This song was inspired by the documentary, Iraq in Fragments. It is featured in my upcoming album, Songs For Topical Use.

Neil Conway -vocals, guitar
Patrick Boyle - trumpet
Dave Rowe - bass
Duane Andrews – lead guitar
Andrew McCarthy – drums

Kindergarten In Iraq

He is just a kid who cannot even spell his name
Picture books and bedtime stories haven’t been the same
Since daddy disappeared and all the scary soldiers came
Staring out the window wondering who he should blame

Now his homework isn’t done. What a little brat
He hasn't felt like studying since the first attack
He was left behind and then they held him back
For another year of kindergarten in Iraq

He doesn’t understand why all these people came to fight
Nightmares and loud noises make for many sleepless nights
He’ll have to suck it up ‘cause this is gonna be his life
There’s even people on my street who said it would be right

Now his homework isn’t done…

It’s not an easy time for a learning mind
Searching through the rubble of a haunted past to find
A better way, some hopeful sign
Beyond this chaos by design

Now his homework isn’t done…

Kindergarten In Iraq

Here our protagonist considers a major lifestyle change in his efforts to woo a sophisticated woman.

Beautiful Vegan Girl

Here's a little ditty about turning a bad situation into a tribute to an underrated snack food.

Crackers And Sardines

With a knack for biting commentary and eyebrow raising lyrics, Neil Conway is a multi-genre singing satirist and a fixture of the Newfoundland arts community. He writes songs about racism, war, food, greed, modern media, poverty, the environment, sex, love and politics. The lyrics are usually humorous and provocative but always thoughtful. Self described as “fringe folk,” he uses swing, bluegrass, klezmer, calypso and more to drive home his point.

For CBC Television, he wrote and performed a music video/comedy sketch mocking the 2006 Canadian election and in 2008 he was commissioned to write a song about Newfoundland premier Danny Williams for national radio show “Go.” Though widely known in his own community, he is only now emerging as an artist to the rest of Canada and beyond.

“Songs For Topical Use” is Conway’s newest release and his first since 2006. He will be setting out on his Small World Tour with dates across Canada in November 2013 followed by shows in Asia over the winter and Europe in the spring of 2014. For years Conway has been honing his craft. Writing and performing all over the world. We’re excited that he is finally feeling ready to introduce his work to music listeners and audiences everywhere. 2014 is going to be a big year and we thank you for taking a listen.

“Most definitely a songwriter worthy of being covered ” -Penguin Eggs

“a recipe for smiles and head nodding.” -The Coast, Halifax

“Often humorous original songwriting on social issues set in rootsy, acoustic arrangements.” -Sing Out!

“If you are going to be visiting St. John’s, do yourself a favour and find out where they are playing.  I would describe Neil Conway as freak folk > western swing > vaudeville” -No Depression

“a great collection of tunes the local bar circuit has been singing along to for years” -Fred’s Records

NeilConway