Words: Patrick Kavanagh
Music: Luke Kelly.

A wee mellow track for Paddy's Day.
I hope I sang it as well as my wee big cousin.

Raglan Road (Happy St Patrick's Day from Something Memorable)

I miss travel. I used to travel a lot. Sit in bars and write lyrics. Lockdowns have not been good for me. I don't seem to find inspiration to do music, I guess because normal of daily life is so close and music is much more than normal.

But a muse visited me this week and inspired me to knuckle down and produce something. Nothing perfect.. but just from the heart.

Another Angel song...  long may they keep coming.



7th Trumpet.

I met Jibreel in an Irish Pub, one dry night in Dubai.
His wings were crushed beneath his coat. Ashamed he once could fly
Hunched on his stool and frowning deep into his stout
Like a prophet seeking truth, but only finding doubt.

Rise-Up Gabriel, Rise up, Let golden Wings Shine
Show me, there’s still hope left, a better life that can be mine
How many trumpets have sounded? Surely there’s still time,
So, Rise Up Gabriel, Rise up, Let Golden Wings. Let your Golden Wings shine.

The aircon was so fierce it froze, conversations swell, 
we just sat beneath the TV screens, in silent rugby’s happy spell.
The Guinness was not good, but for cold comfort we gladly paid.
And as he finished up another pint, he caught my eye and said

“We’re all just strangers here, as this beer is filled and sunk. 
Where you sought ideas to unite us, now I find strangers becoming drunks.
If you'd found strength together, maybe man could rise from the fall.
But all that held you now crumbles. No one sees the angels anymore.
You fill your world with distractions, your false prophets are so small.            
Loners in a splintered world, 
No one hears Angels, No one heeds angels anymore!”

And I guess there’s nothing for it, but for an angel to watch and wait.
To hide and bide till the end of times, now that’s shame, for heaven’s sake.
I bought him another Guinness, and together we bided Time.
A lost man and an Archangel, that night that seemed just fine.

Words and Music by Sean Doran

7th Trumpet (Something Memorable)

Dynamics? Who needs Dynamics.. start loud and get even louder, that's what I say... well I say that every now and then. I just enjoyed banging on guitars and the like for this one. Been a while since I belted one out. 

I'm not sure why this ended up like this.. it could have been a very gentle song about an old man... but that chorus just seemed to demand a big performance.. .. I hope its not too much.


HAUL

Come listen to his story,  take heed of his tales
How the sea raged against them and how they prevailed.
Bringin’ home the catch,  then back to sea once more
Leaving torn nets and the broken men to wait on the shore

He remembers the names and faces of those that never came home
And he weaves them into stories, so their souls don’t sail alone
but can crew with the Heroes, as he retells old myths
Conjuring storyteller’s magic from firelight and mist

But they won’t hold his eye, as they board one by one
He’s the land locked old, they fear to become.

So, haul the nets & hope my boys, Haul the nets and pray
For the sea she does not care for you, She gives but she takes away.
Haul the nets and pray for fish, Haul the nets and believe.
Oh the sea does not care for you, leaves families to grieve.

Through these myths and legends, he can teach the young
And he hope’s they’ll know the lessons when their own perils come
So listen to these stories and take heed of these tales,
For sea, she ever rages, yet we will prevail

Still they won’t hold his eye, as they board one by one
He’s the land locked old, they fear to become.

So, haul the nets & hope my boys, Haul the nets and pray
For the sea she does not care for you, She gives but she takes away.
Haul the nets and pray for fish’ Haul the nets and believe.
Oh the sea does not care for you, leaves families to grieve.

Still they won’t hold his eye, as they board one by one
He’s the land locked old, they’re damned to become.


Words and Music by Sean Doran

Haul (Something Memorable)

I know I could have worked this track a lot more. I could have re-done the guitar and got rid of the noises and fluffed notes, but sometimes the imperfections are what makes a track. I'm very imperfect, so this is a honest portrayal of my music. 

Little things help us remember. Mementoes that Marie Kondo even  allows you a box for. And sometimes its the strangest things that make us remember and shed a tear for something lost.


All my favorite chords recycled and played again... and I still have not learned a new picking pattern. And what do you know, another song without a hook or chorus... 

 




The Box

A single drop earring
A cuff link without its twin
A button, And a key
that once unwound sardine tin

A coin from a distant land
An acorn without its cup
A shoelace and a strapless watch
who’s time was long ago up

All these things she keeps hidden, locked in a box
buried in a drawer, deep beneath her socks 
All these little lost things, which she stumbled on then kept
Each now worthless, like memories she fears she’ll forget.

A shiny seashell
A stone, stripped black and grey
A jigsaw piece, A rusting badge
from a happy Birthday

An empty sweet wrapper
An straightened paper clip
A knotted string and a bead
Who’s smooth sparkle now is chipped

Once she lost something special so hoards these things she finds
Hoping now in keeping, to balance the past time.
She’s no longer careless, she has learned to hold tight.
And if she finds love again she’ll risk it this time, she really might

A counter from a board game
A faceless gold locket
A safety pin and a needle 
with green thread still caught in it

There’s a ribbon that once tied letters
And a tear that fell alone
A ring and a shard of a heart 
that’s fragile though now regrown 

Because of the reckless way 
she let her love be lost 
She guards these things safely, 
locked in a box

The Box

Pour a drink and turn this up loud... Then learn the chorus and send me a stem of you singing along and I'll mix it in.. :)

Been a long time since I had the squeeze box out and it shows. But I hope you all enjoy this bit of fun. 

Poition is a illegal (well there's some legal brands now cashing in) spirit, fermented and distilled in Ireland from a Potato mash. Yes, Irish moonshine...


Anyway, I'm off for a drink...


POITIN

There’s dire lack of decent red wine in this place
And the beer tastes of vinegar and bile.
But there Poitin in the jar, so lets have a try
I’ve not had a taste in a while.
So pour me a glass, sure I’ll risk it once more
How could one glass harm us, come on now pour
There’s still life in this party, the laughter says so,
Let’s drink to this party, have fun ‘er we go.

