Mullen It Over – Stories and Music

By

Bill Mullen

IntroductionFirstly–ThankYou–ifyou’rereadingthisitmeansyouhavemynewalbum.

Ihopeyoulikeit.

Theinspirationforthesesongscamefromseveralsources,mostlymymemoriesofgrowingupinDundee,Scotlandandfriendsandfamilywhohadaninfluenceonme,orstorieswhichIjusthadtowritedownand

share.

ThereareafewpeopleIwouldliketorecognisefortheirhelp:

• Dorothy(mywife)whohasbeenonthispathwithme100%oftheway,patientlyworkingaroundmyclutterandgivinghersealofapprovalwhenneeded.

• Kyle,Valerie,BigTam,Dorothy,TheMaherswhohaveapprovedthesongswhichincludethem.

• AnthonyMoynihanforthelaughsaroundSausagesforTea.• KevinNettleinghamwhorecordedthealbumforhisskillfulengineering,musical

skillsandadvice…andCalebforhisartwork.• MichelleRuppmyTourManagerforfindingmeplacestoplayaroundtheUSA.• SteveandCathiBehrensforencouragingmeto“WriteItDown”.

So–pleasereadthestories,enjoythesongsandyoucanfollowmeasIcontinuethisjourneybysigningupformymonthlynewsletter(onmywebsite)and“liking”myfacebookpagebelow:

• http://www.bill-mullen.com(website)• http://www.facebook.com/billmullenentertains(facebook)• https://wordpress.com/stats/insights/billmullenblog.wordpress.com(blog)• andpleasefeelfreetosendemailfeedbacktomeatbill@bill-mullen.com

1.IHeardYourLaugh-StoryMydadwasacharacter.HeworkedasanelectricianfortheDundeeEasternCooperativeSociety(DECS)inScotlandfor25years–happy,busyandalwaysuptosomething…usuallyinvolvingpintsofbeerandoraweedram.Whereveryouwere,youwouldhearhimbeforeyousawhim,hehadaninfectiouslaughthatjustcheeredyouup,howeveryouwerefeeling.Hewouldalwayshaveastory,likethetimewhenhewascyclingtoworkdowntheLocheeroadandhisbikegotstuckinthetramlinesgoingdownhill–hejusthadtogowheretheywent,incompletelythewrongdirection.HewouldalsoborrowvansfromtheDECS–Irememberhimwaitingoutsidemyschooltogivemeandmypalsalifthomeinabigwineandcreamcolouredbutchersshopvanwithahugemetalcowsheadonthefrontandashopwindowontheside.Wehowledwithlaughterallthewayhomeaswehungontothemeathooksinthebackandmydadhonkedthehornwhichwent“MOOOO!!!”Soyougetthepicture,mydadwasfulloffun-averyhappyman.We(mybrotherDougandI)knewverylittleabouthischildhoodorteenageyears,hesaidhejustwenttoStJohnsschoolinDundeebutgavenodetails.Hewasanexpertatchangingthesubject–andweboyswereeasilydistractedbyhisstoriesorweetoysoldiersormetalcarshe’djustproducefromhisoveralls.Yearslaterafterhe’dpassedawayattheageof75,myauntieCathywassufferingfromcancerandknewshedidn’thavelong.OnedaywhenshewasalonewithmywifeDorothy,shetoldDorothythatmydadhadswornherandmyUncleEddie(mydad’sbrother)tosecrecy-theywerenevertotelltheboys(DougandI)ofhischildhood.Sincesheknewshedidn’thavelong,CathiehaddecidedthatshecouldtellDorothyandstillbetruetohervowofsecrecytomydad.Hewasoneofninechildren,thethirdyoungest.Hismotherdiedwhenhewasfiveyearsoldandhisfatherhadgoneblind,whichheclaimedwascausedbymustardgaspoisoninghesufferedfromduringWorldWarI.Thefathercouldn’tcope,sothefiveyoungestchildrenweresentofftoanorphanageinPaisley,theirfather’shometownandtheolderladsweresenttoworktoearnmoney.Istillknowverylittleofthattime,IhaveapictureofthemintheorphanagewhichAuntieCathygaveDorothyandaboutamonthago(July2016)mycousinKristina,daughterofJames,thesecondyoungestbrother,discoveredouruncleDavid,theyoungestbrother,stillaliveandwell,livinginGlasgow.Ihavestilltomeethim,buthetoldastoryabouthowpoorandhungrytheywereintheorphanage.Thenextdoorneighbourstookpityonthemandwouldleavecheeseoutforthem.Davidbeingthesmallestwashoistedoutofthewindowandsenttogetthecheese.Ibethestillremembersthetasteofthecheesetillthisday.IwrotethesongbecauseIwantedtosharehowwellmydadhaddonetoliveahappy,loving,fulfilledlifedespitehishorriblestart.It’sironicthathenevertoldanyone–butIhavechosentotelleveryone,Iamproudofhimandhowhedidn’tletthatbadstartruinhislife,He’djustlaughandhavea“carry-on”.

IHeardYourLaugh-Song:KeyGChorusG C G–C-GIheardyourlaugh...anditbrightenedupmyday (f#) Em C D7Iheardyourlaugh...andmytroublesflewaway C D G CCheerysmile,rosycheekscamelaughingupthepath(pausehereonchorus1&2) G D GLikeanaughtyweeboywhobubbledinthebathVerse1 Em C G (f#) EmHismotherdiedandleftthemafterchildnumbernine, G DThefamilytoPaisleyitwassent Em C G (f#) EmAnorphanagewasbrutalandhardforayounglad G D G–C-GYethelearnedtolaughandmakethewholeworldshineChorusVerse2HenevertoldhisstoryofPaisleytousboysHischildhoodtalesjustwanderedoffacliffAswetriedtoaskhimquestions,we'dgetthrownoffthetrackWithatalltaleorhe'dgiveustwoweetoysChorusMiddle8F C G F C GWho-oo-knew;Who-oo-wouldhavethoughtF C G C DWho-oo-knew;Oooo-oo-IdidnotSolo(12-stringguitar)overChorusmelodyfollowedbyChorusVerse3IheardthetruesadstorywhenhewasdeadandgoneIcriedandfeltsosorryformydadInmyheadIheardhimsay“Achdinnayoubedaft!”He'djustlaughandhaveacarryonChorusx2(onthelastChorussing“who’shappyinthebath”insteadof“whobubbled…”)

2.AndWeSang–Story Mymumwasthequeenofourhouse.Herfather,PatrickKelly(fromDublin)diedwhenshewasfour,soshewasbroughtup,anonlychild,byhermotherinGlasgow,Scotland.Shetoldmestoriesofhowhermotherwasabitoverprotective,shewasn’tallowedtoswim,rideabikeordoanythingthatmightharmher.WhenWorldWarIIbrokeout,shewas11.Shetoldmethatbecausetheylivedinthecity,allchildrenneededtobeevacuatedtothecountry.Hermotherwasveryupsetbythat,butastherewerebombingsoftheGlasgowshipyardsbytheGermanLuftwaffe,sheagreedtoletmymumgo.Mymumandherpalwerequiteexcitedtobegoingofftothecountry–itwasanadventureforthem.Twodaysaftertheyhadarrivedatthefarmwheretheyweretostay,hermumshowedupatthedoortotakeherhome,shecouldn’tbeartobewithoutherweegirl.Shesaid“Ifwegetbombed,wegetbombed-atleastwe’llbetogether”.SomymumspentthewaryearswithhermumtryingtoekeouttherationstampsforfoodandhidingintheairraidsheltersatnightastheGermanbombersflewoverheadpoundingtheClydebankshipyards.Althoughitsoundsscaryforayounglass,mymumfounditexcitingandenjoyedthenightlysing-songsintheair-raidshelter,wherepeoplewouldsharewhatlittletheyhadandenjoystoriesandsongsuntiltheall-clearsirenswouldsound.Hermumofcoursewasnotpleasedthatmymumwasenjoyingis,soshehadtobemoresubduedaroundhermum.Attheendofthewar,shewasdelightedwhenrationingwasliftedanddifferentvarietiesoffoodstartedshowingupinshops-sherememberedherfirstbananaandfirstpineapplewithimmensedelight.Theyhadbeenabletogetbananaflavouredthingsduringthewar…butarealbanana–wow–seventyyearslatershewouldstilllightupwhensherecalledthatfirsttasteofarealbanana…andapineapple…unbelievable,howluckyshewas!!!Mymum’sstorieswerealwaysofnicethingsandifbadthingshappened,shebelievedthatwell,itmusthavebeenmeant.Anydisappointmentwasbrushedawaywith“well,nevermind,itjustwasn’tmeanttobe…”.Thatwashersimplerecipeforlife-allgoodthathappenedwas“meanttobe”….allbad“justwasn’tmeanttobe”andwewouldalljustmoveon.SheworkedinashoeshopwhenIwasatprimaryschool.Onedayherboss,MrHislop,tookherasideandsaid“Rita,youarewastedhere–youcandomorethanthis,whydon’tyougobacktostudyandbecomeateacher–thereisashortageandyou’dbegreatatthat”.Ithinkthat’stheonlycareeradvicemymumeverhad–soshetookitandpassedthroughtoteachingwithflyingcolours.IrememberheremergingfromtheStClementsschoolsurroundedbyahostofchildren,theywereaskingherquestions,tellingherstories,laughing,smiling,delighted,achildoneachhandandsomeclingingontoherdress.Mymumradiant,smiling,answeringcalmlyandhappilyinthemiddleofthescene.Evenafterherstrokeattheageof74,sheremainedbrightforanothertenyears,stillpampered,anavidGlasgowCeltic(orwasitHenrikLarsson)supporterandhersongatsing-songtime“queserasera”.Acalmwoulddescentinthenursinghomeaseveryonesangknowingthatwhateverwillbe,willbe.

