I’m a Palestinian refugee living in Dublin. I’m writing to you because your music has always spoken about people who feel unheard, and that stayed with me.
I wrote the poem below. It comes from my own experience, and I wanted to share it with you.
If you have a moment to read it, I’d really value your thoughts. And if you feel it deserves to be heard, I would be grateful for any way you might help it reach others.
More than anything, it asks a simple question: is there a place for me in this world?
Thank you for your time.
the poem:
I’m a refugee.
I’m nothing.
The world is big.
There is no place for me.
I wish I were a leaf
attached to something.
I wish I were sand
part of something.
I wish I were a feather
that knows where it falls.
I wish I belonged.
I have a voice.
No one hears it.
I have a house.
I can’t go to it.
I have a mum.
I see her on a screen
older each time,
sicker each time.
I can’t reach her.
I have a dream.
I lost it.
I don’t have the right accent.
Doors close before I speak.
I have tears.
They don’t come.
I had work.
Now I don’t.
I had health.
Now I don’t.
I have a past.
I don’t have a future.
I die every moment.
Still, I live.
I have a smile.
There is no joy in it.
I become nothing.
I forget the name of my street.
I forget my neighbour’s face.
I forget the taste of my mother’s food.
Can’t believe that it has been 45 years since my now dear departed brother woke me up shortly after 02.00 am to the words “Bobby is dead”, and the whirlwind of the year that followed. The marches, the riots, the funerals, the arrests and the never ending pain. So many sad memories and so much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Rest easy brave Bobby.
Poet, singer / song writer, M.P. and volunteer. Beir Bua. Never forgotten. Rest in Peace. The bravest of the brave.
Hi Christy,
Now that the Lake County got over the Lillies , on Sunday, what’s the chances of bringing down the Dubs? The “ one in a row “ is still alive.
Ride on.
Patsy
I shall be playing mcilhatton, back home in Derry etc tonight.
Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.
I suspect you may be singing them tonight somewhere too
Rory
I am really looking forward to the concert on the 17th in the NCH. And maybe I really get the chance, to listen to “Victor Jara” again. But if not, if its too much effort, dont worry.
12 days to go.
Matthias
Christy's reply
Thank you Matthias for your gentle reminder..(I appreciate the “get out ” clause you kindly include)
I may have played Duisburg once….my first (non Planxty) tour in Germany was 50 years ago this year….my self and JImmy Faulkner traversed the Rhineland in a sturdy Peugeot Diesel Van….we criss-crossed every Autobahn from Kaiserslatern to Munchengladbach in a haze of high grade Pakistani Black Hashish….from Toten Hosen to Kraftwerk we delved deep, we sampled Schnapps, Appelkorn, Eintopf, Wurst and Strudel….we lorried into Lager at Fasan’s Kneipe and Olli’s Sviebel…..we played our hearts out in 37 great German Cities,sold Vinyl after gigs,made a detour into Lichtenstein to serenade Princess Nora…a wonderful reception recieved from German listeners
Have a safe journey..I’ll do my best to sing Victor Jara but no guarantees…
Hello Christy,
Extra munction always makes me think of biscuits.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
” There’s Bethlehem, Cheltenham,Lourdes and Limerick Junction
A trip to Medjugoria or a rub of the Extra Munction
Good People climb Croagh Patrick with serenity on their faces
but I found my salvation below in the Galway Races “
Sensational. I had been looking forward to that gig on Saturday for years really, and it still exceeded my expectations! Beulah was absolutely delighted to hear “Stitch” live, and the rest of the set list was packed with favourites of mine. And to hear Mick Curry’s “Lawless”, a song my brother sometimes sings in the wee hours of a good night, was the a real treat.
My early congratulations on another trip around the sun, keep her lit.
Diarmuid
Christy's reply
Good to hear Diarmuid…
Betimes,a long anticipated event can fail to live up to expectations..(plus,its a right auld jaunt from Achill to The Black Lagoon).
“Lawless” has made a welcome comeback to the set after a recent call out in Limerick…one word dropped makes the world of difference…..with Mike Waterson’s “Stitch” I’ve added a word….good to hear that Beulah enjoyed it
I’m remembering a gig in Achill , way back in the 70s….it was a sad affair, I died that night in a chicken-in-the-rough-bar-extension-music-lounge…..
Back then I had a red Renault 4L with a small PA in the back…all part of an apprenticeship as I prepared for what was yet to come..twas a long lonesome half-dozen-large-bottles-20 Major-drive home that night
I recall those few rare zero rated gigs when I need to reset my gratitude dial…..(Club Stubo in Bremen, Jasper’s in Sausalito, Vinegar Hill nr Sydney also come to mind)
50 years later, I give thanks to all you listeners, as ye gather together from far flung places in joyful harmony and song….