Poitin oh poitin, Truth in a glass
Poitin oh poitin, the pure from the mash.
Poitin oh Poitin, Clear as a lie
Poitin oh Poitin, Our friend till we die.

So many parties and I remember them all
I remember arriving, how I left? Can’t recall.
I remember the dancing, I remember the craic.
And I can’t have got too drunk, they invited me back.
We all need a drink, who could dance without one
And the craic surely flows when tied tongues are undone.

Poitin oh Poitin, lets toast till we fall.
Poitin oh Poitin, such power in the small.
Poitin oh Poitin, A flame in the glass
Poitin oh Poitin, promise each ones your last.

Don’t want a cocktail or designer beer
Fancy labels is not welcome here.
We want a drink, with people involved.
And if that crime, may it long stay unsolved.
So pour us a glass, as clear as the air.
The tears of the earth, distilled with care…

Poitin oh Poitin, you were coaxed from the spud.
Poitin oh Poitin, my heads full of mud.
Poitin oh Poitin, come on feel the burn
Poitin oh Poitin, sure our sight will return.

Poitin oh poitin, Truth in a glass
Poitin oh poitin, the pure from the mash.
Poitin oh Poitin, Clear as a lie
Poitin oh Poitin, Our friend till we die.

Photo care of:
http://oldmooresalmanac.com/news-topics/the-modern-celt/the-real-mountain-dew.html

Poitin (Something Memorable)

It's amazing what comes into your head as you sit by the beach. This has turned out to be a dark waltz.  Unashamedly folk dressed up to go out for the evening. Keeping it low and slow.

A pinch of Cohen, a sneer of Bowie and a smattering of Cave... lets see what the world thinks.




Ripples

The Sky is rippling, beneath a dark sea
It laps on a shore that’s just out of reach
The clouds are sinking, as the red sun floats free
The sky is rippling, as it drowns me.

You looked out to sea, to horizons fall
Avoiding my eyes as you explained it all,
Stepping past cliches, you cut straight to the bone
Why give away lies, when there’s your own truth to own

You told how it felt, to be you with me
Unchallenged, alone, watching those others be free
And the trinkets I buy you and the words I pledge
Just make you feel hollow so it must end.

The Sky is rippling, beneath a dark sea
It laps on a shore that’s just out of reach
The clouds are sinking, as the red sun floats free
The sky is rippling, as it drowns me.

Without Power to the turn words back 
Asked you not to say more
but you were the tide
and I, a fool on the shore.

You spoke of beginnings how they must lead to ends,
You told me of couples who still stayed friends
No tear in your eye, just the hint of a frown
As your words broke around me,
turned my world upside down.

The Sky is rippling, beneath a dark sea
It laps on a shore that’s just out of reach
The clouds are sinking, as the red sun floats free
The sky is rippling, as it drowns me.

Ripples

The Story of Pendle Witches is sad tail. The Devil rides out? Mass hysteria in 1612? Or Rich men pandering to their new King who had already written a book on Witches? There are many sides to the story and novels new and old to tell them. In all 10 people were hanged because Alizon had asked a Tinker (John Law) for a little pin one night. He said no, then something happened that led to his illness. From there it escalated.

You can read the trial in notes here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18253 for free. In the excellently titled "Wonderful discovery of Witches". The more you read the more you see women trusting in a system of law that is too young and too managed by "clever" men to do them true justice.

So this is my song of Alizon Device, I hope I have worded this song as ambiguously as I can. Alizon confessed, but do we all agree that she was capable of unpressured confession? She had a hard life and did not have many capabilities to create income. So this is a little of her story as I imagine it and a little bit of folk rock into the bargain.

The tune was inspired after seeing Martin Simpson this weekend in Blakeney. Try a different tuning he suggested. CGCGCD... I'm sure that's what he said.

I'm working on a couple of other songs on this topic (The Song of James the 1st and the Song of Alice Nutter). I hope they'll all have different feels to them. If you have suggestions let me know.


THE SONG OF ALIZON DEVICE
(Pendle Witch Song No. 1)

Just a pin Johnny Law, just a pin I asked,
A pin for my blessing and then you can pass.
But your heart was closed, Black and bleak.
And as I cursed you, we found, it was also weak.
And as I cursed you, we found, it was also weak.

I never meant to harm you or your son,
I came to say sorry for what I had done,
But you wanted revenge, oh why was I surprised
And so I stand trial, at Lancaster Assizes.

For I learned the power at Demdike’s knee
How to heal, how to hurt and how to charm thee
And I’ve made many a deal that have left a mark,
We Christian like men who turned ugly after dark.

Rich men, Poor men, Beggar men, Thieves,
There’s always a man spinning fear into belief
And it’s a woman’s lot to find a crust to earn
And for that in Lancaster, you can burn
And for that in Lancaster, you can burn

Just a pin Johnny Law, just a pin I asked,
A pin for my blessing and then you can pass.
But your heart was closed, Black and bleak.
And as I cursed you, we found it was also weak.
And as I cursed you, we found it was also weak.

So, am I a mother, witch, or a daft wife?
Is a man’s fear enough to brand a life?
10 of us were hanged for the rabble there to see
But the Black Dog of Pendle she still runs free
But the Black Dog of Pendle she still runs free

Just a pin Johnny Law, just a pin I asked,
A pin for my blessing and then you can pass.
But your heart was closed, Black and bleak.
And as I cursed you, we found it was also weak.

Rich men, Poor men, Beggar men, Thieves,
There’s always a man spinning fear into belief
10 of us were hanged for the rabble to see
But the Black Dog of Pendle she still runs free
But the Black Dog of Pendle she still runs free

Words and Music by Sean Doran

The Song Of Alizon Device (Pendle Witch Song No 1)

Wikipedia says The book Daemonologie was first published in 1597 by King James VI of Scotland (who also became James I of England) as a philosophical dissertation on contemporary necromancy and the historical relationships between the various methods of divination used in ancient black magic. It was reprinted again in 1603 when James took the throne of England.

