I think you know that I like lyrics, especially those that make me think and in the past few days I came across a wonderful song by Imelda May. It’s called “The girl I used to be” and she speaks of her own upbringing and the values she wishes to share with her young daughter. There’s a lovely introduction to this in the video below. There’s a lengthy introduction but it’s worth a listen too. Well done Imelda.
I hope you enjoy this …. that’s the reason I’m sharing it.
LYRICS
Once upon a time
A Dublin girl ran free
Down the cobblestones
Round pubs and homes
As rich as she could be
Swimming in the Irish Sea
Climbing up Bray Head
Her lips were warmed
With pots of tea
Chips and buttered bread
Fed love from Mam and Da
They raised her up
They made her fly
They gave her roots and wings
As time moves on and years go by
She’ll miss those simple things
She’s the girl I used to be
The playgrounds all came down
And we mourned our factories
Times were tough, but I had enough
I had my family
Life kicked in with all its might
But my strong heart wouldn’t break
I got kicked around and broken down
I took all that I could take
But you raise me up
You made me fly
You gave me roots and wings
As time moves on and years go by
I miss those simple things
And the girl I used to be
Now I’m grown with a child of my own
And I hope to God on high
That these are the days she thinks upon
As the best days of her life
And I’ll raise her up
I’ll make her fly
I’ll give her roots and wings
As time moves on and years go by
She’ll miss those simple things
And the girl she used to be
She’s the girl I used to be
The link between Old Testament and Gospel is particularly obvious in today’s Scripture Passages at Mass. Jonah making his three day trek across Nineveh, calling on all people to repent. The message reaches the King, who upon hearing it, gets up from the throne, removes his royal attire and puts on sackcloth and sits in ashes. He then calls on all people to do likewise. He believes God is truly speaking to the the people and that the call to and need for repentance is very real.
In the Gospel passage Jesus reminds people of this and says that the generation has become fickle. All they want are signs and wonders. The “only sign” he tells them is the sign of Jonah. He reminds his listeners that people reacted in a powerful and humble way to Jonah’s message and that somehow the people of his day (and ours too) does not seem to hear the message in its entirety.
Leadership is on the tongues of many now, as they seek our votes to elect a new Government. Leaders too, need to be aware of God’s call and message. Irrespective of where they worship or whether or not they worship, there’s a need to realise “there’s something greater than Jonah here”. Leaders too need, like the King in Nineveh, to have a deeply rooted awareness that there’s a story before them and a Power above them. We pray for good, effective leaders who inspire us and remain open to inspiration.
The “buzz word” of the present campaign is “economy” but there’s more to an ecomony than the “sign”, the “at-times dangerous sign” of money. It’s about the best in, for and through people.
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Imelda May taps into this two-fold existence of pride and humility in her lovely song “Proud and Humble”. Enjoy!
I called to visit a family in the parish last night and, when leaving their home, I spotted the moon and “clicked”. I was reminded of Imelda May’s song “Meet you at the moon”. She said she wrote it for her mother. It was her way of connecting with her mother when they are miles apart. The moon they see, no matter where they stand, is the same moon and the suggestion is to meet there. A lovely sentiment.
We’re lookin’ at the same moon
Though we’re miles apart
We’re wishin’ on the same star
When you’re deep in my heart
I don’t know if you know
But when we miss each other so
Look up, I’ll meet you at the moon
We’re starin’ at the same sky
Strange as it seems
We’re sittin’ on the same earth
Though there’s oceans between
I don’t know if you know
But when we miss each other so
Look up, I’ll meet you at the moon
Mmm, I’m part of you
And your part of me
But it’s a cold old world
When your missin’ somebody
Without you I wouldn’t couldn’t be
So when your heart is achin’
And it can’t take much more breaking
We’re lookin’ at the same moon
Though we’re miles apart
We’re wishin’ on the same start
When your deep in my heart
I don’t know if you know
But when we miss each other so
Look up, I’ll meet you at the moon
Writer(s): Imelda May, Imelda Mary Higham
Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Uk) Limited, Chrysalis Music Ltd.
I mentioned Imelda May a few “posts” ago and have become quite a fan – though I don’t fully get all her music. I still hear that Dublin accent and the sincerity behind it. That’s enough … Anyway, I’ve listened to Kentish Town Waltz so many times and still love its introductory notes and the message of sticking with each other (life) through thick and thin. There’s another tune on the Mayhem Album that I like as well. It’s called “I’m Alive” – the rhythm and music that introduce it, together with the trumpet’s contribution make it especially pleasing to the ear and the lyrics again speak to the heart and feeling grateful for another’s love and place in life. I like the line that speaks of awaking part of the Soul that has slept for way too long. Now there’s a good day’s work.
The lyrics ….
Smother me with your kisses Bury me in your arms Oh the love that this is has chained me to your charms Oh lock me up in your heart Drown me in your eyes ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive You wash me clean of all sadness You cleanse me of all doubt Now this new born feeling I can’t live without You’ve drugged me I’m addicted I’m drunk just on your smile ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive I’m alive to each fingertip To the end of each fine hair My lips it seems, with every kiss, Are sending thankful prayers. You’ve woken a part of my soul That’s slept for way too long Now I just can’t get enough I understand love songs I’ll sing to you forever I’ll love you ’til I die ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive
NO, I’ve not finally flipped!! It’s time for May in August ….
I heard “Kentish Town Waltz” on Mid West Radio yesterday and thought it was a lovely piece of music – didn’t fully catch the lyrics but the tone was pure class. I caught the name of the performer “Imelda May” but didn’t know anything about her. I met a girl earlier today and we ended up talking about Gay Byrne’s interview with Imelda May on “For one night only”. Strange that her name came up again. Anyway, did a YouTube ramble and found Kentish Town Waltz and the Gay Byrne interview. What a lovely person she is and SO talented. So, if you’ve only a few minutes to spare watch and listen to “Kentish Town” (brings me back a quater of a century to when I spent a few weeks of the summer as a Deacon in St Gabriel’s Church, Holloway Road. A classmate was in Kentish Town and I used to visit him there. No, we didn’t waltz!!! We did eat a lot of junk food though 🙂 …. Kentish Town ……….)
And if you’ve a bit more time – follow the clips from the “For one night only” show. Thanks to whoever went to the trouble of posting them on youtube. Thanks to Imelda for her reality, her gift, her talent …. her songs.
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