Pipe Dreams

This song was inspired by the ancient Celtic symbol nowadays often represented in the piece of jewellery the Claddagh ring. This design originated on the West Coast of Ireland where communities of fisherfolk used it as indentifying mark to distinguish their boats from others. The Gaelic word “claddagh” literally means “fishing village” and, on the coast near Galway city, is a group of cottages known as The Claddagh. This song imagines a young person looking forward to being re-united with a lover and celebrating a safe and successful catch with kinfolk. The chorus  refers to the significance of the hands, heart and crown which make up the sign.

6    The Sign of the Claddagh by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

A medium tempo country style piece this one was inspired by the name Deloraine, which I really like. Nestled in the hills of northern Tasmania in Australia is the town of Deloraine. It was named for a fictional hero – Lord Deloraine -  a creation of Robert Louis Stevenson - an author much admired by the Governor who apportioned names to municipalities and domains of Tasmania back when this land was colonised by English settlers. It is appropriate that in the song Deloraine is unattainable, being named for a non-existent person, and the singer’s destiny is to search for something better than he’ll find.

7    Deloraine by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

This uptempo song concerns domestic violence with the story told as a monologue addressed to a dog. This family pet plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama – by doing nothing - at just the right time. 

8    I Said to the Dog by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

Instrumental guitar track with waves sound effect.

9    White Horses by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

One of a series of of loosely related songs – see Deloraine and Train of Dreams, Caravanerrai – the shape of the road is the shape of the traveller and searches become their own grails.   

10   Lo and Behold! by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

The road as the destination is a recurring theme in many of my songs. This one is a collaboration with Geoff Datson and expresses the grandeur of panoramic landscapes and the ambition of the human spirit to pursue the furthest goals. 

11  Train of Dreams by Des Wade from The Book of My Days

I have lived in Australia for over 30 years – the 10, 000 days (give or take) of the title. This is an up tempo  piece of autobiography  -  me and my band The DNA Cowboys had a residency in The Lord Roberts pub in Woolloomoolloo, Sydney in 1978 and my first homes in Australia were in Como on the banks of the Georges River and Bundeena in the Royal National Park – the houses by the river and the sea.. 