Shepherd
Moons
The Celts
The
Memory of Trees
A Box
of Dreams
Only Time -
The Collection
All liner notes are
by Roma Ryan
Shepherd
Moons
From the forword
to the Shepherd Moons music book.
Shepherd Moons
Two tiny new moons
had been discovered. Shepherd Moons orbiting a ring of Saturn. Numbered,
not named. Working ceaselessly, it seemed, to keep the particles of the
ring together, much as a shepherd would guide his flock. Protectors both,
1980S26 and 1980S27 - either side of the F rings. Voyager had performed
like a dream and sent their pictures to Earth. I marvelled at their diligence,
a new mystery, poignant and beautiful. An unspoken glory to the rings
of Saturn. The world had not known but all the time they were there, working
tirelessly. Everyone had appreciated the spectacular beauty of Saturn,
but where would the planet be without those precious, mis-shapen, miniature
moons?
Caribbean Blue
It is much easier to
imagine a beautiful place on a rainy day than to imagine a dreary one.
It is a simple fact, often forgotten, that people may create something
good merely by thinking it so. A day-dream is as rich a gift as any. Like
Afer Ventus, the wind from Africa, or Eurus, the East wind, Boreas from
the North or the gentle Zephyrus, the imagination is free and can choose
and create its own journey. As with all dreams we reach for the ideal,
and Caribbean Blue represents such a dream.
How Can I Keep from
Singing?
This is based on an
old Shaker hymn which I suggested as a suitable addition to the album,
not only because of the beautiful melody, but the lyrical content seems
as relevant today as it did 250 years ago when the hymn was written.
It is unfortunate that
the Shakers are known to the world at large mainly for their ability to
build and design beautiful furniture. The Shakers also wrote beautiful
music and songs with which they glorified their joy in living. They lived
very simple lives and their melodies reflect the beauty inherent in this
simplicity.
It is not widely known
that in 1846 the Shakers sent food to Ireland in an attempt to relieve
the suffering during the famine, and this also held significance in our
decision to arrange the piece.
Ebudæ
I had come across Ebudæ
in Ariosto's classic tale of Orlando Furioso, the island thought to be
intended as one of the Hebrides, referred to as the Dreadful Isle or the
Isle Of Tears. I had fallen in love with the name, and when sometime later
I was browsing through an old book of ancient maps, I was delighted to
find Ebudæ actually recorded and in this original form! The title
of the song 'Ebudæ' and the lyrics concern themselves with ancient
sounds.
There are two 'voices'
which work their way through the piece. The first voice concerns itself
with the story - which is loosely based on the tradition of women weaving
and chanting to the rhythm of their work. The second voice is a mixture
of sounds and fragments of sounds half-invented, half-remembered from childhood.
As is often the case, what one actually hears and what one thinks one hears
can be two very different things. With this rhythmic section we try
to capture those impressions.
Angeles
At times we ask for
extraordinary things to happen in our lives and somehow, deep down, we
believe that they will. Someone, somewhere, may have the power to help
us – a Guardian Angel perhaps, some spiritual minder, a protector from
life's darker moments.
Such a belief can be
a comfort in life, an easy relationship with a world beyond our own. A
gentle hand on your shoulder to guide you through, though not away from,
the harder times.
No Holly For Miss
Quinn
A partner piece to
Miss Clare Remembers (Watermark). No Holly For Miss Quinn was prompted
by another Miss Read story. The idyllic descriptions of country and village
life and the simple portraits of those who peopled such settings had appeal
to Enya. In composing this music she recaptures the naivety and innocence
of an age and place far removed from the whirl and pressure of our sophisticated
society and suggests that we need to dip into that world from time to time.
Book Of Days
I am collecting diaries
more and more and I continue to be intrigued by the possibilities of each
blank page - what will it hold? I experience a mixture of sadness and exuberance
when I think of lives laid out on a page or in a book. Personal histories
of great loves, of journeys exotic and wonderful, of loss, fear and tragedy,
of dreams and simple wishes.
Evacuee
I remember her face.
She told of how she had been an evacuee during the Second World War. As
she told her story she began to cry like the girl she had been half a century
ago. The pain of her separation from her parents registered with immediacy
on her face. As a child she could not understand why she had to leave them,
and the effect of this had stayed with her. The only hope she had as a
child was a promise that they would all be together again.