So from 1603 there was a desire to find and confirm what the new king had described. This clearly set the context for the finding of Witches and the Pendle trials in 1612. If you ever read the trial notes from 1612, you'll see the themes summarised here turn refered to often. So, our second song is a paraphrasing of some of the key themes in this book and the beliefs of James the 1st of England. A conspiracy theory if ever there was one. I've tried to keep the key phrases and used the words of the book, so you may find this a bit archaic in places, and I hope the song doesn't suffer from being overly "clever".  

Though I've taken a perhaps joyful approach to this song and perhaps played on the absurdity, the death  that these beliefs caused is not joyous at all. Perhaps the next song will be more somber.

I hope you enjoy this. It's taken a while to get right... It is maybe still could do with a longer instrumental. :) but short and fast works too.


The Book is available for your kindle here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25929.epub.images?session_id=c017cc67835798cb1f4a686d60b4f0b2095f78fe



PARAPHRASING:
THE SONG OF JAMES I (Pendle Wirch Song No. 2)

Curiosity, Revenge and mostly Greed,
The unholy trinity, the Devil’s seeds.
Through these quick traps he pursues his goal,
To entice away your mortal soul.

Once knowing the planet’s positions in time,
The Curious ask, “What’s more to divine?”
So Devil he coaxes them, “Take one step more”,
From orbits in books, to circles on floors.

Idil di deedle, I knew from the start
They'll all end up kissing his hinder parts
Idil di deedle, Aye diddle di doo
Oh Devil, he’s real and he’s coming for you.

When commerce fails at an old rival’s hand
The Rich brood revenge and how it may be planned.
Then Devil steps in to feed on their ire,
Vows they’ll get their turn and their own heart’s desire.

And Poor who have nothing, but families to feed
their souls can be eaten by powerless greed,
with no christian help, when on despair they chew,
T'is Devil’s voice asks, “ Oh What troubles you?”

Idil di deedle, I knew from the start
They'll all end up kissing his hinder parts
Idil di deedle, Aye diddle di doo
Oh Devil, he’s real and he’s coming for you.

Curiosity, Revenge and greatly Greed,
The unholy trinity, the Devil’s seeds.
Through these quick traps he pursues his goal,
To entice away your mortal soul.

The Wicked, the Godly and even the Best
Oh Devil will come and put all to the test.
Where greed, revenge, curiosity can grow
Take care and protect yee, your own mortal soul.

The Song of James I (Pendle Witch Song No. 2)

A 'Not' blues song, if such a thing is possible. A positive song for the new year definitely.

Thanks to Ray and Carlos for their energy and input and patience with me. They received a very rough version and we ended up with something nice and powerful. One of those collaborations which simply grew with the telling..Another mix required but I like the energy here, even if its not perfect.

Lyrics and song: Something Memorable.
Bass, slide guitar  & Organ Solo: Ray McGinnis.
Drums: Spiderdrum.
And that artwork is by the man Ray: www.raymcginnis.net/Post/_singtheblues3.jpg

https://soundcloud.com/ray-mcginnis
https://soundcloud.com/spiderdrum

SOMEONE ELSE CAN SING THE BLUES

I used to sing of all those Broken hearts,
I sang of how our worlds got torn apart
Of lost loves and of silent pain.
There’s no need to sing those songs again.

Yes, someone else can sing the blues tonight.
Yes Somebody else can sing the blues tonight.
I’ll let Someboy blue can sing the blues tonight
Cause since I’ve found you, Singing the blues,
Just don’t feel, right…..

I’m a stranger to sadness, when did I last feel alone?
When think of you, smiles simply starts to grow,
You’re a chord in my heart now, major and bright.
The new key of my life, full of power and might .

Yes, someone else can sing the blues tonight.
Yes Someone else can sing the blues tonight.
Cause since I’ve found you, Singing the blues,
Just don’t feel, right…..

You’re  my confidence, the beat in my heart
The air I breath, my ending, my start
And those monochrome Blues, I’ll leave for others to sing,
They’ve lost their power, I’m filled with other things.

Your Touch, Your Face, Your laugh, Your, Kiss
Your love, Your Faith, Now I’m coloured with this.
I’ll leave the mumbling shadey words of the blues,
You’ve my new dictionary, you’ve brought more words to choose….
 
Yes, someone else can sing the blues tonight.
Yes Someone else can sing the blues tonight.
Cause since I’ve found you, Singing the blues,
Just don’t feel, right…..

Someone Else Can Sing The Blues (Collaboration with Ray McGinnis, Spiderdrum  & Something Memorable

So, the third outing for Pravinand and me. And we have found a track with a happy beat and we hope you'll like and share... 

Once again I played Bernie Taupin to Pravinand's Elton John... sending the lyrics into the world and getting a wonderful song in return. The original acoustic from Pravinand was very honest folk, exactly what I was hoping for as I wrote the lyric. But, through the arrangement and the mix, we have now landed on something which dwells more on the smiles than the tears, and I hope will bring one to your face as your toe taps. 

As ever, it was great to work with Pravinand and I thank him for this opportunity to create a great track that I would not have created on my own.

Of course I'm also ironically aware of the song "Isn't it Ironic" and how the title drew fire because the examples in the lyric weren't.... so I hope the definition police aren't fully in force today and allow the poetic license... :) (http://fgk.hanau.net/articles/ironic.html)


Music, Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Pravinand Maharaj (Johnny Minstel: https://soundcloud.com/johnny-minstrel)
Lyrics, Arrangements (Bass, Clav & Percussion) keyboard & Ukulele: Sean Doran (Something Memorable.)

Our Previous Collabs: 
https://soundcloud.com/something-memorable/oh-bury-me
https://soundcloud.com/something-memorable/lonesome-whistle

LOVE'S CONTRADICTIONS.

If love was money and hopes were gold,
I’d be rich from all the dreams I hold.
If money could buy all the things that I wish.
I’d be happy and poor spending pennies for your kiss.

If kisses were flowers and love the field.
The hives would buzz and sweet honey they’d yield.
If all you desired was a scented bouquet.
I’d strip all the flowers from that field every day.

For love is one thing and then the other
It’s the lows, then the highs,
Contradiction in contradiction.
Loves in the tears behind the smiles.

If your love opened all locks, all doors.
Then we’d run free from peak to shore.
If I could hold love, like I see in your eyes.
I’d hold it tightly, keep it only mine.

