A Winter's Tear
Lyrics and Music: Tim Dennehy
Guitar: Garry O'Briain
Accordion: Josephine Marsh
I dedicate this song to Mary Turley, a good friend and keen set-dancer. In the earl eighties Mary, Jerry O'Reilly and myself were among a small group who spent many an enjoyable Sunday afternoon in Dublin learning the sets from a patient Terry Moylan. After I had moved to Clare in 1983 Mary's life was irrevocably changed when she contracted multiple sclerosis and she passed away in July 1995 having shown great courage through her pain. The line, "As Brigid comes with white cap on", is a reference to St. Brigid's Day. This was traditionally the day that bridged the despair of winter with the hope of spring. Josephine's tune is entitled __________?
Through the sunshine of a July day your printed letter came
You said it was to say hello, a way to stay in touch
The dancing days that we had shared came tripping back again
And we polkaed to the Cúil Aodha set that we had loved so much
But drinking with your friends one night I sensed the shifting sand
When they told me that the piper's reel had turned to a lament
That the feet once light, were weary and no ladies' chain to hand
As I mumbled why a heaving sigh brought tears of discontent
So advance, retreat, advance, retreat and dance in you own place
Round the house for the last time now your fleeting steps retrace
Shape the silence to a golden reel and dance away all care
Through the night I hear your whisper, "dance a set for me in Clare".
Your next letter underlined my fears Mount Callan brought the rain
Yet the flower of your courage spread its sweet scent on the wind
"Oh I really miss the dancing", were your only words of pain
But they can't steal away from you the music of the mind
And as Brigid comes with white cap on and we face another day
When the joys of birth and April showers can wash a winter's tear
Tomorrow we will house and hold and dance the night away
So until the morning sun keep spirits high my Mary dear
And advance, retreat, advance, retreat and dance in you own place
Round the house for the last time now your fleeting steps retrace
Shape the silence to a golden reel and dance away all care
Through the night I hear your whisper, "dance a set for me in Clare"
I always hear you whisper, "dance a set for me in Clare".