AndWeSang–Song:KeyDVerse1D G D ARunning,notfast,readingabook,jumpingwithropesupanddownonthestreetD G D G A DBusyoldGlasgow,burstingwithlife,hopesofthefuture,promiseandjoy-ohA G D G D ARationsandbombings,ohlookabanana,buildingalifeupagainG D A G DLoveonthedancefloor,LoveinthekitchenandLovewhenyoumarriedyourboyChorus A D A AndwesangQueSeraSera,Whateverwillbe,willbe G DAswefloatedalongtherewaspeace,thereweresmiles A DAswesangQueSera,QueSeraVerse2Sailingthroughlife,ignoringthebad,onlyseeingthefine,thebestandthegoodTeaching'sthething,makingyourmark,shapingthemindsandthelivesoftheyoungGrowingthroughknowledge,aplaceofrespect,learnedandearnedbyyouSurroundedbychildren,smilingattention,feelingtheirlifehasbegunChorusMiddleeightG D A DOhmy,thedayswerelongIntheSummerthenightstheywerebrightG D A DChurchonaSunday,damnation,forgivenessKeepinguswellwithinsightSolo(overVersemelody)followedbyChorusVerse3Lifehurriesonandbeforeyouknowit,you'reold,can’tgetuporroundandaboutAnicecupofteawithabiscuitorthreeandvisitsfrompalsandaprayerwiththenunsStoriesandgossip,comeontheCeltic,enjoyingoutsideinthesunEasterSundayatripthroughthepark,laughingoftimeswithyoursonsChorusx2(lasttimeadd“whateverwillbewillbe,aswesangQueSera,QueSera.”)

3.OneinaMillion-StoryAsongtomywife,Dorothy.Astheyearsgobyandmylifedevelops,Imoreandmorereflectonhowourliveswouldbetotallydifferentifwehadjustbeeninadifferentplace,timeortookdifferentchoices.Somanythingswouldnothavehappened.Fortunatelymineisahappystory,it’sabouthowImetDorothy.ItwasaFridaynightinDundee,IwasattendingDundeeCollegeofCommerceandsharingaflatwithmyclassmate,CliveLumgair.CliveworkedintheDundeeUniversitystudentsunionbehindthebarmostweekendsandhaddecidedtohaveapartyatourflatthatFriday.Cliveoftendecidedtohavepartiesatourflat.Somewerebig,someweren’t,itdependedonhowmanypeopleCliveinvitedfromtheUniversityunion.MypalMike,thebassplayerinmyband,andI,bothsingleboys,decidedthatwewantedtotakeadatetothepartyandbyFridayeveningitbecameclearthatwejusthadn’taskedanyonetogowithus.AswewalkedupCrichtonStreetwewerebothfeelingabitdisappointedinourselves,wehadn’thadthecouragetoasksomeoneout.AtthetopofCrichtonStreet,twonicelookinggirlsouragewerewalkingalongtheNethergatetowardsus.Neitherofushadevereventriedtopickupastrangerinthestreetbefore,butwelookedateachotheranddecided“whynot?”.ThegirlsturnedouttobeDorothyandherfriendShona.TheyhadgonetoKirktonHighSchool,aprotestant/non-denominationalschool,MikeandIhadbeenatLawside,aCatholicschool…thechancesofusmeetinginnormalcircumstanceswereslim.Wegottalking,IreallylikedDorothy,MikelikedShonaandoffwewenttotheparty.Thepartywasadisaster,Clivehadmetthisgirlhelikedandhadn’tbotheredinvitinganyoneelse.DespitethatDorothyandIweregettingonreallywellandsheagreedtocomealongtotheDundeeLeisureCentrethefollowingeveningwheremyband,“Badge”wasplaying.Fortunatelyshelikedtheband…andme…andwestartedgoingouttogether.Yearslater,whentalkingwithfriendsabouthowwemet,Dorothytoldthistaleofhowshe(inherusual100mphbrain)consideredallthatcouldgowrongandwhatcluesshewouldleaveinbloodonthesidewalkiftheworstcametotheworst…andshenevergetstheblondone(Mikehadblondhair…(butMikewasalsoMike…)).Thiswasallasurprisetome…Iknewitwasn’tnormalfornormalgirlstogowithpeoplewhoapproachedthemonthestreet…butitwasjustmeandMike–prettyharmless.Itdoesamazemethatthisallhappenedmorethanfortyyearsagoandwehavebeenmarriedforalmost38yearsofthat.Wehavetwochildren,aboy,Kyle,28andagirl,Valerie,25.Valerieislivinginmymum&dad’soldhouseinScotland,marriedtoanOregonian,KyleisengagedtoagirlfromWisconsin,theyareinAustraliarightnow…headingfortheUSAsoon(visapermitting).Again,itallamazesme–howmuchdependsonchance,beingintherightplaceattherighttime.IfinishedwritingthesonginDecember2015,wewereinSanDiego,CaliforniaforacoupleofmonthsinourRV–wehadtoldeachotherthatweshouldn’tgiveeachotherpresents–thistravellinglifeslimsdownyourneedfor“stuff”…andyou’venowheretoputitanyway.So,thiswasDorothy’s2015Christmaspresent.I’mhappytosayshestilllikesit…anditcanstilldrawatear.WhowouldhavethoughtIwouldwritealovesong?

Oneinamillion–Song:KeyD(playedinGshapeonBaritoneguitar,ripplepickingstyle)Chorus(rundowntoAfromDbeforeChorus(d-c-b-a))A D (d-c-b-)Aoneinamillionchance,towinlife'slottery,A G D AAoneinamillionchance,therewasyouandtherewasme,G A F#m GWhatdoesthefuturehold?wehaven'tgotaclue,D A G A DButitwasveryeasytofall…inlove…withyouVerse1D A G A DFridaynightinDundeetown,AtthetopofCrichtonStreetD A G D AMikeandI,justsingleboyshopedthattwogirlswe'dmeet G A F#m GWhenyouwalkedalongtheNethergateI'mnotsureifIknew D A G A DThatwewouldbetogetherandI'dfall...inlove....withyouChorusVerse2I'veheardyourshockingstory,Ofwhatranthroughyourhead,Thatyounevergettheblondone,andthatyou'dmaybeendupdead,Ithoughtyouwerelovely,thenicerofyoutwo,Yourgreeneyesshoneasyousmiledatme,OhIcouldfall...inlove...withyouChorus–Harmony2xlowDwhistlesoloMiddle8C Am C AmWebrokeupafewtimes,Ithoughtthatweweredone

C Am C D7 thenyousmiledatmeinthestreetoneday,thesummerhadbegun...Verse3ByOctoberweweremarried,withonepoundtomynameAtinyflatwasourfirsthome,weweredelightedjustthesameWemetfortyyearsago,lovelychildren,wehavetwoWewereaboyandagirlatCrichtonStreetThenIfell....Inlove...withyou.....Chorus...followedbylastline“WewereaboyandagirlatCrichtonStreet,ThenIfell....Inlove...withyou.....

4.TheBoldParakeet:-Story“ThestoryofStinkySamtheluckysailorman”.It’sachild’sstorybook–atleastitwillbeassoonasI’vewrittenit.ItwasNovember2015inDundee,Scotland,I’djustturned60.I’dplayedagigattheClepbarwithmypalPatFerriethedaybefore.Weplayedwell,Iwassweatinghard(asusual),thebeerwasflowing,BigTamhaddiscovered“MonkeysShoulder”whiskyandinsistedthatIshouldhaveone…whichledtomore…IateahotIndiangarlickycurrywhenIgothome.IalsothinkIsmokedacigarthatnight,maybenot,maybeIjustateone.InanycasewhenIwokethenextmorningIwasconsciousofthissweaty,garlickypungentsmellintheroom,ittookafewminutesbeforeIrealized…itwascomingfromme.IrememberlaughingasIturnedoveramazedathowhorriblyIsmelled(I’mnotusuallysobad…honest!)thinking“whiskyandgarlicandadarnfinecigar…”there’sacrackerofalineforapirateysongifevertherewas.That’show“StinkySam”cametobe.Forthoseofyouwhocometomyshows,Iliketohavesomegoodgoingjoiner-innerswherepeoplecansingthechorus–soIsatdowntoseeifIcouldwriteasea-faringsong.I’ddecidedagainstapiratesongandinsteadwroteaboutSamwhostartedhiscareerasalowlyclerkfollowinghismasteratthedockside,takingnotesandfollowinguptheadministrationwitheachdealthemastermade.Mymainfocuswasonthechorus–gettingarousingswingingsea-faringsoundgoing.Ididthat,thenwasstuck…Ineededastory,butwasdrawingablank.AboutthreemonthslaterasweweretravellingtoFlorida,westoppedovernightatanRVparkwheretherewasalotofbirdnoisesbesidethemainbuilding.TherewerebeautifulParakeetsinabigcagesquawkingboldlyatusaswetalkedtothem.IlaughedasIrealizedI’dfoundthenameofStinkySam’sship…“theBoldParakeet”.Thatevening,IopenedupthesongI’dstartedallthoseweeksagoandwroteabouttheadventurewhereSamdiscoversashipwhichhadbeenattackedandapirateshipwhichhadattackedit…withnosurvivorsoneitherside(hencetheluckysailorman).Bytheendofthesong,he’dbecomethecaptain…andhestillwashedonceamonth,ifheneedsitornot.IfinishedthesongafewweekslaterinFlorida,replacing“Ifartinmybunk”with“Iscratchinmybunk”(andIdon’tcareajot)andthesongworked,thestoryworkedandIknewitwasonemycrowdwouldsingalongto.SobetweenaDundeegigtoFloridathevoyagesofBoldParakeetemerged…withastinkycaptain.