If loving you was a deadly sin,
I’ll shake devil's hand, as I walk in.
But love for you will save my soul.
So you have my life, complete and whole.

For love is one thing and then the other
It’s the lows, then the highs,
Contradiction in contradiction.
Loves in the tears behind the smiles.

Photo from:  http://www.sott.net/image/image/s7/143886/full/honey_bee_and_flowers_hd_deskt.jpg

Love's Contradictions (Collaboration Johnny Minstrel & Something Memorable)

A song for friends that we love and we know will need to move on. We'll always be here, regardless of where they go. 

This is dedicated for Adina. She was my good friend's good friend. She left a bright trail in the lives of many people.  

So Close, So Far,

Just to see you and my heart smiles.
To be with you and while you talk to me,
I'm watching, drinking you in.
A deep draft of you and I'm still thirsty.

Just to see you lifts my heart.
To be with you and feel a part,
of this moment of beauty.
And I'm watching, something precious
All these riches before me and I'm still greedy

To see you, to hear you, that's how life should be.
To love you and be with you where else would I be?

Yet each time we meet, I'm scared its the last.
Your perfect glaze shows the faults in my cast.

To see you now and I'm amazed.
Your dreams awake, you've flown away,
To a place where your happy.
And I'm watching, you fly high.
Waiting for the day you'll say goodbye,
Scared and waiting for the day you'll say goodbye.



Words and Music by Sean Doran.
Picture from https://www.soulveda.com/across-cultures/makara-sankranti-when-kites-fly-high/

So Close, So Far (Something Memorable)

A song of protest and passion, written a while back as a reaction to many things. 

This is a great song to sing. I was spitting emotion, which is also called bad studio technique. I really enjoyed letting fly. (as I've moved to a terraced house bear the Hague, I hope the neighbours did too).

RISE
The stronger the words of hate you use
The softer my embrace becomes
Make you vindictive rules
Forgiving places become my home
and the more you tell me
how and what to think
The stronger the river of ideas will flow
And the deeper I shall drink
And we’ll rise, rise, rise.
The hope of bright truth
to end your cold, cold night.

The more quotes from your book you voice
fewer words for friendship I’ll need
As you narrow your definitions
The wider I shall read.
And as you claim victory 
for the infamy you’ve received
I’ll mourn for all that has been lost
And all who you’ve deceived.
So we’ll rise, rise, rise.
No power can darken
The light shining in our eyes.

Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
Cut us down, but we grow high
Clip our wings, but we’ll still fly
for the sweetness of life does not heed
The poison of your deeds

Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
For every no, a yes in reply
Take our hope and we’ll still try
for every winter hides the sun
but another springs begun.

Just because you can hurt me
does not make me wrong.
You may silence this voice
but others will sing their songs.
You can hide my body
but you’ll plant a seed that grows
for I share a love
That no anger can overthrow

So we’ll rise, rise, rise.
voices together gently sooth
the pain of your vengeful skies
Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
for death is no answer to life.

Words/Music Sean Doran.
Bass Arrangement Sean Doran.
Acoustic Guitar Sean Doran.
Acoustic Guitar pretending to be lead was me... but it could be you...
Thanks to Johnny Minstrel for the Encouragement... :)

Rise (Something Memorable)

A simple, happy song to wish good friends on there way. I hope it makes you smile.

I needed to have accomplished something constructive from this weekend. 

(This mix was up-dated on the 5th Nov 2016)

A HAPPY LEAVING SONG

Farewell, Farewell
May you truly do well.
In all you buy, in all you sell,
And in who you trust and in what you tell.
Farewell, Farewell,
Keep my love tonight.

Goodbye, Goodbye,
It’s not good to cry,
No matter where you go,
The routes you ply,
Remember me when a stranger smiles.
Goodbye, Goodbye,
Keep my love tonight.

Staying here’s a comfort but comforst slow us.
Speed onto heaven, avoid hell below us.
Take your chances and leave here smiling.
Your smile brings you luck,
And when your lucky, you’re smiling.

So long, So long,
Hearts remember so long.
In all the books and all the songs.
You will hear my words,
Know our love goes on.
So Long, So long,
Keep my love tonight.

Written, Arranged and performed by Sean Doran

Happy Song For Those Leaving (Something Memorable)

A song that helped me get my thoughts in line yesterday. Something simple and direct.. 

THE WHAT IF, IF I JUST, IF ONLY MONSTER

There’s a room where I keep all the bad stuff
The stuff that I pushed down inside
All the love I smashed up and threw away
All the dreams I broke and never tried
On the walls things I said and I can’t take back 
Are carved in the stone, written large 
And the instants embarrassment boiled out of me
Are preserved in neat pickling jars

Here’s the folded cloaks of jealousy,
I hid behind whenever I failed.
files of lies that I told, the grudges I hold
Names of people I hurt are detailed.
Though I try to keep that door tightly locked
To keep all those hid of sight.
Something’s not right, theres’ a crack, there’s a light
That door is opening tonight.

And out he comes with a hideous smile
And a look like he’s never been fed
Throwing the stuff out of the room
Confronts me with the things that I dread.

That “what if, if I just, if only monster”
Is prowling in my head again.
Scratching the away the paths to the light
Scares me back to the dark and its pain.
Where I’ll ponder and wonder and useless play out
All the ways that things might have gone.
And he’ll draw the connections and laugh when I see
That’s me that got it all wrong.

The what if, If I just, If only monster
Comes in the night and eats away
The desire, the strength to get out of bed
or the need to just care that its day.
And it’s not that I chose to build him that room.
Or beckoned him into my head
Maybe he’s been here since I was a child
And climbed here from under the bed. 

That “what if, if I just, if only monster”
Is prowling in my head again.
Scratching the away the paths to the light
Scares me back to the dark and its pain.


The What If, If I Just, If Only Monster

My friend Gavan had been posting some poems on FB and so I asked him if he'd like me to have a go at making one into a song. Here's the result. A little tweaking to get the words to flow within a song a song structure only.. These are Gavan's words.

Gavan and I met when we were about 12 years old and almost entered a music competition together, Gavan on tin whistle, me on guitar..... ah youth...

