RAINBOW MAN has been published! And here's the lovely cover chosen by my newsletter subscribers: He'd follow her anywhere, regardless of danger, but her recklessness may lead to his doom. An evocative tale of passion and pitfalls. 1880s Arizona Territory: Renowned silversmith and accomplished woodsman Alec Twelve Trees is arrested and beaten by a rogue … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN is here!
Songs
RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
One of my favorites! This traditional song is a perfect rendition of the pull-and-tug between a courting couple: a man who's madly in love, and a woman who's trying to 'play it cool'. You can find a version of it by the inimitable Wolfe Tones here. RORY O'MORE Young Rory O'More courted Kathleen bawn. … Continue reading RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
O’DONNELL ABU!: An Irish Song
One of the best of the rebel songs, O'Donnell Abu! was written by Michael Joseph McCann in 1843. "Abu!", as I understand it, is similar to "Hurrah!" I recognized this song on the bagpipes long before I knew the words (or even knew it had words!) I subsequently have asked many Irish singers for the … Continue reading O’DONNELL ABU!: An Irish Song
WAYFARIN’ STRANGER: An American Folk Song
This song's roots are open to discussion. Some say it dates from the 18th century, some say the 19th; some credit it to North Carolina, some the Appalachians in general, while still others believe it was originally an African-American spiritual. Regardless of who's right (or close to right), it's a beautiful song, and there's a … Continue reading WAYFARIN’ STRANGER: An American Folk Song
THE VALLEY OF KNOCKANURE: An Irish Song
Stemming from an incident in Gortagleanna during the War of Independence (1921), there are several versions of this song extant. These lyrics are based on a poem by Bryan MacMahon, which in turn is based on oral histories and older poems, some of which are lost today. A haunting version of this song is presented … Continue reading THE VALLEY OF KNOCKANURE: An Irish Song
THE COLORADO TRAIL: A Cowboy Tune
Here's a wonderful cowboy song with one of most popular themes, the girl he left behind. There are several versions out there, some with more or different verses, but my favorite is this short and sweet one by the Norman Luboff Choir. You can listen to it here. THE COLORADO TRAIL Eyes like the morning … Continue reading THE COLORADO TRAIL: A Cowboy Tune
MAIDS WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG, NEVER WED AN OLD MAN: An Irish Song
A sassy little ditty with advice for unmarried women. Listen to a recording by The Dubliners here. Maids, When You're Young Never Wed an Old Man! An old man came courting me, hey ding dooram ay! An old man came courting me, me being young An old man came courting me, all for to marry … Continue reading MAIDS WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG, NEVER WED AN OLD MAN: An Irish Song
IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD: An Irish Song
Our song today comes with both male and female verses. Though they are often sung apart, the occasional duet is most beautiful. You can hear a version of it by Silly Wizard here. If I Were a Blackbird Begins with the man’s part: I am a young sailor, my story is sad For once I was … Continue reading IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD: An Irish Song
THE HILLS OF KERRY: An Irish Song
In keeping with the short story I published in response to the New West Writers prompt, I'm giving you today the complete words to The Hills of Kerry (aka The Green Hills of Kerry.) You can hear a lovely version by the Dublin City Ramblers here. THE HILLS OF KERRY The palm trees wave on … Continue reading THE HILLS OF KERRY: An Irish Song
Gifford MacShane, Author 