TheBoldParakeet–Song:Key=C(capo5thfretplayG))(playedon12stringguitar)ChorusC F C F GWhiskyandGarlicandaDarnfineCigar,Bottlesofrumthatarestinkingoftar C F C G CIscratchinmybunkandIdon'tcareajot,IwashonceamonthifIneeditornotVerse1C G C G7WhenIwasaladIwasproperandfine,Istudied,workedhardandfoundmeajob, C G C D GIearnedafewcoppersandspentallmytime,ChasingafterthemanwhopaidafewbobTheBoldParakeethadfivemastsan’lookedgrand,It'srailwaspolishedandgleamedinthesunThefirsttimeIsawitIknewIwouldstand,Onthedeckandshout"Hey"IcouldbesomeoneChorusVerse2Onedayatthedocks,master'smakingadeal,Withaheartyoldcaptainatradeoh-sosweetGoldpassedbetweenthem,itmademyheadreel,theseasImustroveontheBoldParakeetIfoundtheseacaptaininatavernthatnight,Wedrank,welaughedandIjoinedhiscrewWesetsailthenextday,IknewIwasright,AdventurewascallingandgoldformetooChorusVerse3WhilesailingfromFranceweespiedalargecraft,Attackedandabandoneditdriftedforhoursitsweeboathungforeandit'smaststheylayaft,ItscrewwereallgonebutitscargowasoursApirateship,nearbyfloatingwefound,ItlistedtoportandthecrewwerealldeadCasketsoftreasurewereourstoimpound,AnotherweeholesunkittotheseabedChorusUkelelesolo&whistlesolooverVerseMelodyChorusVerse4(shortverse)ForyearsIhavetravelledaroundthehighseas,Captainandproud,myshipsailsatreatI'masrichasaking,IdoasIplease,AndI'llliveoutmydaysontheBoldParakeetChorusafterlastline,repeat“I<wash>oncea<month>ifI<need>itor<not>(abruptstop&Bodhranflourish)“

5.Adam-StoryThisisasongIwroteforAdamMathewson.HeandChristine(mydaughter’smother-in-law)hadfalleninloveandwerelivinghappilyinthehillsaboveNewburg,OregononhisChristmastreefarm.HeandChristineplannedtomeetusupinWashingtonatOceanshoresbythePacificOceanandcamptogether.Wehadn’tseenthemforayearaswe’djustcompletedourfirstyearstouraroundtheUSA.IwasplayingthereattheGalwayBayIrishPubthatweekendinAugust2015.Atthelastminuteweheardthattheycouldn’tmakeitbecauseAdamhaddevelopedastubborncoughandneededtoseeaspecialist.Thatstubborncoughturnedouttobecanceroftheworstkind.Afteralotoftherapyandanoperation,itbecameclearthathewouldn’tsurvive.Hehelda“wheelchairparty”whichwashischancetomeetpeopleforthelasttimeandsaygoodbye–essentiallyahappytypeoffuneralwherehewaspresenttoo.DorothyandIflewfromNewOrleanstoPortland1stMarch2016tospendafewdayswiththemandattendtheparty.Adamwasinfinespirits,moreconcernedabouteveryoneelsethanhewasabouthimself.ThepartywasalotoffunandAdamspenttimewitheveryoneandexplainedthesituationkindlytoanyonewhodidn’treallyunderstandbutwerereluctanttoask.Hewasfantastic–Ireallyrespectwhathedid.HissonAndrewisakeenphotographer(aswasAdam)andbetweenthemtheypulledtogetherahugeslideshowwhichranalldayinthelivingroom.Youcouldsitandwatchordipinandoutofitthroughtheday.Itwascleartoseewheretheyhadfocused–onthefamily,fourchildren,ontheirsharedloveoftheoutdoors,rambling,exploring,mountainhikinginNewZealand,kayaking,walkswiththeirdogsandthebeautyoftheChristmastreefarmwherehelived.IhaddecidedbeforethetripthatIwouldwritehimasong–butIwasunsureofwhattoinclude,Ialreadyhadataglineof“themanintheChristmastreefarm”whichIlikedbutIhadn’twantedtosumhimupasonlythat.HewasaccomplishedinITwork,hehadtravelled,hadanengineering-typebrainandhadmanyotherthingshehaddone.WereturnedtoNewOrleansthentravelledtoCocoaBeachFloridawhereIsetaboutwritingthesong.TheslideshowathispartyconfirmedIwasright,hewasthemanintheChristmastreefarm,helovedhisfamily,helovedtheoutdoors,helovedChristine.Thatshouldbethesong.IcriedsomuchwritingthesongIwonderedifIwouldeverbeabletosingit,butIhaditinmyheadthatIneededtowriteit,recorditandsendittohim…andquickly,ashedidn’thavelong.TheRVparkwewereinallowedmetouseoneoftheirhallstorehearseandrecordthesong.GrassmowingwhileIwasrecordingseemedtobeessential,truckdriving,enginerevving,reversing,dogbarkingandloudchattingoutsidethebuildingdrovemecrazywithfrustration…butIgotitdone,eventually.Therecordingwasn’tgreat–butitwasgoodenough.IsentittohimtheafternoonofMarch24th–thedayIfinishedrecording.Itarrivedjustashepassedawaysurroundedbyhisfamily.WemissyouAdam.

Adam–Song:Key=EChorus

E B7 EHe'sthemanintheChristmastreefarm, A E B7Athomeonthehillswiththesunandtherain, A B C#m AWiththeclearestofairandhisdogsrunningfree E B7 EHe'sthemanintheChristmastreefarm,Verse1 E B7 E A E B7Thehappytime,thehandsomeman,fourchildrendoadore A B7 C#m A E B7 ETheyhikeduphills,swaminthesea,HetaughtthemtoseekandexploreChorusVerse2NewZealand’shighandhobbittypathsthroughtunnelstheywouldclimbTheyfoundthebeautyoftheEarthsuspendedthereintimeMiddle8Andoh-ohtheWintersnowAndohtheMountain'shighAndoh-ohthebrighteststarsInthetwinklingmysteriousskyWhistlesolooverchorusfollowedbyChorusVerse3Aftersaddenedyearshemetupwithhisbeautifulflaxen-hairedloveStrollingtogetherthroughtallDouglasfir,blessedwithagiftfromaboveChorusMiddle8Verse4SoadieutoyoumyChristmastreeman,farewelltoyouourfriendYoursmilesandyourlaughwilllingerwithus,preserveduntilourendChorusx2

6.NightQuestions-StoryWhenmysonKylewasaweeboy,IlovedthosedayswhenIwashomeintimetoputhimtobed.Hereallyenjoyedabedtimestoryandasong…thenhewouldaskhisquestion.Everynight,thesamequestion–“Iseverythinggoingtobealright?”Thefirsttimeheaskedit,Iwastakenaback–therewassomuchgoingonintheworldthatIthoughtwouldn’tbealrightthatIfeltIneededtoexplainthethingswhichwouldandwouldn’tbealright…butwe’llbealright.Heseemedhappywiththat.OnthoseeveningswhenIwastiredandjustsaid“yeseverythingwillbealright”hewouldlookatmewithhis“oh,Idon’tthinkso”faceandask“whatabout...horriblesubject1?”,“whatabout…horriblesubject2?”,hewatchedtheDutchnews(whichdoesn’tpullitspunches),andwouldrememberthesesubjects.Ifhefelthewasn’tgettingafullandfrankparentalanalysisof“everything”hewouldkeepasking…his“BSantenna”wastunedtoahighsensitivity.Irememberthinkingabouttheresponsibilityyouhaveasaparent,it’ssomethingIneverthoughtaboutmuchbeforewehadhim.Achildisaspongejustsoakingupfacts,news,feelings,sensations–allsortsoffactorsofthisnewworldthey’vebeenborninto.IalsorememberhowunpreparedIfeltforthisandhowseriouslyheandItooktheseconversationsjustbeforehewenttosleep.IworriedthatImightupsethimandhewouldn’tsleep,butKylewouldbemoreupsetifhesensedthathewasn’tgettingastraightforwardanswer,itwasthat“antenna”again.Iquicklymovedonfromthe“ohdear,whatdoIsay”stagetothe“well,here’swhatIthinkaboutthis…”stage.ItwasalsoclearthatnoanswerwastoobigorcomplicatedforKyle,hejustkeptaskinguntilhe’dgotyoutobreakitdownintoreasonablechunksthatactuallymadesense–orshowedhowlittlesenseasituationhad–butwasindeedhappening.ThereweretimeswhereIwouldlookforinspiration,sometimesafteralongdayatworkoratstressfultimeIdidn’tfeelreadytobethewisefatherheneeded…buthewouldalsoacceptananswerof“Ireallydon’tknow,buthere’swhatIthinkaboutsomeofthethingsaroundit”…andhewouldcomebacktothesubjectindaystocomeuntilIdidknow(memorylikeanelephant).OneofthosetimeswaswhenmygroupatworkwasbeingtoldthatitwouldbemovingtoLondon.WewerelivinginalovelyweevillageintheNetherlandsonacherry-blossomlinedstreetwithveryniceelderlyneighbourswhoadoredKyle.Wewereveryhappy–andasmuchasIwantedtokeepanopenmindaboutamovetoLondonandlookedforthepositive…Ireallydidn’tthinkitwasagoodmoveandwaslookingforalternativesthatwouldkeepourhappylittlelivesintactintheNetherlands…then,withthoseclearinnocenteyes,helooksatmeandasks“Iseverythinggoingtobealright?”Well,wesurvivedthisfar–he’s28yearsoldnow,lefttheNetherlandswithuswhenwemovedtotheUSAin2007,graduatedwithadoublemajorinbusinessstudiesandJapanese,spentfouryearsinJapan,isfluentinDutch,JapaneseandEnglish,isfinishingayearinAustralia,movingtotheNetherlandsthengoingtoWisconsintogetmarriedtohislovelyfiancéwhenhisUSAvisacomesthrough…andstilloccasionallyIstillgetatextfromhim…“Iseverythinggoingtobealright?“…butnowheattachesasmileyfacetoit.