I like the journey this poem took me on. From a uncertain start through a manifesto for the the dreamer to a joyous who cares at the end.

I hope you all like this too....

Get well soon Gavan (he just feel down the stairs).
The picture is Gavan's also. A great little moment togetherness.. caught.

DANCE

Attraction, Initial satisfaction.
But too soon comes distraction.
The moments gave us little inklings.
Too much time brings too much thinking.
Rearranging, Reappraising,
Reconditioning of heart and mind.

Smiling, Shyly glancing
Through a fleeting shadow of doubting
Any glance, another smile a racing heart
Playing out the next minutes in hopeful thoughts
What could be, possibility
Even if risky, its time to try.

For we dream to live beyond our lives,
To walk the paths we never should.
To break the ties that bind us.
To hold the hands we never could.
And we dream to find a little hope
to plan for things we'll never see
To remember the kisses we never gave
To be the one we've never been.
Could we be that one we've never been?

Chance, begin the dance.
Allow the space for romance.
Who cares if the moment gets missed.
Who know if someone was kissed.
Re-awaking, Reassuring,
Revolving, this world will keep on turning.

Lyrics: Gavan McGibbon
Music, Arrangement, Vocals: Something Memorable.


Dance (Something Memorable: Collab with Gavan McGibbon)

Coming from Northern Ireland I'm not unfamiliar with the rain and the cold. The weather was something that you just got on with. Going out on a date in the cold and wet was just how it was. Here's a little story based on some of those memories.

I've tried to be a bit gentler with the vocal and production. I really appreciate your listen and any comments that you may wish to leave.

THE COLD

She can still taste the sea in the air.
When she thinks of him.
She can still feel rain trickle from her hair.
When she thinks of him.
How the pebbles shifted beneath their feet.
As his arms held back the cold.
Brought the heat.

She can still hear the sounds of the shore
When she thinks of him.
How the clouds closed and the sky poured.
When she thinks of him.
The cold numbness of her finger tips.
And the soft warmth 
as he kissed her lips.

Moments arranged, 
Moments by chance
Moments when the wind taught her hair to dance.
When their eyes spoke the untold.
Moments, 
when they melted in the cold.

The rain falls as the taxi arrives.
As she thinks of him.
The cold bites as she changes their lives.
Still she thinks of him.
Their eyes don’t meet, scared what they’ll betray..
No-one speaks so she turns away,

Moments arranged, Moments by chance
Moments when the wind taught her hair to dance.
When their eyes spoke the untold.
Moments, when they melted in the cold.

Lyrics: Sean Doran.
Music: David McCann & Sean Doran.
Arrangement: Sean Doran

The Cold (Something Memorable)

This track is a collaboration between Wabisabi-Laly and myself. Thank you Lili for trusting me with the free verse poem that you shared and permitting me the time to find how it would fit to this lyric.

https://soundcloud.com/wabisabichabana

There was a delicate sadness in the original poem. Beautiful words that took a time to find their shape in this song, teasingly coming together at times and then falling away.... and that was before I tried to sing them. 

I hope this little lyrical story still holds enough of what Lili shared with me so that as you listen you can feel that honesty that I first read and maybe feel a little tear well.

LEARNING TO LET GO:

Would life fill with darkness. 
If she admitted she was scared.
So she nursed her belief of value 
in what they’d shared.
She kept the china smile,
Through all the moments as they hurt.
letting no-one see the blood spill from the
breaking heart beneath her shirt.

She might have tried to talk to him. 
But knew his answers bazaar.
How he wanted to save other things.
Saw not close, not here,  just far.
He was filled with the future.
While she was empty, now and here.
He offered coffee and cigarettes,
They would not fill her, she feared.

Crying in the night. 
Sighing in the day.
Battling to keep promises. 
Walk this path the honorable way.
Pretending it was the weathers fault.
She hid behind words of blame.
In passionless equal measures, 
she blamed the sunshine, blamed the rain.

Denying sadness behind
jewelry he bought.
She dressed in his favoured velvet,
For the memories it caught.
She was a desert of emotion.
Killing the comfort in sunshine.
Stealing the joy from the jewelry,
Till even velvet could not hide the crime.


At last she had to let him go
Find her own words to speak.
Find resilience in forgiveness
Let the silence bring her peace.
She’ll step out from the numbness,
Permit some colour in her world.
Learning by letting some things go
you reach more precious things to hold.

Lyrics: Liliana/Sean
Music/arrangment: Sean Doran.

Learning To Let Go (WabiSabi- Laly & Something Memorable)

Frustration, frustration, frustration... be it playing a A chord that does not buzz (I left some of that frustration in there) or watching the UK vote to leave the EU.

This is a little song that I had verses for a long time ago and added the chorus recently... maybe the Euro Football chants are also having an impact... 

A wish for an easier life and maybe a realisation that the important things are easier than we think..

EASY

Well I wish that money was easy
Easy to earn easy to spend
Interest earning, security growing
Confidence blooming,
My folding friend
But my money has turned against me
Sure to run out in the end

Well I wish that work was easy
Easy to find, easy to start
Character building, world improving
Mind expanding
Good for the heart
But work is turning ugly
Keeps my love and me apart.

Easy, Easy Easy
Why can’t my life be
Easy, Easy, Easy
Oh so easy for me.

Well I wish that love was easy
Easy to give and to receive
Life enriching, worries soothing, friendship building
Tensions relieved
And thank god loving you’s easy
Easy as the air I breathe.

Easy, Easy, Easy
lovin you turns out to be
Easy, Easy, Easy
Oh so easy for me.

Words & Music by Sean Doran.

Easy (Something Memorable)

There are some popular paintings which are popular for a reason. The Turner's the Fighting Temeraire is an amazing painting. Catching the end of sailing ships as a famous sailing ship is pulled to the wreckers yard by a steam tug. It's definitely one of my favourite paintings. 

In this little song I've tried to tell the story of that famous boat but also the change in how the able bodied seaman moved from tending the rigging and the sails in the fresh free air, to being stuck in the boiler rooms shovelling coal in the heat and dark. 

Why did I write a sea shanty about it? No idea. but here is my attempt at one anyway. 

