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Sleeve Notes
Aran Girl — I wrote this song for Danny O'Flaherty of Connemara, now living in New Orleans, who often sat and talked to me of the hunting of the basking shark and the anxiety of the zoomenfolk waiting for the return of the men from the sea.
Ocean — Life started with the sea and one day will end there. The sea has given so much to us and all we have done in return is destroy her. She is the oldest living thing on this earth and without her we are doomed.
Anach Cuain — Such a beautiful air from such a tragic time, revealing the terrible sadness of it all. Millions died, but we survived somehow. The Great Famine was the end, but also the beginning.
Gypsy Goboy — I first met apartheid when I was about four. Being of gypsy blood it found me and came with the squeaky clean craw thumping image that I still can't understand.
You Enter My Soul — The great spirit moves in strange ways. I know because He or She has come to my aid many times in my life. I do believe in a great power. The power of hope. It can create heaven itself and does so every day.
My Song of Emigration — This is a song about young men who emigrated looking for work, never made it and couldn't return home because their pride would not let them. They still hold Ireland in their hearts and dreams.
Roy's Tribute — My best friend in laughter and music will always be Roy Williamson. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago. He was the best man at our Wedding in Scotland and when we first met it was to start a whole new world of music for both of us. He taught me to play guitar and I in return taught him to play the whistle and flute. I still remember and sadly miss him. He was the flower of Scotland. When will we see your likes again?
Journeys Of Love — For Sheila. It holds a lot of our lives together. I have no better friend and I couldn't ask for a greater jewel in my life.
The Wind & The Rain — "Deceit for freedom. I can't be there, but don't leave me. Tell me you love me and then it's all right". The future is gone and the past is where your life remains forever.
Amadán — Four sets of pipes, a couple of pints, Frankie Gavin on fiddle and there you are!
Travelling Lady — It broke her gypsy heart to settle down but she did it for her boys. To give up her freedom was like trapping a bird in a cage, but she never complained. She only broke one promise to us - she said she would never leave us. I miss her every day of my life.
Takes Two — Written for two good friends who lost each other somewhere back in time. A change of heart means a change of mind. Love and hate; two sides of the heart. Depends on what gives or what takes.
Carrickfergus — One of my favourite Irish melodies that I've always wanted to record. This one is for Gibb Todd.
Mrs A — Drink! Never again! How many times have I heard it said, but we still run to caress her in times of joy and despair. She's always there waiting with open arms and we all love her with a passion. She is the lover of all lovers and we would all love to stay with her. When you're fresh and well come and see me again, son. Never!