NightQuestions–Song:KeyC,Chorusx2 C G CIseverythinggoingtobealright?,bealright?,bealright? C G C (b–a)Iseverythinggoingtobealright?-bealright...dad?Verse1Am GwhatcanItellyoumabonnyweeladAm G I’msupposedtoknowtheanswers-becauseIamyourdadAm GIt’sjustasimplequestionbutitmeanssomuchtoyouC E7 Am(b)CIwantyoutoliedownandsleepandmyanswertobetrueChorusVerse2BeforeyoucameintothisworldIhadn'tgotaclueWhatraisingupachildwouldbe,especiallyonelikeyouYouaskasimplequestion,andlookexpectantlyThere'ssomuchin"everything"andyouareaskingmeChorusVerse3Stateofthecountry,thehealthoftheplanetDrink,drugs,rockandroll-embraceitorbanit,Onesaystherightisleft,theothersaysitsright,Ifyoulistencarefully,they'rejusttalkingshhhhhh....ChorusMiddle8(rhythmchangetoslow3/4time)Am G C GPleasegivemewisdom-grantmeinsightIwanttosay"yes"andlethimsleepallthroughthenight Am G C E7 Am (b)CThefollow-onquestions,maybenoneormany,HelistensandhearsyouthroughhisBSantennaeChorusfollowedbysolo(ukulele),repeatVerse1followedbyChorusx2(suddenstopending)

7.BigTam–Story:KeyGIhadfallenoutoftouchwithmypalandex-bandmatePatFerrie.OnetimewhenIwasbackinDundee,IheardthathewouldbedrinkingintheClepbar,sowewentuptothepub.Therehewas,anolderversionofmypalPat,delightedtoseemeagain–andIwasimmediatelyadoptedbyPat’sfriendsintheClep.WhenIleftthepublaterthatevening,mysidesweresorewithlaughing,PatandhispalsweresofulloffunandjokesthatIcouldn’tstoplaughing.Whatagreatreunionthatwas.Ashortwhileafterwards,PatandIplayedagigintheClepwhichwasjustlikeoldtimes,Ilovedit.Oneofthecharactersinthepubstoodoutinmorewaysthanone.HeisBigTam.Oneofthehappiest,funniestmenyoucouldmeet.Alwaysinthethickofthefun,quickwitted,throwinghilariouscommentsandjibesatanyonewhodeservedthem.Onmusicnightshereallycameintohiselement–helovesmusic,especiallyScottishmusic.Youcanseetheenthusiasmandexcitementwrittenalloverhimasheenjoyslisteningtothemusic–heissopassionatelyconnectedtothesongshelikesit’swonderfultoseehiminraptures.OnoneofmyvisitstoDundee,IcalledPatbeforewewereduetoplayinthepubandaskedhimhowwaseverybodyinthepubandweretheylookingforwardtoourgig.Pat’sreplystuckwithme,hesaid“Oh,BigTam’sfairexcited,he’sbouncingallovertheplace!”IcouldjustseeBigTam,heisabigman,withabig,solidbeerbelly-about20yearspregnant-bouncingaroundashedoeswhenhe’sexcited,fullofenergy,laughingandjokingwitheveryone.Rightenough,whenourdatecame,BigTamwasrighttherejoininginandenjoyingeveryminute.BigTamtravelsaroundtheareasurroundingDundeeforhisjob.OneofhismissionsinlifeistofindthebestScottishfood(haggis,whitepuddings,bridies,clootiedumplings),bringsometotheCleptosharewithhispals.Onamusicnight,Tamlovestobringalonga“clootiedumpling”whichisarich,darkraisinandfruit-cake-likepuddingboiledinacloth(acloot)whichmakesathinmoistskinformaroundit,makingitadumpling.TamknowsIloveclootiedumplingandweusuallyhaveapieceofiftogetherwithanicemaltwhisky…delicious.Tamalsolovestodoasolospotwherehesingshisfavourites“Dreamseller”whichincludedhiskazoosolo(muchtothedelightoftheClepaudience)and“Staro’theBar”wherehesingsthewordssopassionatelythatyou’dthinkheknowsthewoman(theburd)inthesong.Atoneofmyfirstgigsthere,someoneaskedmetoplay“SweetCaroline”,Idid…andatthepartwhereUSAaudiencessing“sogood,sogood,sogood”,BigTambouncedintothemiddleofthefloorinfrontofmeandyelled“Idon’tbelieveit,you’remakin’itup…yabitch”…Iwastakenabackandrealizedthateverybodyhadyelledit,laughing,withhim.AfterthesongIaskedPat–whatwasthatallabout…hesaid“it’sjustBigTam…andlaughed.SoImakeapointofplayingthesongwhenIgotherejusttohearBigTam’schantinthemiddle.IvisitedDundeeinAprilandpromisedIwouldplayoneofmynewsongs–ofcourseithadtobeBigTam.BeforeIstarteditItoldthemthatitwasasongaboutsomeoneinthepubwho’dmadeanimpressiononme.WhenPatandIstartedplaying,Tamlitupasherealizeditwasabouthim,helaughed,hewept,hebouncedaboutandphonedhisson–hewasabsolutelydelighted–andadmittedmydescriptionwasspot-on.Ilaughed,asearlierthatevening,beforethesong,hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutafoldednote,withwordsofasonghelikesandhesaid“I’vegotmoreinmycoat”…almostexactlymylastverse.

BigTam–Song:KeyGVerse1 G D C DClootiedumpingandawhisky,wi’asmileuponhisface C G A7 D7Ajokethat'sawfyfunnyAndboozinatapaceC G (f#) EmBigTam'sfairexcitedAshebouncesroundtheroom G D GHisfavouritenightismusicnightAndhesingseverytuneChorus C G D7 GBigTamwadmakeyehowl,BigTamcanmakemegreet

C G D GThere'smusicbeatinginhisheart,AndrhythminhisfeetVerse2BigTamsingsDreamseller,FolksclapandsingittooTheplacethengoesbananaswhenhepullsouthiskazooSingingacapella,HesavourseverywordWhenhesingsStarotheBar,You'dswearheknowstheburdChorusMiddleEight Em BmOhsinganoldScottishsongwi'heathersoftandsweet C G D7oronethatmakesushappyandstampingwithourfeetEm BmSingofgoldenwhiskyoraglassofred,redwine

G Em D7 GIfyou'resensitive,wellcloseyourears,forhere'ssweetCaroline<<…Idon’tbelieveit…you’remakinitup…yebitch>>KazooSoloVerse3Tam'scoachinghisladThomas,OngoodsongshecouldplayTamcouldnameamillionsongsandsingthemoutalldayHe'llreachintohispocket,pulloutafoldednoteWordso'asonghelikesHe'sgotmoreinhiscoatChorusx2

8.NoReelsandJigsonSundays-StoryThisstorywasfloatingaroundinmyheadafterhearingabouttheimmigrantswhoarrivedaroundthetimeoftheAmericanCivilWarwhowerefunneledstraighttoalineofUnionArmyrecruitingdesks,whatdidtheyknow?Whatweretheytold?Howunpreparedtheymusthavebeen.Howdifferenttheworldsofloveandhate–lininguptodancewithjoyorlininguptoshootandkill.JohnMacLeanlivedintheWestScottishHighlandswithhisparentsandtwoyoungerbrothers.Theircroftinglandwaspoorandthecruelwinterof1858leftthefamilyruined.Hunger,coldanddiseaseclaimedthelivesofhisfamilyforcingJohntofleetotheWestcoastwherehewassavedbyakindcouple,HectorandMaryHay.Theyfoundhimbychance,starvingandneartodeathatthesideoftheroad.TheHaysthemselvesweredesperateandhaddecidedtousewhatsavingstheyhadtoescapetotheNewCountrywheretherewastalkofgoldjustwaitingtobepickedup.Whetherthatwastrueornotremainedtobeseen–butstayinginthepost-Culloden,starvation-riddenScottishHighlandswasnolongeranoption.TheHaystookJohnwiththemandbythetimehehadreachedAmerica,hisstrengthandspiritrestored,hewasdeterminedtoforgeanewlifeforhimselfwithhisfriendsinthislandofopportunity.Thiswasindeedastrangeandwildland,acollectionofpeopleofdifferentnationalities,languagesandcustomsallinsearchofabetterlife,allescapingfromtheirowncountry’sversionofhellwhichhadforcedthemtouproottheirlivesandrunaway–tosomewhereunknownbuthopefullybetter…theyknewitcouldn’tbeworse.TheHayswereafriendlycoupleandtheyandJohnmetupwithotherexiledScotsontheirtravelsthroughtheAmericanhillsinsearchofthefabledrichseamsofgold.Attheendofaday’sworktheywouldgathertogetheraroundaroaringfiretosingthesongsanddancethedanceswhichkeptthemattachedtothememoriesofhappydaysintheScottishHighlands.Strangely,Sunday,whichwasastrictdayofrestintheoldcountry,becameadaywhereScotsfromsurroundingcampswouldgathertogetherintheearlyafternoonanddance,drinkandsinguntilthesunroseagaintoheraldinabrandnewworkingweek.ItwasononeofthesemagicalSundayeveningsthatJohnmetbeautifulbrighteyed,russethairedHeatherMcEwan.Theydancedreels,jigsandhowledwiththewholecrowdasthemenlinedupinalongrowfacingthewomenandthefiddleplayerwouldstrikeupthetuneofthe“AthollHighlanders”playedtorememberthefearsomeregimentwhichsufferedheavylossesonCulloden’sfields.Thisrousingtunewouldstartthe“StriptheWillow”dancewhereacouplewouldwhirlroundandround,weavethroughthelinesofmenandwomen,whirlagainandrepeatthisuntiltheyreachedtheendofthelinesdizzy,gaspingforbreathandlaughingwiththesheerjoyoflife.ThisishowJohnandHeatherfellinlove.HowJohnmanagedtofindhimselfpressedintoserviceoftheUnionarmyintheAmericanCivilWarisacomplicated,harrowingstory.Wejoinhimasheliesdyinginthecarnagefollowingthe1stbattleoftheBullRuninVirginiaJuly21st1881,wheretheuntried,rawUnionarmywassoundlybeatenandforcedbacktoWashington.Johnliesbloodsoaked,dazedandmortallywoundedwatchingthecloudsdancingabovehim,thesoundofthe“StriptheWillow”AthollHighlanderstuneringinginhisears,heremembersthejoyandexhilarationofdancingtothebeautifulfiddlemusicasheandHeatherlaughanddance–linesoffolkwithdancingsteps,notgunsandfurrowedbrow–nomorereelsandjigsonSundays.

