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about
In the rich tradition of protest folk, 'Landfall' is a song about one man's search for belonging. Cast adrift from the familiar, the tune that follows it, 'March of the Dispossessed', is a call to arms in the struggle for a place to call home.
Both the song and tune - new compositions by Ciarán - are part of a lockdown-induced solo project.
lyrics
Landfall
he was born where the river runs south through Blackmouth Harbour
took his first steps the day daddy took his last
with his first words cursed the hunger
that drove him on to plunder
crumbs from the rich man’s table
when we’re labelled
dumb and blind.
met a girl where the city drops deep into Lake Hopeful
took her hand and at the harvest they were wed
when she died carrying his daughter
he fled west through dark waters
of a sea that promised landfall
on bright islands
of the mind.
built a house by the banks of The Blacktide for the restless
lit a flame to guide lost boats back home to stay
when the stones came down around him
in a gale one night they found him
rope in hand and hoping for
some mast to
lash it to.
worked Fort Mines for a time to buy a plot to lie in
on a march for better pay he stood his ground
as they levelled guns and held him
broke one soldier's jaw then felled him
brought before the magistrates
escaped them
left the town.
run to ground where the river slants fast down past Point Lighthouse
took a last stand when they tried to kill him first.
in my heart there lives a fire
brighter than your waiting pyre
I will burn when the time comes, knowing
that I won’t die
by your hand.
lay me down in the ground when I’m dead where people know me
on my grave the name of every protest song
when my bones lie black and rotten
tribe, gang, bloodline long forgotten
I will break like a wave, make landfall
on a rise of tide
find home,
I will break like a wave, make landfall
on a rising tide
come home.
credits
released January 20, 2021
Ciarán Ruby: Vocals; Guitar; Low Whistle; Tin Whistle; Shruti Box
Anthony Ruby: Uilleann Pipes
Recorded & Mixed by Dave Murphy at Blarney Recording studios, Blarney, Cork, Ireland.
Mastered by Brian Casey at Wavefield Recording Studios, Clonakilty, Cork, Ireland.
supported by 4 fans who also own “Landfall / March of the Dispossessed [Solo-Single-Release by Ciarán]”
Such beautiful singing! And lovely songs. I have a special grá for Tá'n Coileach Ag Fógairt An Lae. And Cad É Sin Don Té Sin. And...
Go raibh maith agat. Padraic Mulholland
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