Hi Christy,
…just back from our short trip to Dublin. Thank you so much for the wonderful evening last night in the NCH. I enyoyed every single song you sang. Especially “How long” took me. A great song, which i never encountered before on your set-lists and which I myself will also like to try to learn.
Keep on rolling, Christy!
Uwe
Hello Christy.Just home from a feed of Hake in Monk’s.The place is flying Christy. I had a chat with Gavin .I filled him in about your musical masterpiece in the NCH last night.He is looking forward to the Marquee. Thanks for the brilliant mentions last night.You are putting Timoleague on the musical map.See ypu on a couple of weeks for another concert in the NCH.Great to see Jimmy Mc back.Thanks again Christy.
Thank you for a beautiful evening at the NCH. A wonderful selection of songs. I particularly enjoyed hearing Sweet Thames followed by Back Home in Derry. I’ve been thinking, many rivers: the Lee, the Dodder, the Shannon, the Liffey… running free. I couldn’t choose a moment though, every song so moving, every one my favourite 🙂
All the best,
Anne
Christy's reply
Thank You Too Anne…
The Audience gave me great support…
The National Ballad Lounge was perfect for me last night…..
Heres how it rolled out…
Chicago
Quinte
Johnny Boy
Ride On
In Palestine
Yellow Triangle
How Long
Delerium
Black & Amber
Veronica
Matty
Sweet Thames
On The Mainland
Derry
Magdalen
Stitch
Voyage
Lisdoon
Beeswing
Lawless
Big Marquee
Goin to hear Bob Dylan
Contender
Bright Blue Rose
Joxer
Curragh
Cliffs Of Dooneen
1 Hour 51 minutes
into the Oxygen Tent.
a rub of the Extreme Unction,
a mug of strong Barry’s Classic blend,
into the van
agus an slí abhaile
…………..”and then the whole bloody business starts all over again” (Beckett)
Hello Christy.Thanks for wonderful gig tonight. You had us eating out of the palm in your hand.Gewat to hear sweet themes and Lawless to mention two rare ones.A wonderful music venue.with fantastic sound. Thanks again Christy as I head home for the Sunday roast in Monk’s. Sweet music 🎶 roll on.
Christy's reply
went well from my perspective….the voice box was in good nick… no frogs crackles or falters….some nights the voice works very well for me..other nights it can be unresponsive to where I’d like to take it….the set emerged well…
thanks for that distinct prompt…cant even remember which song but my mind went blank..not sure whether the prompt came from Timoleague, Moate or Tralee but ye saved that rendition…..
In the year of one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight
A sorrowful tale the truth unto you I’ll relate
Of thirty-six heroes to the world they were left to be seen
By a false information they were shot on Dunlavin Green
I went to Dunlavin Green again yesterday, to lay a flower.
Powerful song, it would be good to hear it again sometime.
Rory
Christy's reply
let me know when you are next in attendance
may you bankrupt every bookie in Punchestown today
Hi Christy,
All the best for tonight.
Thoughts are with you and yours during these hard times.
Let the sweet music roll on and take your spirits high.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Morra Bourkey,
Still here, thanks be,
cherishing the memories
getting ready to chant once more
Best To All
Out West
Hi!
The Swedes are back! You probably don’t remember this but I wrote in your guest book before you played in Iveagh Gardens in July 2014 that me and my father William visited Dublin to see you play at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in January 2013 which unfortunately got canceled, and that I was really excited to finally get to see you since I grew up with my father listening to your music. You told that story during the concert at Iveagh Gardens and said that the next song was for Sofia and her father, and then you played one of my favourite songs, ride on. We were all really surprised, especially my father who I hadn’t told about writing to you, and it really meant a lot to us both! I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since then, but we’re finally back for more! Your music has continued to be a source of joy, but also comfort and a sense of security, for me. I think back at all the times when I was a small child and couldn’t fall asleep, sometimes due to anxiety, and I would go downstairs to my parents sitting in the couch and your music playing in the background, and it made me feel safe. I still get that feeling when I’m having a rough time and turn to your music!
I can’t wait to once again see you live, you’re an amazing musician and a great performer!
See you tomorrow!
Lots of love from Sofia
Christy's reply
Welcome back Sofia
we are gathering here
the crew are arriving one by one
soon the stage will be set
guitars tuned
throats cleared
kettle boiled
lights will go down in 11 hours time
we’ll keep each other afloat
Dear Christy,
I’m a Palestinian refugee living in Dublin. I’m writing to you because your music has always spoken about people who feel unheard, and that stayed with me.
I wrote the poem below. It comes from my own experience, and I wanted to share it with you.
If you have a moment to read it, I’d really value your thoughts. And if you feel it deserves to be heard, I would be grateful for any way you might help it reach others.
More than anything, it asks a simple question: is there a place for me in this world?
Thank you for your time.
the poem:
I’m a refugee.