NoReelsandJigsonSunday–Song:KeyB Verse1B EWherearemyweelkentfaces,DoyouwonderwhereI'vebeen, B F#7I'mlyinghereinthisforeignlandItstheworstI'veeverseen B EIgotcaughtupinastrangers’war,Ifoughtforwhatwasright B F#7 BButwhatwasrightbroughtmetothis,myendiswithinsightChorusB ENoreelsandjigsonSundayswiththefiddlesoaringhigh

B F#7Nobirlingroondthoughslickwisweatwithitstinginginmyeye B ENosingingtillyou'reparchedwiththirstthenquenchingitwithbeer

B F#7 BI'dlovetoholdyoucloseagain,IwishthatyouwerehereVerse2Myhungerdrovemewestwards,hungryforadventuretooMyshippulledintoharbourandmywishforgoldIknewItriedmybest,butIfoundgoldwhenyoucameintosightWe'dlaughanddancethenightawayinScottishdancingflightChorusVerse3Ohdancethestrip-the-willowanddanceithereandnowLinesoffolkwithdancingstepsnotgunsandfurrowedbrowI'dlovetoseeyoursmilingfaceasyouskiparoundtheroomDancingwiththethrilloflife,notlyinghereingloomDriftinsnippetofStripthewillowFiddletune“AthollHighlanders”,driftoutagaintoguitararpeggioChorusx2

9.SausagesforTea-StoryAtruestoryIgotfrommypalAnthony(wellastrueasanystoryyouhearfromyourIrishfriendafteragoodsessionontheGuinness!).IworkedwithAnthonyfromabout1990–wehadsomegreatlaughstogetherandIrememberedthestoryhe’dtoldmeaboutthetimewhenheplayedfootballforBlarneyUnited,(BlarneyisfamousforBlarneyCastlewhereyoucan“kisstheBlarneystone”)BlarneyisjustaweebitoutsideCork,Ireland.WellthestorygoesthattheywontheirwaythroughtothefinalsinWembley(inLondon,England).Thiswasabigdeal–theylovedfootball,drinkingandgettinguptomischief(notnecessarilyinthatorder).Sotheyplannedthetrip,theyhiredabusandheadedoff….Oneoftheladsintheteamlookedoutthewindowofthebusandsawhisbrotherwalkingalongtheroadtheystoppedthebus,thebrotherwasaskedifhewantedtogowiththemtoWembley(inLondon,England).Thebrotherthinksthat’sagreatideaandhopsintothebusandofftheygo.Theyaskedhimwerehewasgoingandhesaid–“ohIwasjustgoingtogetsomesausagesformeandthewifefortea(dinnertothoseoutsideScotland&Ireland).Withnothoughtthatmaybeheshouldjustkeepgoingtogetthefoodfortheirdinner–offhewenttoEnglandwithhisbrotherandhisfootballmates…toreturnaweeklater!ThesonggivesaweebitmoreaboutwhattheygotuptoinLondon…it’satidiedupversionofthestory…IhadsuchalaughwhenAnthonytoldmeaboutit.That’swhyitendedupinasong.Thesongwasoriginallygoingtobecalled“IrishPrecisionPlanning”whichincludedstoriesofmyexperiencesbeingaroundIrishpeople.TheIrishfolksIknowgenerallyhaveagreatsenseofhumour,awillingnesstotryanythingandanamazingabilitytopullofthemostamazingfeatsatthelastminute,despiteallodds,andmakeitlookeffortless.IcallitIrishPrecisionPlanning.I’mnotsayingthateveryonewouldenjoybeinginvolvedinthatprocess…butitishilarioustowatchhowtheymakeitallcometogethersomehow.AgoodexamplewaswhentheMaherfamilywereopeningtheirnewpubinLakeOswego,Oregon.ThefirstdayopenwasaSaturdayanditwasaprivateeventfortheIrishDancingclub–whichwasaverylargegroupoffolks.TheMahershadbought“TheBackyardBirdshop”,agreatlocationinagreatneighbourhood…butitwasabirdshop,notapub.Theytotallyrenovatedtheplace,puttinginakitchen,pubarea,restaurant,largeoutsidepatio…averybigproject.Iwasbookedtoplaythereat7pmandoutofcuriosityIdroppedinat1pmintheafternoontoseehowtheyweredoing.Itwaspandemonium,Iwasgivenfootballjerseystohangonthewalls,theplacewasseethingwithpeopleworkinghardtogetitready…butIdidn’tthinktheywouldmakeitintime.Imanagedtoescapeandheadedhome,whenIwentbacktothepublaterat6pm,Icouldn’tbelievemyeyes,I’msuretheLeprechaunshadpaidavisit.Everythingwaslookinggreat.DaveMaher,sittingonthestagescrewedanelectricityboxintoplace,testedit,itworked!Helookedatmeandlaughed…haha!Lookatthat…wecanhavemusictoo!IsupposethemoralofthestoryiswhenyouareamongsttheIrish–expectsurprises–andenjoythefun.

SausagesforTea-Song:KeyC Verse1 C F CNowBlarneyUnitedinWembleytheywouldplay, F C F GWeplannedthetrip,wehiredabusandheadedoffthatday F C F CWedrovetowardNorthChapelfromCorkCitywedidgo G COneboysawhisbrotherwalkingupthestreetbelow F C F CWestoppedthebusandaskedhim"wouldyouliketocomewithme" G C"Grand!,Iw'sgettingsausagesforme'nthewifefortea" F C F COhWhatagrandstory,youcouldn'tmakeitup G CWhenBlarneyUnitedwentofftowinthecupChorusF C F CToora-loora-loora,atooralooralay G CA-walkingdownthestreettogetsomesausagesforteaVerse2Well,you'llbebadintroublehisbrothersaidtohim",“I'mnotsurethatshe'llnoticeshecanbeaweebitdimOnedayItookthefrontdooroffandtookittogetfixed,Herselfcamealongtheroadandlookedabitperplexed,"OhhowwillIgetinthehousewithnodoortogothrough?”,InaflashIsaid"Ileftthebackdooropenjustforyou”OhWhatagrandstory,youcouldn'tmakeitup,WhenBlarneyUnitedwentofftowinthecupChorus-toora-loora-loora,atooralooralay…SolooverVerseonWhistlefor6linesOh-Whatagrandstory,youcouldn'tmakeitup,WhenBlarneyUnitedwentofftowinthecupVerse3Wellwehadsixdrink-filleddaysasonlyIrishcan,WeevenplayedourfootballandwehadanextramanOnenightdrinkingduty-freewhilesittinginthebar,Whatwasthat-adisco?orabluelightonacarClosebytheLibyanEmbassywasundersiegeanddoom,TomswearsthathegassedthemoutbystinkinguphisroomOhWhatagrandstory,youcouldn'tmakeitup,WhenBlarneyUnitedwentofftowinthecupChorusx2Atoora-loora-loora,atooralooralay-A-walkingdownthestreettogetsomesausagesfortea

10.TheNoiseBelow–StoryIsupposeIstruggledbetweentheworldsofrealityandimaginationasaboy.Thisisastrangestory,it’sbasicallytrue(well,Iaddedafewarmsandlegstoit)butitdidhappenandIhavenevertalkedaboutit.Soitseemedlikeagoodideatowriteitdownandspreadittotheworld(welltothe20orsopeoplewhoreadthisandlistentothealbumJ).SaturdaysweregreatwhenIwasaboy,sometimeswe’dgoswimmingifmydadwasn’tworkingorgoaroundtothepostofficeinCraigardroadtobuycomics.DundeewasfamousforthethreeJs-Jute(forbags,sacks,carpetandlinoleumbacking),Jam(fromlocalValeofStrathmoreStrawberries,Raspberries,BramblesandBlackberries.Thehorticulturalinstitutewas/isinInvergowrieclosetous–itinventedtheTayberry)andJournalism,DCThomsonwasabigemployerinDundee.WeweregreatcustomersofDCThomsoneverySaturday.Ifwehadmoney,we’dgettheTopper,theRoverandWizard,theHotspur,theBeezer,theVictor,theDandyandBeanoandsometimestheTVCentury21.Onthedayinquestion,we(mybrotherDougandI)hadapileofcomicsandwereenjoyinglyingonourbedsupstairsreadingourwaythroughthem.Iheardbangingandcrashingdownstairs,mymumwasoutalldayandmydadhadbeenatwork…itwasprobablyhim–buthewasn’tnormallysoloud,somethingwasup.Ileftmycomicsandwarmcozyplaceintheafternoonsunshine,whichwasshiningonmybed.Iwentdownstairstoseewhatwrong…itwasmydad,waypastthecheerysmileandrosycheeksstage,hewasfallingaboutdrunk,stillhadhisworkingclotheson.Ihadneverseenhimsobad,hewaswildeyedandgrunting.Itriedtospeaktohim,buthecouldn’tanswer.Iwasscared.Hewasn’tviolent,buthewasn’thimself.Hewastryingtoheatupsomesoup–whenheeventuallysucceeded,heateitdownquicklythenrushedtothesinkandthrewitupagain.Hethenstartedshoutingatmetogoaway.Idid,Iranupstairs-whatshouldIdo?Awhilewentby,Itriedtoreadmycomics,butIwasupset,amixtureofangeratmydadforgettinghimselfinthatstateandscaredbecauseIhadneverseenhimlikethatbefore.AfterawhileitallwentquietdownstairsandIcreptoutontothelandingthinkingthatImightgodownstairsagain.Therehewas,sittingonthebottomstairs.ForsomereasonIfoundthatreallyscary–whywashedoingthat,whatwasheupto,thiswasn’tlikehim…thenangercreptin,whatwouldmumsay?whyishedoingthis?whatisheupto?Howdarehebesobad?Theannoyance/angerwon,Iwenttoourbookshelf,reachedupandtookthebiggestbook,thechildren’sencyclopedia.Icreptdownstairsrightbehindhim…andbashedhimovertheheadwiththebook.Hegroanedandfelloveronhisside.Iranupstairs–shocked,amazedandscaredandimmediatelysorryatwhatI’djustdone.Ilayonmybedwaitingforsomethingbadtohappen.Itneverdid.Wenevertalkedaboutit.Mydadnevermentionedit.Hewasn’tdeadandhadreturnedtonormal…Ikeptquiettoo–untilnow.

