields, Caitlin Moss, Barry Rogan, Gary Mc Neill
What People said...
Driving home through the mountain
And all I can see is dark
Green trees and an empty road in front of me
It’s early in the morning
The sun begins to rise
Far beyond the mountain
And all those familiar skies
All those involved in the project were excellent in giving support
and instruction. They have helped me develop confidence in
songwriting.
I was delighted to hear that a song making venture was
being established to help all compose words and music
on the subject of the Mourne Mountains. I found it set in
motion many creative thoughts that would express my 45
years of exploration and appreciation for these beautiful,
compact hills. Under the direction and encouragement of
Peter, Kevin and MMLP and finding interchange with other
writers and performers, I was able to produce a number of
songs and a song/poem. I found this not just satisfying,
especially with the prospect of having works in print but
the whole process of being with others was stimulating and
up lifting. I hope that there will be other events that bring
people together in a mutual way as this has done.
Thank you, Roland
I learned about the lines of songs and keeping to a number
of syllables. I would be interested in knowing more about
putting music to words. I really enjoyed the support provided
throughout the course.
Chorus:
I want to go to the mountain where
I can be queen
Where the fog will cover me
And I can’t be seen
That everlasting lonely place
Is home to me
And every time I go there
I feel so free
This was my first time to ever play with others in a group… I am
so happy with this and look forward to the next workshop!
I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with other musicians
and like-minded individuals on a subject which is so unique.
The venues, An Cuan (Rostrevor) and Tory Bush Cottages
(Bryansford) were fantastic and the landscape inspirational.
Thanks for a well worth experience.
Looking through my window
There forms a work of art
The isolated mountains
Have a place in my heart
This utopic feeling
Even when alone (pause)
It gives my soul the healing
To find my way back home
The song writing project has really helped me to build
confidence and develop skills in composing and performing.
My sons and I have had great craic in the process and we
all really enjoyed mixing it up a little by working with other
musicians. The focus on the Mourne landscape helped us
to zone in on themes that meant something to us. Peter
and Kevin from Songschool always managed to put us at
ease but also squeezed a little more out of us in writing and
performing. Many thanks to the MMLP for organising the
project, it goes to show what can be done creatively in the
area when funding and support is available.
John Shannon
I have met other musicians and collaborated on different
genres of music. I now also have a recording of a song!
The workshops where a great place to network, learn music
processes and develop ideas. Inspirational!
This is my first time at anything like this and I would welcome
further workshops. It was very enjoyable and informative.
I learned how to write songs and perform them with others.
Chorus
Lyrics and melody by pupils from St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan
With Rachel Kearney, Shauna Keenan, Aoife Mc Kibben, Aoife Kane, Conor
Jones, Lauren Fitzsimons, Katie Lundy, Megan Hogg. Niamh Donaghy,
Dianaimh O’ Donnell, Wiktoria Wysocka
22
I have been writing lyrics and songs as a hobby for years. It’s
what I love to do for relaxation. So this chance to collaborate
with other songwriters was great. The Mourne landscape
inspires me to write songs, be creative and enjoy what I do.
23