I’m nothing.
The world is big.
There is no place for me.
I wish I were a leaf
attached to something.
I wish I were sand
part of something.
I wish I were a feather
that knows where it falls.
I wish I belonged.
I have a voice.
No one hears it.
I have a house.
I can’t go to it.
I have a mum.
I see her on a screen
older each time,
sicker each time.
I can’t reach her.
I have a dream.
I lost it.
I don’t have the right accent.
Doors close before I speak.
I have tears.
They don’t come.
I had work.
Now I don’t.
I had health.
Now I don’t.
I have a past.
I don’t have a future.
I die every moment.
Still, I live.
I have a smile.
There is no joy in it.
I become nothing.
I forget the name of my street.
I forget my neighbour’s face.
I forget the taste of my mother’s food.
But I remember
being bullied.
being harassed.
being threatened.
I remember the street
as a bed.
I remember hunger
like a voice inside me.
I’m nothing.
I don’t cry to my mum.
She already lost enough.
Can’t believe that it has been 45 years since my now dear departed brother woke me up shortly after 02.00 am to the words “Bobby is dead”, and the whirlwind of the year that followed. The marches, the riots, the funerals, the arrests and the never ending pain. So many sad memories and so much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Rest easy brave Bobby.
Poet, singer / song writer, M.P. and volunteer. Beir Bua. Never forgotten. Rest in Peace. The bravest of the brave.
Hi Christy,
Now that the Lake County got over the Lillies , on Sunday, what’s the chances of bringing down the Dubs? The “ one in a row “ is still alive.
Ride on.
Patsy
I shall be playing mcilhatton, back home in Derry etc tonight.
Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.
I suspect you may be singing them tonight somewhere too
Rory
Hi Christy,
I am really looking forward to the concert on the 17th in the NCH. And maybe I really get the chance, to listen to “Victor Jara” again. But if not, if its too much effort, dont worry.
12 days to go.
Matthias
Thank you Matthias for your gentle reminder..(I appreciate the “get out ” clause you kindly include)
I may have played Duisburg once….my first (non Planxty) tour in Germany was 50 years ago this year….my self and JImmy Faulkner traversed the Rhineland in a sturdy Peugeot Diesel Van….we criss-crossed every Autobahn from Kaiserslatern to Munchengladbach in a haze of high grade Pakistani Black Hashish….from Toten Hosen to Kraftwerk we delved deep, we sampled Schnapps, Appelkorn, Eintopf, Wurst and Strudel….we lorried into Lager at Fasan’s Kneipe and Olli’s Sviebel…..we played our hearts out in 37 great German Cities,sold Vinyl after gigs,made a detour into Lichtenstein to serenade Princess Nora…a wonderful reception recieved from German listeners
Have a safe journey..I’ll do my best to sing Victor Jara but no guarantees…
Hello Christy,
Extra munction always makes me think of biscuits.
Rebecca
” There’s Bethlehem, Cheltenham,Lourdes and Limerick Junction
A trip to Medjugoria or a rub of the Extra Munction
Good People climb Croagh Patrick with serenity on their faces
but I found my salvation below in the Galway Races “
Am amused at the mention of ‘Extreme Unction’, and it a bank holiday.
it being a holiday
kindly elaborate
these are serious matters
brevity a slight upon our ……(tbc)
Christy,
Sensational. I had been looking forward to that gig on Saturday for years really, and it still exceeded my expectations! Beulah was absolutely delighted to hear “Stitch” live, and the rest of the set list was packed with favourites of mine. And to hear Mick Curry’s “Lawless”, a song my brother sometimes sings in the wee hours of a good night, was the a real treat.
My early congratulations on another trip around the sun, keep her lit.
Diarmuid
Good to hear Diarmuid…
Betimes,a long anticipated event can fail to live up to expectations..(plus,its a right auld jaunt from Achill to The Black Lagoon).
“Lawless” has made a welcome comeback to the set after a recent call out in Limerick…one word dropped makes the world of difference…..with Mike Waterson’s “Stitch” I’ve added a word….good to hear that Beulah enjoyed it
I’m remembering a gig in Achill , way back in the 70s….it was a sad affair, I died that night in a chicken-in-the-rough-bar-extension-music-lounge…..
Back then I had a red Renault 4L with a small PA in the back…all part of an apprenticeship as I prepared for what was yet to come..twas a long lonesome half-dozen-large-bottles-20 Major-drive home that night
I recall those few rare zero rated gigs when I need to reset my gratitude dial…..(Club Stubo in Bremen, Jasper’s in Sausalito, Vinegar Hill nr Sydney also come to mind)
50 years later, I give thanks to all you listeners, as ye gather together from far flung places in joyful harmony and song….