TheNoiseBelow-Song:KeyDm(playedonbaritoneguitar;usechordshapesofAm)Hey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Dm A7 DmItwasoneSaturdayafternoon,Isatupinmeroom Gm Dm F A7A-readin’mefavouritecomic,Andhummin’ahappytune Dm A7 Dm Iheardabangandthenacrash,Iknewsomethinwaswrong Gm Dm A7 DmIhadtofindoutwhatwasthere,Itsoundedlikeking-kongGm Dm A7 Dm Gm Dm A7 Dm Hey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doo,Hey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doo,Icreptonquietlydownbelow,HewascrashingandgrowlingsureItwasamanIdidn'tknow,A-smellinofliqueurHeturnedtomeandgaveashout,IfrozeandwasstruckdumbIranupstairsasquickasIcould,heartthumpinglikeadrumHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Iheardhiminthekitchen,a-eatingupoursoupThenafterafewminutes,Hethrewitup-IheardhimwhoopHebangedandbangedarounddownstairs,ThenatonceitallfellstillIcreptoutandlookeddownthestairs,AndstiffenedwithachillHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Hewassittingatthefootofthestairs,AsittingupquitestraightWashewaitingthereforme,OrjustblockingupthegateIdidn'tknowwhatIshoulddo,ButIknewthatIwastrappedIhadtoplanonmyescape,LestIwouldbekidnappedHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Iwentuptomybookshelf,AndfoundthebiggestbookThenIcrawledontothelanding,TotakeanotherlookHesattherestillandgrunting,IknewIhadtoactIcreptdownrightbehindhim,OnhisheadthebookIwhackedHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Hegaveagroanandtoppled,Likeasackuponit'ssideInshockIranupstairsagain,BelowmybedtohideIlaytherestillandclosedmyeyes,withmyhandsovermyheadJustwaitingtheretohearhimcome,andstrikemedownquitedeadHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2(continuedonnextpage)

Ilaythereforanhourormore,TillithadgonequitelateAtlastIventuredoutagain,Washedownthereatthegate?Washedeadorwaitingforme,IknewIcouldn'trunThetimehadcometofaceuptoThefateIhadbegunHey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2Thelightwasondownbelow,ThetableitwaslaidMymotherbustledhereandthere,OurdinnershehadmadeIsatdownandbegantoeat,WasthatadreamI'dmadeMyfathersatandgloweredatme....A-rubbingathishead!!!!Hey-daddilly-doo-daddilydee-daddilly–doox2....A-rubbingathishead!!!! 11.Origins-StoryTheUSAisanamazingplacewithahugevarietyofpeople.Ihavealwaysbeenimpressedandcuriousaboutpeople’sstoriesonhowtheygotwheretheyarenow–asapartfromtheNativeAmericans,everyfamilycameherefromsomewhereelse.I’veplayedmusicinmanyStatesintheUSA(includingdrunkenandexhausted)andIoftengetpeoplecominguptomeinmybreaksaying“I’mScottishtoo!…mymother’ssidewasMcThisandthere’saMcThatonmydad’sside…”theytellmethefamily’sjourneytogettotheplaceweareandsometimesaboutavisittoScotlandtheylovedortheirplanstovisit.Ireallyenjoyhearingthesestoriesandmarvelathowdeterminedthesefamiliesweretomakeabetterlifeforthemselvesandfuturegenerations.There’susuallyapointattheendoftheirstorywheretheywanttocompletethepictureandsay“well,mindyou,I’mScottish,butI’malsoabitIrish,German,Polish,French,Swedish,Cherokee…(thelistcanbeprettylong–peopledotheresearchthesedays)…I’mabitofamuttreally”.It’suncannyhowmanypeoplehavesaidthattome…andlookapologeticastheysayit.Ialwaysreactwithapositiveanswer–asthesearethepeoplewhosefamilieshavedaredtoleavetheirnativeland,crosstheOceantostartanewlifeinanunknown,foreignland.Theybuiltandpopulatedthismassivecountryandmadeitthestrongestintheworld.Muttsarestrongfolks...andshouldbeproudoftheirmixedheritage–there’snothingtofeelbadabout.So,thissongisreallyforallthosepeopleIhavemetasI’vetravelled–theyshouldseeitaspermission(frommeanyway)tocelebratehavingamixedbackground–beamuttandbeproud!

Origins-Song:KeyCVerse1(Slow)C F C AmI'vetravelledroundthiscountryplayingmusicwhereIcan C F Dm GMeetinglotsofhappypeoplewholikethesongsIplay Am F C FTheylovetocomeandtellmeoftheirheritageandclan Em F GButthentheytalkaweebitfurther–thisiswhattheysay...Chorus C F GI'mamutt,abitofthisabitofthat, C F GI'mamutt,MyPolishnose-it'saweebitflat Am F Em FRedIrishhair-Germanchin-ScotskneesandSwedishassC F Em FOh-I'mnothingspecial...thatswhatIhearyousay....HEY... C F G CIt'sfolkslikeyouwhobuilttheUSAVerse2ArriveinEllisIslandwiththeclothesuponyourbackSickbecauseyou’reoffashipandsickbecauseyou'rescaredSurroundedtherebystrangers-fromeveryotherlandThey'rehopingthatyou'llsmileatthemandgiveahelpinghandChorusSolooverchorusVerse3Differencemakesusstronger,itmakesusbetterfolk,Nomatterifshe'sdarkorlightorifhe'sfromthebogs,It'slovethatwinsouto'erusallandaddsaweebitzest,Amuttishappy,doesn'tcareandliveslifeatitsbestChorusx2

12.FeckinBeer–StoryTheMahersareagreatIrishfamilywholiveinLakeOswego.ThefatherDavecanturnhishandtoanythingandGay(oneof18childrenfromDublin)hasbeenverysuccessfulinIrishdancingandranagreatIrishdancingschoolinPortland.IfirstmettheirsonMarkwhenheopened“weeMahers”inLakeOswego.WehadseenthestoryaboutanewIrishpubopeningupandwerethrilled.TheyhadanopeningcelebrationontheThursdayandthestorysoundedgreat,itwasasmallplace…butithadGuinness!Brilliant.ItalsoadvertisedIrishbreakfast–soweheadeddownthereonSundaymorningforarealIrishbreakfast.Markcameovertous,veryfriendlyandtookourbreakfastorder,thenaskedwhatwe’dliketodrink.WhenIsaidI’dloveapintofGuinness,helookedaweebitsheepishand,stillgrinning,saidI’msorry,we’restillwaitingforthelicensetocomethrough.Welaughedandsaid“you’rejoking!”nope,hereplied,wehadaspeciallicensefortheopening…butournormallicenseisstilltocome.DisappointedthattherewasnoGuinnessbutimpressedbytheIrish/Americanladwhojustsmileditoffaspleasantlyasyouplease,probablyknowingthathe’dbeservingmeplentypintsofitinthefuture.ThebreakfastmorethanmadeupfornoGuinness…itwasfantastic!Ithinkthat’swhenImetthefather,David,whohadproducedthiswonderfulfeastwithallthetraditionalIrishdelicacies,whitepuddings,sodabread,Irishsausages…andmuchmore…theworks.Itwasdelicious–welefttherestuffedwithfood,immediatelygoodfriendswiththisfineIrishfamily.WehadanotherbigIrishbreakfastatweeMaherswhenmypal(andtheotherhalfofKelticFire),Feargal,cametovisit.IhadarrangedagiginKellsforusthatnight.DavewasveryinterestedandshowedupthateveningwithGay,haddinnerandenjoyedthemusic.Bythetimehewasleaving,hehadaskedmetoplaysoloinweeMahers(FeargalwaslivinginBarcelona,Spain),everytimeafterthatwhenIsawMark,DaveorGay,theywouldaskmewhenIwasgoingtoplaythere–eventuallyIdid…andhaven’tlookedback.FastforwardtoSeptember2015,Iwasreturningfrommy1sttouroftheUSA,theMahershadsoldweeMahers,boughttheBackyardBirdshopalongtheroad(greatlocation),turneditintoathrivingIrishpubwithgreatfood,drinkandmusic,solditandstartedtheFeckinBreweryinOregonCity.Soformy1stappearanceatthebrewery,Iwrotethissong–Iwantedtodosomethingspecialforthem.Thesongtellsofthecowboywho’sclosetodeathhavingwalkedtotheendoftheOregontrail–OregonCity.Theonlythingwhichcouldpossiblyrevivehimandsavehislife…yup,youguessedit,apintofFeckin’beer.Thesongusestheword“Feckin”quiteliberally…anddespitewhatyoumaythinkitisnota“swearword”.TheIrishuseitfrequentlyasaBritwouldsay“flaming”or“flipping”andAmericanmightsay“frigging”…andI’msurethereareothernon-expletiveexpletives.I’vehearditusedbyCatholicpriests,scholarsandbusinessmenalike.WhenIwasplayingthissummer(2016)amanrequestedthesong…atfirstIwonderedifhemeantthesameoneasI’veonlyplayeditmaybefourtimessincetheBrewerygig…hedescribeditandyes,thatwasit.I’dplayeditonemoretimein2015intheBethanypub,he’dlovedit,filmedmeplayingitandcamebacktoseemewhenIwasbackthere.HethoughtitwasFeckingreat!!

FeckinBeer-Song:KeyEOpening2versesslowarpeggioVerse1 E B7 E B7C#m A E B7AsIwaswalkingthroughOregoncityRightattheendoftheOregontrail E B7 E B7Ifoundayoungcowboysprawledoutonthesidewalk E A B7 EHewasclosetohisendAshelookedupsofrailVerse2(stillslowarpeggio)IbentdowntohimandIsaid"how'reyoudoin?"Hiseyesturnedtomewithalookofdespair"Ohsircanyouhelpme?ForIknowthatI'mdying"AndbeforeIdepart…IneedoneFeckinbeerChorus(rousing)E A. E F#7 B7OhgetmeoneFeckinbeerjustoneFeckinbeerI'vewalkedFeckinmilesjusttogethereE A E A E A E. B7 EnowI'mFeckindying-it'ssoFeckinclearI'mgasping,I'mgaspingforoneFeckinbeerVerse3C#m A EIknewwhatheneeded,"waitthereandneverfear" C#m F#7 B7andrandownthemainroad,theFeckinBrewerywashere C#m A EIexplainedthesituation,DaveandMarktheylookedquitegrim

B7 ETheygrabbedaFeckingrowlerandpouredthebeerrightinChorusVerse4WeranuptothecowboystilllyingonthestreetWhenhesawtheFeckinbeerhestumbledtohisfeetMarkpouredoutapintglass-coldandfoamywasthebeer,ThecowboydrankitdowninoneandgrinnedfromeartoearChorusVerse5Wewalkeddowntothetaproomthecowboyintow,HewasstillaweebitgroggyasweguidedhimbelowTheElixirhadrevivedhim,thingswerelookingup,HewasfairlylookingforwardtoanotherFeckinsupChorusx2onlastlineof2ndchorusrepeatlastlineanddrawoutthe“one…Fe..cki…in…Beer”