I hope you enjoy.

FIGHTING TEMERAIRE

Shovel your coal
For the furnace is hungry
Shovel your coal boy
For the furnace draws hard
For the black gang is working
Down where heat hangs so thickly
In hell for a seaman
Who once worked ‘neath the stars.

Once full sail in the wind
And your spirits filled with her
Full sail in the wind
Lean to sea and the air
To songs from ropes
your hands they would answer
Theres no music in this clamour.
Just a furnance and me.

We sailed in Trafalga 
Astern of the Victory
We sailed in trafalga
To fight was our prayer.
we worked sails and rigging
As the canons roared round us
To the aid of Lord Nelson
Came the fighting Temeraire.

98 guns 
And each one was needed
98 guns
Each one threatened beware
From Cadiz to the Baltic
We served George and country
No force would dare threaten
The noble Temeraire

Without sail, flag or pride.
They damned her to Rotherhide
Without sail flag or pride.
Already as dead as the air
And the worst insult slung
was the dirty steam tug
that dragged in shackles
To the breakers dock down there

So Shovel your coal
The furnace is hungry
Shovel your coal boy
For the furnace draws hard
For the black gang is working
Down where the heat hangs so thickly
In hell for a seaman
Who once worked ‘neath the stars.

Words and music by Sean Doran


Fighting Temeraire (Something Memorable)

Here's a track which is part me, part the experiences of friends and part a book I read or a film I saw. When there is a lot of stress around, its the little things that we keep on top of which stop us from falling. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. I do get a great sense of satisfaction from having ironed a pile of dirty laundry. Those little things we do go further and they keep our feet on the ground. 

I'm interested in your comments as ever. Have I pushed too hard with these lyrics? Does the story make sense? Did it need all the harmony parts? All the little worries you have before you post a track.. 

My thanks to Barry Olthof for the assistance in mixing this track. I'm taking a course of music recording and production lessons with Barry. This track was recorded at home with my own equipment.. its just that Barry had taught me how to use it better. I decided that I needed some one on one time to make the improvements I wanted in my production.

Ballads of Love and Loss

Little Victories (Something Memorable)

So, another go at a song I posted a year ago. My attempt at a protest song against intolerance and cultures of abuse, wherever they may be. 
This version is rockier, punchier and I hope more impactful.

Thanks to Jim (Telefan) for giving some advice on what might help to raise the impact of the track.

The original version can be found further down my track list.. I now find the slowness of it hard to listen to. We do live and learn.


RISE

The stronger the words of hate you use
The softer my embrace becomes
Make you vindictive rules
Forgiving places become my home
and the more you tell me
how and what to think
well the stringer the river of ideas will flow
And the deeper I shall drink
And we’ll rise, rise, rise.
The hope of bright truth
to end your cold, cold night.

The more quotes from your book you voice
fewer words of friendship I’ll need
As you narrow your definitions
The wider I shall read.
And as you claim victory 
for the infamy you’ve received
I’ll mourn for all that has been lost
And all who you’ve deceived.
So we’ll rise, rise, rise.
No power can darken
The light shining in our eyes.

Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
Cut us down, but we grow high
Clip our wings, but we’ll still fly
for the sweetness of life will not heed
The poison of your deeds

Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
For every no, a yes in reply
Take our hope and we’ll still try
for every winter hides the sun
but another springs begun.

Just because you can hurt me
does not make me wrong.
You may silence this voice
but others will sing their song.
You can hide the bodies
but you’ll plant seeds that grows
for I share a love
That no anger can overthrow

So we’ll rise, rise, rise.
voices together gently sooth
the pain of your vengeful skies
Yes, we’ll rise, rise, rise
for death is no answer,
No death is no answer,
No death is has no answer to life.

Rise 2016  (Something Memorable)

When somethings on your mind, it tends to leak out. Of course that's a good start then you sit back and let the lyric take you.

A track about belonging and longing for the new, about caring for what you have and what you might get. A song of imbalance. Not the Irish singing about wishing they were home, but a song about finding yourself home and knowing there is no leaving. I hope you enjoy.

There is maybe space for a harmonica track in here... if anyone is up for it.. :)

BENEATH THE CLOUDS

I always thought that I knew how to love.
But time has taught just how wrong I was.

Standing here where each day is the same.
Hiding in words but caught by the absence of your name.
Like the mountains caught the wind and sent it
to blow your letters free,
Sweep them all away down to 
the indifference of the sea.

Standing here with my feet planted home.
I try to stay away but this land is in my bones.
Where my my prison is a vision of 
this land beneath the clouds
Try to escape and find
Your heart will not allow

And if I leave I know I won't shed these regrets
for the nights have shown that dreams do not forget.

Standing here where all time stands still
Nothing but waiting, waiting here until
We can all rise together and leave this earthly place.
And maybe then I'll get to say I'm sorry to your face.

I always thought I knew how to love,
But time has taught just how wrong I was.
And I was wrong.

Lyrics & Music; Arrangement: Sean Doran

Beneath The Clouds (Something Memorable)

A simple Folk song. Nothing fancy, just a song from the heart.

It's been a year since my mother died and this is a song I wrote as I was visiting with her. A lyric inspired by the conversations we had at that time, who she was and who she would want to be.

While searching for a picture for the song I find that the Mandarin character for listening is a combination of eyes, ears and heart... well there you go. You think you are original but you're just re-discovering what is already known.

THIS OLD HEART.

These old eyes has seen so far,
By constant sun, by flickering stars.
They've seen the kindness of strangers
and the carelessness of friends
they've watched the children grow
Seen hard times begin and end.
And they keep looking out for love 
for the next smile to begin.
They've learnt to see the beauty where a glance
might just see sin.

These old ears
have listened long,
In tuneless cities, harmonious homes.
They've heard the joy when friends meet
and their sadness in goodbye
Heard the weeping at the graveside
the gasps at bady's cry
And they'll keep listening out for love
for the laughter and the pain.
They've learnt to gentle listen till there's strength
to try again.

