Lyrics:
I wont be home for Christmas
'cause I don't have a home
I won't be home for Christmas
just another night sleeping alone

maybe Ill receive some kindness
from a stranger on the street
some shelter for my weary mind to rest
some shoes to wrap up my feet

I won't be home for Christmas
for I cannot return
I won't be home for Christmas
my home was taken and burned

peace on earth is hard to find here
when hatred masks as holiness
and the ones with guns and money
make refugees and beggars of the rest

Wise men once came to Jesus
with riches fit for a king
but the one to whom every knee shall bow
was a homeless refugee

(I Won't Be) Home For Christmas

A re-worked full band version of an old favorite. Written in 2003, released originally as a solo effort on Joel Weir's 2005 "Worktown" EP. A song that hearkens to themes of place, hometowns, growing older, changes, and haunted by the words and music of Lucinda Williams. This track will be available on the upcoming "Thin Places" EP to be released on April 14th.

Worktown

A story, a prayer. Inspired by 4th century monk and mystic St. Anthony of Egypt. St. Anthony was raised in a wealthy home, but one day, when walking by a Church heard the Gospel story about Jesus and the rich young man being told. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." St. Anthony did just that. 
This song is also inspired by and dedicated to those who seek refuge in the midst of great resistance - whether that be across national borders or in the borders of ones own heart. 
Gloria a Dios Por Todo!

This song features guest accordion from the lovely and talented Mark Mozina.

Saint Anthony

Speaks for itself.
From the upcoming Thin Places EP from The Balhinch Quarterly - due out April 14.

Sailin' On The Wrong Sea

A nice country-tinged tune lovingly adopted by the Quarterly. Joel wrote this years ago - he recently found this home demo, featuring Tom Henderson on fiddle. Enjoy! 

Indiana Summer (early demo/Joel and Tom)

A home recording of the song "Warrior of Alamo" 
Music by Joel David Weir, Lyrics by Joel Weir and Maria Reynolds Weir
For Dean Weir, 10th all time scorer for the Alamo Warriors, and undisputed Killer of the Cottonmouth of Yountsville
Lyrics:
He wasn't supposed to make it
maybe that's why he lived like he did
like a dust bowl miracle baby
but the only ones who knew were his wife and his kids
So I got in on the secret
one day on a bike ride
down to sugar creek, we stopped for a drink
at the spring when he looked me in the eye

He said son, there's something you need to know about me
you see this is where I was born, but its not where I'm from
you'll get it when you get old enough to feel it
cause see you got it too - here's a little clue

Chorus
I'm the killer of the cottonmouth of Yountsville
I just threw my scout knife straight and true
and I knew that snake was dead (and them white sheets turned to red)
Don't you ever doubt your daddy, don't ya know
I'm the Warrior of Alamo

It was never for attention, or for any grand human cause
in the crucible of the sixties he kept the type straight and lights on
but when a friend of a different color was turned down away at the country club
he just built his own establishment, called it the house of simple love

Two youngest sons
one born fast and furiously
the other late and long
the apple from daddys tree
don't have far to fall
don't have far to go
but in case that snake shows up again
i'll teach you how to throw