Míle Maith Agaibh Go Léir
Hi Christy,
…just back from our short trip to Dublin. Thank you so much for the wonderful evening last night in the NCH. I enyoyed every single song you sang. Especially “How long” took me. A great song, which i never encountered before on your set-lists and which I myself will also like to try to learn.
Keep on rolling, Christy!
Uwe
another great song from Jackson Brown
Hello Christy.Just home from a feed of Hake in Monk’s.The place is flying Christy. I had a chat with Gavin .I filled him in about your musical masterpiece in the NCH last night.He is looking forward to the Marquee. Thanks for the brilliant mentions last night.You are putting Timoleague on the musical map.See ypu on a couple of weeks for another concert in the NCH.Great to see Jimmy Mc back.Thanks again Christy.
Does Gavin still sing monthly in De Barras ?
Hello Christy, as always a superb performance at the NCH. Thank you for singing Veronica last night.
Veronica Guerin….30 years gone….Warrior Woman
Christy,
Thank you for a beautiful evening at the NCH. A wonderful selection of songs. I particularly enjoyed hearing Sweet Thames followed by Back Home in Derry. I’ve been thinking, many rivers: the Lee, the Dodder, the Shannon, the Liffey… running free. I couldn’t choose a moment though, every song so moving, every one my favourite 🙂
All the best,
Anne
Thank You Too Anne…
The Audience gave me great support…
The National Ballad Lounge was perfect for me last night…..
Heres how it rolled out…
Chicago
Quinte
Johnny Boy
Ride On
In Palestine
Yellow Triangle
How Long
Delerium
Black & Amber
Veronica
Matty
Sweet Thames
On The Mainland
Derry
Magdalen
Stitch
Voyage
Lisdoon
Beeswing
Lawless
Big Marquee
Goin to hear Bob Dylan
Contender
Bright Blue Rose
Joxer
Curragh
Cliffs Of Dooneen
1 Hour 51 minutes
into the Oxygen Tent.
a rub of the Extreme Unction,
a mug of strong Barry’s Classic blend,
into the van
agus an slí abhaile
…………..”and then the whole bloody business starts all over again” (Beckett)
Hello Christy.Thanks for wonderful gig tonight. You had us eating out of the palm in your hand.Gewat to hear sweet themes and Lawless to mention two rare ones.A wonderful music venue.with fantastic sound. Thanks again Christy as I head home for the Sunday roast in Monk’s. Sweet music 🎶 roll on.
went well from my perspective….the voice box was in good nick… no frogs crackles or falters….some nights the voice works very well for me..other nights it can be unresponsive to where I’d like to take it….the set emerged well…
thanks for that distinct prompt…cant even remember which song but my mind went blank..not sure whether the prompt came from Timoleague, Moate or Tralee but ye saved that rendition…..
Hello Christy,
Something for today
https://youtu.be/TFYEK5JMBEk?si=HXO86ZETYQM9UNKn
I’ve been listening to Cathal Hayden a lot. There’s a version of this on his Bow Brothers album.
Rebecca
when those Hayden Boys bow in unison ….time stands still
In the year of one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight
A sorrowful tale the truth unto you I’ll relate
Of thirty-six heroes to the world they were left to be seen
By a false information they were shot on Dunlavin Green
I went to Dunlavin Green again yesterday, to lay a flower.
Powerful song, it would be good to hear it again sometime.
Rory
let me know when you are next in attendance
may you bankrupt every bookie in Punchestown today
Hi Christy,
All the best for tonight.
Thoughts are with you and yours during these hard times.
Let the sweet music roll on and take your spirits high.
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Morra Bourkey,
Still here, thanks be,
cherishing the memories
getting ready to chant once more
Best To All
Out West
Hi!
The Swedes are back! You probably don’t remember this but I wrote in your guest book before you played in Iveagh Gardens in July 2014 that me and my father William visited Dublin to see you play at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in January 2013 which unfortunately got canceled, and that I was really excited to finally get to see you since I grew up with my father listening to your music. You told that story during the concert at Iveagh Gardens and said that the next song was for Sofia and her father, and then you played one of my favourite songs, ride on. We were all really surprised, especially my father who I hadn’t told about writing to you, and it really meant a lot to us both! I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since then, but we’re finally back for more! Your music has continued to be a source of joy, but also comfort and a sense of security, for me. I think back at all the times when I was a small child and couldn’t fall asleep, sometimes due to anxiety, and I would go downstairs to my parents sitting in the couch and your music playing in the background, and it made me feel safe. I still get that feeling when I’m having a rough time and turn to your music!
I can’t wait to once again see you live, you’re an amazing musician and a great performer!
See you tomorrow!
Lots of love from Sofia
Welcome back Sofia
we are gathering here
the crew are arriving one by one
soon the stage will be set
guitars tuned
throats cleared
kettle boiled
lights will go down in 11 hours time
we’ll keep each other afloat