This old heart,
has loved so strong.
Though sometimes broken
it's kept its warmth.
It's loved through thick and thin
Through the smiles and tears.
This old heart has stayed open.
This old heart has shown no fear.
And it keeps making room for love,
gives it unconditionally.
This old heart will not judge you for it knows
the faults in me.

And I keep looking out for love
I'll keep listening for its name.
My heart may be old 
but there's still time to love again.
For age is not a burden but a marvel revelled in.
Where the colours of my memories fill
the days I now live in.
And I wouldn't trade what I know now 
for a new chance to be young.
for what I've seen and heard and loved just hints
at the wonders
yet to come.

(Thanks to Prav for support in choosing a title.)

This Old Heart (Something Memorable)

Just a bit of fun. I hope you enjoy the energy and forgive the flaws.

Happy St Paddy's day!!!!

Cheers, Sean

Star Of The County Down (Happy St Paddy's Day From Something Memorable)

When not in India or Ireland I spend a lot of time in the south of France, very close to the mountain of Bugarach. This mountain is apparently going to survive the coming apocalypse later this year.... Dec 21st I think.

[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/31/world/europe/31bugarach.html]

So in celebration, here's some apocalyptic blues rock.... very out of character.. I know.


THE ENDING OF DAYS.

I got no electricity, got no running water,
Don’t take medication, though the Dr says I oughta
No papers, books or TV set,
Don’t need opinions, no-ones ever asked one yet.

I’m just waiting, oh I’m waiting.
I’m waiting, yes I’m waiting
For the ending of all Days..
For the ending, of, All days.

A black dog is in the corner of the room.
Sitting in the shadows, eyes as red as doom
As I watch he sits up and sniffs the air.
He can smell the coming demons; oh he knows that they are there.

He’s waiting, patiently waiting,
He’s waiting; oh he’s waiting,
For the ending of all days.
For the ending of all our days.

These voices whisper softly in my ear.
They have names from the Old Testament so what is there to fear.
But the words I just can’t understand.
But I can sense anticipation for the hour is near at hand
We’re waiting, anxiously waiting,
Waiting, Oh we’re waiting
For the ending of all days.
For the written, ending of all days.

The flames are dancing slowing in the grate.
The maw of burning embers like the beckoning hells gate
While the wind sings hymns around this house,
Like the whispering of an angel with anger in his voice.
Oh I’m waiting, tears of waiting,
I’m waiting, yes I’m waiting for the ending of all days.
For the ending of all our days.

There’s God and there’s the Devil this is true
And We hope we know difference, can tell just who is who,
Well They’re real its  us who are the dream.
Just a lapse of concentration in their ineffable scheme
We’re all waiting, blindly waiting.
We’re waiting, always waiting 
For the ending of all days.
Its coming, the end of all days…

Lyrics and Music by Sean Doran.
Copyright 2012.

Ancient Eyptian, Aramaic and Greek are from the following sites:

http://www.v-a.com/bible/Lords_Prayer.html
http://archive.org/details/Odyssey_in_Ancient_Greek
http://www.digitalegypt.ucl.ac.uk/sound/arabic.mp3


The ending of days (Something Memorable)

A fast paced, jig inspired, folk. Probably on too many whiskey's and shouldn't be left in the house alone....


GOING TO HELL

Rise up to the call, 
Don't trip or fall,
The time has come, 
The fight can be won,
One step at a time, 
Our victory will shine,
We're all going to hell.
 
There's a type who’ll fight, 
there's type who’ll run,
Battles lost, and battles won,
The best part of valour
is to better the odds, 
We're all going to Hell.
 
No eye shall blink, 	
No foot shall falter,
Be a proud memory 	
to son or daughter,
They’ll see that old uniform, 
heart strings being torn,
We're all going to Hell.

Raise loud the alarm,	
Then Shoulder your arms,
The time has come,	
So go wake Everyone.
Then strike up the band,	 
For this fortress on the sand, cause
We're all going to Hell.

Bang slow on the drum,	
for this wars begun,
Dashing deeds to be done, 	
Stirring songs to be sung,
In files and rows,		
Each poor soldier knows, that
We're all going to hell.
   
No strategy here, 		
just the chance to fail,
Loose the kingdom 	
for the want of a nail.
In files and in rows          
white crosses will show that
We're all going to Hell.

Words and Music by Sean Doran.



Going to hell (Something Memorable)

A little mellow song for those leaving and those staying behind.

LEAF

Birds fly high
Wings bright in the sun
Driven to get there.
Migrations begun.

Clouds drift on
Clean white in the blue.
No place to come from
No Place to go to.


Leaf on the breeze 
On the way down
Tumbles and spins 
Now lost on the ground.

Bee workin’ hard
Flys to a rose
He can’t see the beauty
As he gets too close.

He’ll fly on
He’ll fly High
Always asks questions, 
Always asks why.
improves his direction
adjusts what he needs.

I hope he’ll never loose 
That faith he has in me.



Words and Music by Sean Doran


Leaf (for Seamus)

Not a Christmas Song, but a song for a child none the less. This song is for my daughter... oh the number of ways a father can embarrass his children is endless....


SOME BOYS.

Some boys will make you smile.
With Eyes that sparkle as they speak.
Some boys will take your hand
and your heart will skip a beat.
Some boys will whisper words 
your heart will long to hear
There’ll be boys of all kinds,
Never fear.

Some boys will want to dance
An excuse to hold you close.
Some Boys will stand you up,
And what a chance they will have lost.
And when a boy makes you cry,
You’ll learn how strong your heart can be.
You find Boys are slow to admit what’s real.

Perhaps there’s a boy
Who’s too shy to say hello.
But he’ll turn up in the places 
you have planned to go.
Maybe he’ll be worth the gift of your honest, gorgeous smile.
You’ll make his day when you talk a while.

And One Boy will find in you
All the things that your lives need.
Maybe that boy can love you just like me.
I'm sure that boy will love you just like me.

Lyrics and Music by Sean Doran.
Copyright 2012


Some Boys (for Amelia:   Something Memorable)

A little instrumental track to get me back into sharing.
I'm out of practice and my fingers are complaining... 
I hope this is good enough for a listen.
love

Songs of Connection

Before the Rain (Instrumental: Something Memorable)

Its been a long time since I've posted a song on SoundCloud, years. I hope you all still like mellow acoustic. :)

So here's a little track that imagines being with someone you miss.
Someone you love.