13.MyLittleMermaid-StoryBothofourchildrenwerebornintheNetherlandsandgrewupthere.TheNetherlandsisaverylowandflatcountry,withabout26%ofitsareaand21%ofitspopulationlocatedbelowsealevel,andonlyabout50%ofitslandmorethanonemetreabovesealevel.Asaresult,swimminglessonareessential.Bothchildrendidtheirswimmingdiplomasinvolving,amongstotherskills,swimmingunderwaterforlongdistancesandswimmingwithclotheson.Theybothbecameveryconfident,competentswimmers.OnceKylepassedhisdiplomaA&B,hedecidedthathe’ddoneenough,hestoppedhislessons–whichwasfairenough–hewasagreatweeswimmer.Valeriehadbecomeawaterbaby–sheloveditandwasdeterminedtoexcel.ShedidallherdiplomasandDorothyandIspentalotoftimeatthepoolside.Vacationswerealwaysaroundwater.Ourkidsbothloveddraggingtheirparentsinwiththem.Dorothyisn’ttoofondofbeingjumpedoninthewater,soIendedupinwiththemforhours.Valerieputallhersurvivalskillstouseasherbrotherwould“accidentally”sitonher,pushherunder,splashher,drownher,laughingallthetime.Heenjoyedthat.Surprisingly,sodidshe.Allthesurvivalswimminganddeepdivinghadturnedherintoaweemermaid,totallyconfident,unafraidandmarvelousinthewater.Shewoulddodgeherbrother’sonslaughtsandemergelaughingandsquealing-ahappywaterbaby.ValeriecontinuedtoswimwhenshecouldandonvacationinTurkeyoneyear,passedheropenwaterscubadivingexam.IpassedmineayearlaterinBonairesowecouldgodivingtogether.WemetafriendlyDutchmanwhoturnedouttobeadivingmaster,hisgirlfrienddidn’tdive–soheneededadivingpartner.Hehadalsohiredapickuptruck–soitwasideal,wedroveroundtheislandtothemanydivesites,kittedupandflipperedourwayin–toabeautifulCaribbeanunderwaterparadise.MymemoryisofValerieswimmingbesidemedeepintheclearbluewater,brightlycolouredfishcuriouslywatchingusandherdoingasomersaultwithherlonghairstreamingaroundherlikeseaweedfronds,evenwithhermaskandbreathingapparatuson,hersmileandsheerenjoymentwasobvious.WhenIvisitedherin2015inDundee,wedecidedtogoswimminginthenewDundeeleisurecentre.MyownmemoriesofSaturdaymorningswimswithmyDadandmybrotherDougcamefloodingback.FamiliarsmellsoftheriverTayandseaweedcloseby,theamplifiedloudnessofchildrenplayinghappilyinanechoeypool.Weswamlengthsofthepooltogether–wellsheswamtwoformyone,glidingby,effortlesstumbleturns,litheefficientlongstrokes–aporpoisestrongatplay.FeelingparticularlyungainlybycomparisonasItrudgedalong,thosememoriesofswimmingwithmydadwerestrong–hislaugh,hisboyishtricksandgaspingasweploughedourwaythroughthecrowdedswimmingpool–abrothofchildren.Afterswimming,wewouldalwayshavea“shiverybite”youwerecoldand“shivery”,soacupofclear,hottastysoup(well,boilinghot,waterystockwithhardsaltybitsinthebottom)seemeddelicious.Inthesatisfied,happycontentmentafteragoodswimIknewhowpreciousthesedayswerewithmydadandhowclosemykidsaretome–andadegreeofexcitementforthefuture,iftheyhavechildren,howtheywillsurelylovethesameexperience.Somanyhappymemories,somanyhappydays.

MyLittleMermaid–Song:KeyD(playedonBaritoneinchordshapeofG)Verse1D G A D G D E7 A7Summersinthewater,Divingdeepandlong,Splashingupbesideme,Onmybackandholdingon G D F#7 G D A G DMyhappywaterbaby,Swimmingwithnofearatall,Comessquealingbymelaughing,chasingherbouncyball G A D (c#) Bm G A D D7Somanyhappymemories,SomanyhappydaysWhenwesatatswimminglessons,AndwatchedyouquiteamazedG D F#7 G D A G DSwimmingunderwater,Divingofftheside,Myownlittlemermaid,YoufilledmyheartwithprideChorusG A D (c#) Bm Em7 A G (f#) (e) DSwimlittlemermaid,swimlikeafish,Timeswimsrightbyus,fasterthanyou'dwishVerse2IlearnedtoswiminDundee,WithmyfatheratthepoolHetaughtmehowtoswimthecrawl,AndheoftenplayedthefoolSomanykidswereswimming,HardtoswimtherethroughagroupAshiverybitecameafter,WarmingclearhottastysoupSomanyhappymemories,SomanyhappydaysSaltwaterintheswimmingpool,AndfunnyScottishwaysThoseSaturdayswerelovely,WithmydadandDougAglassofsarsperilla,AndcrispsoutsidethepubChorusfollowedbyGuitarsoloVerse3VisitingyouinScotland,BringsboththingsbacktomeMe-splashingupanddownapool,You-DiplomaA,BandCNowyougliderightpastme,APorpoisestrongatplayNomoreclinginghappysplashing,SwimsmilingfarawaySomanyhappymemories,SomanyhappydaysWhenweswamonvacation,inwaterwewouldlazeSwimmingunderwater,DivinginBonaireWithmylittlemermaid,seaweedforherhairChorusSwimmingunderwaterDivinginBonaireWithmylittlemermaid,seaweedforherhairChorus

14.TheDieisCast-StoryThissongcamealongjustbyitself.IlikeJohnnyCashandfolkslikeitwhenIplayoneofhissongs“RingofFire”.IusuallyonlydothatwhenIcanseepeopleinthecrowdmightlikeachangefromIrishandScottishsongs…butfeltaneedtolinktomynormalrepertoiresomehow.Oneday,DorothyreadthatJohnnyCash’sancestorshadcomefromaweevillageinFife,Scotlandcalled“Strathmiglo”–weknowwhereitisandhavepassedthroughthere(it’snotfarfromDundee).Istartedusingthatasmyexcuseforplayinghissong.ThemoreIreadabouthowhisfive-generation-agorelative,WilliamCash,gottotheUSAthemoreintriguedIbecamewith“whathappenednext”typeofstories.It’salsofunnytonotethatafterthesea-faringUncleWilliamCashtookhisnephew,alsoWilliamCash,totheUSAaround1673,youngWilliamwasknownas“theimmigrant”bythelocalVirginians(sowhatwerethey?…howtimeshaven’tchanged).Itoyedaroundwithasongwhichwasforminginmyheadwhichwasaroundthattheme,“whowouldhavethoughtthatwouldhappen?”andyouneverknowwhowillemergeasatalent,apublicfigure,acelebrity–woulduncleWilliam,themariner,couldneverhaveimaginedhisnephew’sfivegenerations-onfame?Iwroteuptheverse,devisedthemusicthatfittedwellandthat’sasfarasthesonggotforawhile.JustbeforeweleftSanDiegolateJanuary2016toheadforFlorida,IwasbrowsingaroundforinformationwhenIdiscoveredthatElvisPresley’sfive-generationago’srelativesleftPalatinate,awinegrowingregioninthesouthwestofGermanyandtraveledtoNewYorkwithabout76otherpeopleonashipcalled“TheFame”intheyear1710.My“whathappenednext?”interestwasagainarousedandsoonanotherverseofthesongwaswritten.IwasplanningonabandoningthesongasIwasn’tconvinceditwasgoinganywhere…andmaybeitwasonlymewhowasfascinatedbythis.TheninearlyMay,wearrivedinMemphisandstayedintheGracelandRVpark.ThetourofGracelandwasamazing,IhadwatchedeveryElvisfilmasaboywithmybrotherDougintheAstoriapicturehouseinLocheeRoad,Dundee–matineescostoneshillingandthreepenceandwelovedhisfilms.HereinGracelandwereallhispersonaleffects,posters,records,andhundredsofawardsfromthosedaysashegavebirthtorockandrollwithSunrecords.ThetriptoSunrecordsstudiosinMemphiswasfantastic.Thisiswhererockandrollbegan,Elvis,JohnnyCash,CarlPerkins,RoyOrbisonandmanymore–allrecordedbySamPhilipswhoownedthecompany.ThisprovidedtheinspirationformynexttwoversesasIdiscoveredthatRoyOrbison’sfivegenerationagorelativewasThomasOribison,born1715inLurgen,CountyAntrim,Ireland(theMullenswerealsooriginallyfromCountyAntrim).HewentwithhisparentstoAmericawherehemetandmarriedElizabethMiller…andallthoseyearslaterRoyOrbisonwasborn.Totieitalltogether,thelastverseisabouthowJohnnyCash,ElvisandRoyOrbisonwerealltheretogetherinSunRecordsinMemphiswithSamPhilipsbreakingnewgroundinmusicandinfluencingandinspiringgenerationsofpeople.WithoriginsofScotland,GermanyandIrelandandaddedflavorfrommanyotherplaces–theybecamelegends–whowouldhavethought,whowouldeverguess?

TheDieisCast-Song:KeyCVerse1C F C GWilliewasaFiferandsailingwashislife-HeknewtheAtlanticoceanandshoresateitherside C F C E7 AmFor50yearshesailedtheseasamasterofhistradeTookhisnephewtoAmericaacrossthewildwaves F C F C F C GFromStrathmiglovillageholdinghisuncle'shand,HesettledinVirginia,WilliamCashtheimmigrant F C F C E7 A Thefamilygrewstronger,timepassedinaflash,FivegenerationslateralongcameJohnnyCashChorusD A E7 A D A EWhowouldhavethought,Who'deverguess,Sometimesyougetmore,andsometimesyougetless D A E A D A(g#f#) E (f#g#) AYou'repartoftheirfuture,they'repartofyourpast,We'llallliveontogether--it'showthedieiscast(g#f#)E(f#g#)A…..Am…..CVerse21710inGermanycruelWinterkilledthegrape,JohannesandAnnaandkidsaboardtheFameToAmericatheytravelled,arrivinginNewYork,anewlife,newlanguagewithallsortsofotherfolkMergingoftheCulturesinonebigmeltingpot,SingingMusi-Denanddancingthefox-trotFrench,Scottish,Irish-andCherokee,AllpouredintogethertoElvisPresleyChorusVerse3ThomascamefromLurgen,CountyAntrim,EmeraldIsle,AcrossthewideAtlantictoPhilidelphiahesailedHemetLizzyMillerfromNewcastle,Delaware,AndsettleddowntogetheranewlifetheretoshareThefamilyflourished,withmanybabiestheywereblessed,Oklahoma,PA,Texaswitheconomydepressed,Musicwastheanswerfortheirsevenyearoldson,HisgiftsjustcameflowingoutofRoyOrbisonChorusVerse4SunRecordsgrewinMemphiswithSamPhillipsinthechair,HescrapedtogetherbusinessrecordingwhathecouldOnedaywhenGospelmusicwasmorethanhecouldstand,Elvissangout"That'sallright"-that'showitallbeganElvisPresley,JohnnyCash,RoyOrbison,ThreeEuropeantravelersfivegenerationsonAllmettogetherplayingsongsnoonehaddone,RecordingthereinMemphisintheBanneroftheSun9. Chorusx2,onlastlineoflastchorus,[A(g#f#)E]“it’showthedieiscast”,[A(g#f#)E]“howthedieiscast,[A(g#f#)E]that’showthedieiscast”[A(g#f#)E],[….E,(f#g#)A]“thedieiscast”

15.PaperWings-StoryPaperWingswasoneofthefirstsongsIstartedworkingonandwastheoneIfinishedlast.Icouldn’tgetittowork.IknewwhatIwantedfromit.Itwasaboutmymumanditwastobesoftandgentle,likeher.Irewroteitmanytimes,changedthemusicbuteventuallydecidedtoabandonitandwrotetheupbeat“AndWeSang”insteadasatributetoher.So,happythatmymumhadasongonthealbum–evenifitwasn’ttheonethatstillbubbledaroundinmyhead–Iwasreadytostoptherewithfifteensongs.OnedaywhenIwassittingplayingmyguitar,justplayingoddbitsofsongs–Dorothysaid–“ohthat’sabeautifulone,whatone’sthat?”ItwasthetuneofPaperWings.Ithought,well,ifthetunegetsthe“Dorothysealofapproval”,Ishouldhaveonelastlookatit.WithfresheyesandawishtocapturetheconceptIhadinmyhead,Irewroteitcompletelyinabouttwohours–andfeltasighofrelief,IhaddoneitandithadthefeelIwanted.So“whypaperwings?”Ifeltitcapturedmymum’sdelicate,soft,gentle,flittingbyandaroundyou,alwaysawareofyou,alwayssensingwhatwasgoingon,itwassomehowright,and…Thisisabitofahardstorytotell…andIhaven’ttoldittomany.Itcomesfrommymum’sdeathinJuly2014.Shehadreachedtheendofherlife,sheknewitandwasatpeacewithit.Afinallunginfectionjustwouldn’tlift,shewasn’teatingandbegantoslipaway.MybrotherDougandIwereboththereintheWellburnnursinghomeinDundee,runbytheLittleSistersofthePoor,anorderofCatholicnunssetupbySaintJeanneJugan.Afterapeacefuleveningatherbedside,thelightingwassoft,shewasinherbed,SisterVeronica(headofpatientcare)wasatthefootofthebed,SisterAlice(theFrenchnovicenunwholookedaftermymum)besideher,theseniornurseandherassistantwerebesideSisterAlice,DougandIwereseatedbesidemymum.Thenunswouldpraysoftlyoutloudeverysooften,thefamiliarrhythmoftheprayersweallknewsowellfromchildhoodon,soothing,helping.Thatwashowmymumpassedawaypeacefully.TheprayersandtearscontinuedandDougandIstoodupfromthebedside.Aswestoodaroundpraying,Ispottedalittlecommonpaperwingedmothappearingfromthefarsideofmymum’shead.Ihadneverseenoneintheroombefore.Itflutteredintotheairandflewinit’serraticmothywayoverandlandedoneachpersoninturn,thenfloateddowntothebedbesidemymum’sshoulder.Iwonderedifthatwasmymumsayinggoodbye,mydadsayingthankyou…or,justamoth.ThatnightseventswillremainetchedinmymemoriesforaslongasI’maround,theflutteringlittlemothtoo–fragile,gentle,delicate,purposefultouchingeveryoneintheroom.Mymum.Ihaven’tswattedamothsince.

PaperWings–Song:(KeyDCapoat2ndfret-playC)Dm G7 Dm G7PatrickcametoGlasgow,HelefthisDublintrails, Dm G7 C Cmaj7CAjobwithScottishrailwayHorsesaddlestotherailsLonelyandunmarried,BritishArmyonhismindSternAnniestoppedherfrowning,AshetreatedherquitekindChorus Dm G C (b) AmPaperwings...Appearedandtouchedus;Paperwings...Removedmyfear(g) Bsomething GPaperwings...You'llalwaysbewithme-andwhisperinmyear Dm G C (b) Am Dm G C Cmaj7 CPaperwings...Youflutterinus;I'mhappythatyoudoNomatterwhatIhavetofaceI'llalwaysbewithyouTheymarriedinStMungos,Alittlebitmoonstruck,,ThenalongcamebabyMargaret,Theycouldn'tbelievetheirluckThislittlegirlwasprecious,AsbrightasshiningsunTheirprincesscapturedalltheirlove,,ShewastheironlyoneChorusMargaretgrewtoRita,RitametherBill,Twoheartsjoinedtogether,They'dbetogetherstillThiscleverGlasgowlassie,AteachershebecameTheluckychildreninherclass,ImaginationsetaflameChorusWhistleSolooverchorusButtimejustpassesquickly,Andstrokedherasitpast,Billwentoffquitesuddenly,AndleftusalldowncastShelivedfor10yearsfurther,Andprayedhardeverydayforthetimeshe'dhavetosaygoodbye,AndflutterfarawayChorusx2

16.WriteItDown-StoryI’veknownSteveandCathiBehrenssince2010.SteverunstheCelticmusicpromotioncompany67musicandhiswifeCathiisjustgreat–shesupportsSteveandmakesthingshappentoo.Theyhavebecomegoodfriends.Aswellasmeetingupatthevariousgigsandcelebrations,wehaveabusinessget-togethereveryyeartotakestockofwhereIam,whatI’mdoingandwhereI’mgoingmusically.Sotherewewere,August22nd2015intheLoyalLegionbrewpubinthesoutheastofPortland.ThebeeritsellsisallbrewedinOregonanditdoesadeliciousmenuofsausagesandmustard.Onahot,sunnyPortlandSaturdayitwasagreatplacetobe.Wetalkedaboutallsortsofthingsandthengotontomyfutureplans.TheywereaskingmewhyIdon’ttrytodomyownsongs.Itwasafairlyeasyanswer,Ididn’thaveany.ThroughtheyearsIhavethoughtanddreamedaboutwritingsongs.Ihaveevensatdownafewtimestodoit.It’shard.Myproblemsweremany–boilingdowntothefactthatIwasself-consciousandembarrassedbyeverythingI’dwritten.Ialsofounditveryhardtocreateoriginaltunes–therehavebeensomanysongswritten,it’shardnottofindanothersong’smelodytiedupinyournewmasterpiece.SteveandCathipersisted,notbelievingIcouldn’tdoit.IfoundmyselfsayingIhavestories–butit’shardtofitthemintosongs,theresomuchtosay…andwhowouldwanttolistentomysongs.No-onewillknowwhatI’msingingabout.Theiradvicewasdon’ttrytosayeverything,peoplewillbeinterested,dowhatyounormallydowhenyouperform–haveacatchychorus–italwaysfeelsbetterwhenpeoplesingalong.Thentheyaskedaboutsomeofmyideas…itturnedoutIhadquiteafewbutnotwellenoughformedtomakeasong–thePortlandbeerreallyhelped!TheylistenedasIrambledon.Theiranswerandnumberonepieceofadvicewas–WriteItDown!You’lljustforgetitifyoudon’t,keepanotepadhandyandwriteitdownbeforeit’sgone.WithsomeofthestoriesItoldthem,Ibecameemotional(againthatPortlandbeerisgood!)–Ishouldkeepthatstrongfeelingalive–peoplewillfeelitandbeattractedtothesongs.Iknewthattheywereright,theyweretellingmethingsIhadalreadythoughtIshouldbedoing–butsomehowjustdidn’tdothem.ItreallyhelpedtohavethissessiontojustsolidifymyresolvetostartwritingsongsandIdecidedthatmynextalbumwouldbeafullyoriginaloneandIcommittedtodoingit.Weallleftthepubhappyandenergized…andfullofsausagesandmustardandpintsofPortlandbeer.MyplanwastostartwritingsongswhenwegottoSanDiegowhichwasafterourtripbacktoScotlandinNovemberformy60thbirthdayonNovember8th–withabigpartyarrangedforSaturday7th.ThetriptoScotlandwasprettygood,weflewfromSanFranciscoafteragreatfewdayswithfriendsthereandarrivedintimeforGuyFawkesday–November5th.Duringthenightaftermybirthdaywhenmybodywasstillrecoveringfromthepartyonthe7thandthecakesandgoodiesonthe8thandthejetlag…Ikeptwakingupduringthenight–andeachtimeIhadatag-lineforasongoranewsongideainmyhead…sowhatdidIdo?Ireachedoverthesideofthebed,opened“notes”onmyiPadand“wroteitdown!”.BymorningIhad10solidideasandacoupleofotherstoformupabitmore.DuringmytimeinSanDiego,Ibecameasongwriter…IWroteItDownSteveandCathi!

WriteItDown-SongVerse1D7 C G D7 C GSausageswithmustardandpintsofPortlandbeer,WesatwithSteveandCathiandtalkedofsongideas Em Bm C G C D GSomanyexcuses,somanyreasonswhy,Youcantellyourstory...JustwriteitdownChorus:

G C D Writeitdown....you'lljustforgetit,Writeitdown...beforeit'sgone C G D7Writeitdown...ittellsastory,that'sgoodandnottoolong Em BmWriteitdown...justasyoufeltit,Writeitdown...asbrightassun C G C D GThenshareitouttogetherwhenyouhelpmesingthissongVerse2Thelambs,thehills,thewaterfalls,thegleamingyellowgorse,Windlashingonacoldredcheek,streamsroaringthroughtheircourse,SurroundedbythebeautyofScotlandinthespringBreathless,stunned,excited...justwriteitdownChorusfollowedbySolooververseMiddleeight Em Bm C Gandoooh-ooohsomuchtosayEm Bm C D7whoooh-ooohwouldlistentomysongEm Bm C Goooh-ooohnoonewillknow G C D GbutitwillsuresoundbetterifyouallsingalongChorus(vocalsonly)thenChoruswithharmoniesVerse3Themajestic,Rockymountains,climbinguptopeaksofsnowCloudsjustrightaboveourheads,buildingssmallbelowGaspingforabreathofairasmyheadbeginstospinBreathless,stunned,excited...justwriteitdownChorusx2