Lyrics:

When you come to me
Combine the hints of what could be
Explore the thoughts that tesselate tenderly
Will all my dreams become reality
If you come to me
When you come to me

You say what you see in me
Inexplicable wizardry
Your words unfamiliar, at least to me
For its beauty that you say that you see
Beauty you see in me.

And our love burns like a white hot fire
Our love blooms, a field of the wildest flowers
Our love feeds on deep desire
it bites like a starved vampire

When you come to me
We'll find a rhythm syncopatedly
Fit together seamlessly
through that inexplicable wizardry
If you come to me
Find that beauty in me
If you come to me
When you come to me.

Come To Me (Something Memorable)

Hi All,
Here's a song about longing and now finding the words.
A track to help me get into the swing of things.
Make sure you comment and help me find my groove once more.


DOES SHE KNOW?
She sparkles and Shines as she goes, Does she know, does she know
She twinkles and glows as she goes, Does she know, does she know
Sparkle and glow, twinkle and shine, its enough for me just to see her smile, 
Sparkle and Shine, twinkle and glow, She’s all I want but she doesn’t know

She shimmers and Flames when she smiles, Makes my heart sigh, my heart sighs
Glitters and flares as she smiles, Makes my heart sighs, my heart sighs
Shimmer and Flare, Glitter and Flame, Since she’s touched my life this world will never be the same
Shimmer and flame, Glitter and Flare, I think I  know love now she is there.

She fills my dreams, my heart floats high,   off the ground, Off the ground
But I know they’re just dreams so I tumble down, back to the ground,  tumble down.
She’s power, She’s beauty, and I’m a dreamer, I’m weak. When I’m next to her I forget how to speak
So all that I feel will stay hidden, unspoken, there’s now no way to stop this heart being broken

Shimmer and Flare, Glitter and Flame, Since she’s touched my life this world will never be the same
Shimmer and flame, Glitter and Flare, I think I’ve  known love since she’s been there.

She sparkles and Shines as she goes, Does she know, does she know
She twinkles and glows as she goes, Does she know, does she know

Words and Music by Sean Doran

Does She Know? (Something Memorable)

There's a competition in the UK for over-fifties songwriters, an age positive competition. This is my entry.

More than a competition, the idea of the competition has created a community of sharing and learning among the vast variety of "experienced" song-writers in the UK. Its been great fun taking part. It is a community on facebook though, and I still prefer Soundcloud... I like the way we interact on soundcloud and appreciate your comments on my song timeline. 

My entry is a re-working of the favorite song I've written. I hope its time has come. This reworking has been fun and difficult: some word changes, some rethinking. It has lost some mellowness and gained some impact. But maybe the fact that it works in different ways is a good measure of a song.

A key test for the competition, for me at least, is the question "would it make sense if the power was off!" The original version was two guitars.. So this one is a simple acoustic song.. one voice and one guitar... (though I cheat at the end). In other words, if someone asked me to play this song, could I play it without boring everyone with my poor strumming. This mixes it up.

You can hear the original version here (for comparison).
https://soundcloud.com/something-memorable/a-song-for-you-from-nowhere

Details of Talent is Timeless are here ... only a few days left to entre
https://www.talentistimeless.com/


A SONG FOR YOU FROM NOWHERE

You’ve been hunting for the reasons,
Why it’s not feeling right.
But you’ve been going so deep inside, 
You’re lost in storms, so far from the light.
Now you’re putting yourself down, 
like you’re the only one you’re not scared to blame.
You’re forgetting to call me up, 
Knock on my door, come in from the rain.

Here’s my hand. 
You know you can take it.
Please, take my hand. 
You won’t break it.

Just like you, 
I’m heart, skin and bone.
I’m just like you. 
You’re not alone.

If you’ve not learnt you’re special, 
Then I am here to teach.
I want to bring that lightness back, 
Find the giggle when you speak.
So come on, lean on me, 
You’ll find comfort in your skin.
You can start to look outside, 
Where the compliments begin.

For when you smile, the sun can relax.
And when you laugh, the day’s frown cracks.
And the breeze will blow just to see your hair play.
And the world will buzz with new reasons, 
to give thanks and pray.

here’s my hand. 
Reach out and take it
Squeeze hard and laugh. 
You’ll never break it.

Delight in the fact,
That you rely on me,
Then watch me smile as 
I mirror the beauty I see.
Then watch me smile as 
I mirror the beauty I see.

Words and music by Sean Doran

A Song For You From Nowhere 2021 (Something Memorable)

Something Memorable is Sean Doran's SoundCloud Name. 

Hi there. Go on.. push a play button and re-post something....while you read....

I've been on Soundcloud since Dec 2011 and it still amazes me how this community has helped me to improve my music and continue to write and play. It's the balance between the making music and the listening to the inspiration that the rest of you create, that makes it work. Thank you for sharing and thank you for listening.

I'm song writer and singer, continuing to learn and play, create and expand my capabilities. I'm very happy to write and record with others here on Soundcloud, I've enjoyed the collaborations that I've been involved with and they are where I learn the most. So, if you want a lyric or a vocal or fancy trying to collaborate on a complete track please let me know. 

My songs tend to be lyrics driven and my lyrics tend to come from ideas hinted at by words or phrases I hear or read. Once I'm writing I tend to start off in one direction and soon find the lyrics choosing their own. No matter how hard I push towards that pop, chirpy track.... I tend to come back something a little slower. Through I've been experimenting more lately. 

I truly believe everyone can write and should give it a go and so I'm happy to work with anyone.

I'm currently recording a combination of N2 pencil mics for acoustic guitar and a Aston Original mike for vocal. I have an M-Audio interface to my Mac and Logic X.

Born in Belfast, N. Ireland, but currently living and working from (Malaysia, India, Netherlands)North Norfolk in the UK.

I hope you'll like some of what you hear and that you'll leave a comment. Even if you don't like it, I'd love to hear why and what would make you listen again. Your comments make me better. 

शुभ कामनाएँ

Sean

Something Memorable

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