Lothlórien
Sam felt as if he were
inside a song when he described Lothlórien, the land of enchantment
and wonder in J.R.R. Tolkien's ‘Lord Of The Rings’. Lothlórien is
as beautiful as a dream, as pure as the dawn of creation and as old as
the beginning of time. Here, the leaves of the Mallorn trees in Autumn
do not fall, but turn to gold.
Various translations
and suggested origins of the name Lothlórien give us colourful and
imaginative expressions such as 'the vale of the land of singers', 'the
valley of the singing Gold' and 'Dreamflower'.
Marble Halls
An operatic piece originally
scored by the Irish composer and baritone, Michael William Balfe (1808-1870).
'Marble Halls', or 'The Dream' as it is also known, is from his 1843 opera
The Bohemian Girl, which enjoyed great success during his lifetime. Balfe
was once complimented by Strauss as being the Master of Melody. The Bohemian
Girl, and in particular this song, is a favourite of both Enya and her
mother.
Afer Ventus
The moment experienced
when everything in life suddenly makes sense – when everything fits into
place and we know why - is a rare moment, but it does happen. If we are
lucky enough we can bathe in the brevity of that moment for it passes as
quickly as it arrives. Like Joyce's 'Epiphanies' they can sometimes seem
trivial, but are always crucial and revealing moments in our lives, delicate
and fleeting.
In Afer Ventus it is
those moments of pure enlightenment which are described.
Smaointe...
(D'Aodh Agus Do Mháire uí Dhúgain)
The story of the beach
at Maragallen (The Plain of the Shelter) is that many years past, a great
wave swept onto the land, crashing down upon the small church and graveyard,
destroying the church. All who were in the church that day, perished.
It is in this same
graveyard that Enya's grandparents are buried. Enya often talked to me
of how she could see the graveyard as she walked along the shores of the
Maragallen, and of how she felt her grandparents were watching over her
and guiding her still. Memories of her childhood and days spent with them
come to Enya when she walks there, memories which she will treasure always.
I wrote Smaointe in response to these reflections. The word 'smaointe'
literally translated means 'thoughts'.
Top
The
Celts
From The Celts
album.
The Celts
As this is primarily
a soundtrack project, we felt it would be appropriate to include the stories,
images and thoughts behind the various themes which embrace this album.
They represent histories, mythologies, impressions, hopes and our individual
interpretations of them.
Aldebaran
The Red giant Star,
Aldebaran, found in the constellation of Taurus, is the eye of the bull.
From the Arabic, Al Dabaran, it means ‘the follower’ as it “follows” the
Pleiades. This piece portrays future Celts passing Aldebaran on their
journey to new territories, continuing the migratory pattern which was
so predominant in their early history.
I Want Tomorrow
…thoughts of the present…
March of the Celts
…echoes from the past…
Deireadh an Tuath
Opened earth, spirits,
incantations that earth may once again be fertile and thus ensure the future
of the celts. Samhain, the greatest Celtic Festival, marked the beginning
of their New Year—the 31st October—which is now celebrated as Hallow’een
or All Souls night.
The Sun in the Stream
Inspired by the legend
of the Salmon of Knowledge. In the Grove of the nine wise Hazel trees,
from the sacred pool, the River Boyne flowed. The salmon feasted
on the rich crimson nuts fallen from the hazel trees, and hence possessed
all the truth in the world.
To go Beyond
…reflection on the
future…
Fairytale
This is based on the
story of the Fairy King Midir and his love for the beautiful princess Etain.
It is a story of great love, jealousy, secrets and endurance, in which
Etain is banished and transformed into a pool of water, from which she
emerges as a butterfly. Although immortal she is born a mortal child,
one thousand and twelve years after her first birth.
Epona
Epona was revered as
the Horse Goddess and is portrayed with birds as well as horses, with a
bag or cornucopia. She is closely identified with Rhiannon.
Her birds are reputed to lull the living to sleep and to awaken the dead.
Triad…
St. Patrick
The son of a Roman
official, Patrick was captured by a raiding party of Celts when a boy,
and spent six years in captivity. He escaped, became a priest and
returned to Ireland. According to legend it is St. Patrick who is
responsible for Ireland’s conversion to Christianity and the final loss
of the old Celtic beliefs.
Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn
means the “hound of Cullan”. As a child his name was “setanta” meaning
‘the little’. He became Cú Chulainn when he killed the watchdog
of the smith Cullan, and so undertook to guard the smiths house in place
of the dog. Cú Chulainn is one of the great Irish heroes.
The most famous deeds of this hero are found in the saga Táin Bó
Cualgne (the cattle raid of Cooley).
Oisin
Oisin which means “little
fawn”, left his home to journey to Tir na n Og, the Land of Youth, with
Niamh Cinn Oir, “Niamh of the Head of Gold”. Timelessness – he stayed
300 years, though never aged. On his return to Ireland he found his
contemporaries long dead, and Ireland now had St. Patrick and Christianity.
Putting his foot upon the earth, he lost Tir na n Og, and so aged and died.
Portrait…
Out if the Blue…
Boadicea
Boadicea, or Boudicca,
meaning Victorious, was Queen of the Iceni tribe of East Anglia.
She led a rebellion in 60 A.D. against the Romans, destroying the cities
of Colchester, St. Albans and capturing London. She was eventually
defeated by the Romans, and rather than be humiliated by them, she poisoned
herself.
Bard Dance
The Bard, in ancient
Celtic times was a man of great importance. His foremost function
was in the praise of his king. He also entertained the assembly,
sometimes in eulogy, sometimes in satire. Together with the Druid,
Warrior and Silversmith, he represents the image of the ancient Celt.
Dan y Dwr
Beneath the waters…
the village Capel Celyn. This village in Wales was submerged, against
much protest and struggle by its inhabitants, in order to accommodate a
reservoir. This is a lament for the loss of Capel Celyn, memories
now held beneath the water.
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The
Memory of Trees
From the UK Promo
The
Memory of Trees box.
Anywhere Is
The land of the summer
stars... the winter garden...that way...the land of paradoxes...the
city of angels...aigle...
anywhere is...roma...the island of ebony....
persia...the island
of the four precious walls...the willows on the water... the land of three
winters...ole inigo...thoraigh... wood of dreams...the plain of the winds...
anywhere is...gaothdobhair...this
way... a whispering world...orinoco... lothlorien....the palace of solitude....
the garden of the singing-ringing tree...
the land of illusion...cuyahoga...
the painted ball...the crystal sea... lake disappointment....aldebaran...life...
my way home...anywhere is...
Pax Deorum
Pax Deorum translates
as "Peace of the Gods". This Goodwill of the Gods expressed accord between
ancient Rome and her Gods, maintaining a harmonious relationship between
Man and Divinity. This concept, and variations of it, are echoed throughout
history in other ages and cultures.
Athair Ar Neamh
...the voice of epiphany
is found in Athair ar Neamh. It is the voice of day, the voice of night,
the voice of all, of understanding.
It is a peace which
is unique to the individual, a peace that is felt rather than described.
It is that moment in which we experience a sense of calm and understanding
amidst the bustle and hustle of everyday living, and although it is a brief
encounter, it is complete.
China Roses
Everyone has their
own idea of heaven. What creates the beauty of the world is the love we
have for it, connected to memories, wishes, desires. For each of us it
is a different treasure we embrace - a changing sky, the crimson flower
of the Keys of Heaven, a love token, the endless delight of fairy-tales,
the ever-shifting pictures of our world that we find in the words of poets.
For each one of us a different love becomes our own woo of dreams.
Denique non omnes eadem
mirantur amantque: All men, in short, do not admire and love the same things
Hope Has A Place
Hope has a place in
the lover's heart.
If love was always
kind there would be no need to worry for those who begin this journey.
On Love or the loss of it, no amount of advice or reason can ultimately
protect the one who loves from pain or from the disappointment of loss.
We hurt so much because we love so much.
This is a wish that
love may be kind, and if it should not be, that the one precious feeling
held captive in Pandora's box may find it's place in the lover's heart.
Tea-House Moon
It has been told that
the path to the tea-house was one of a copse of summer trees, a wave of
the sea, the pale evening moon. The trees, the sea, the moon evoked old
dreams and the tea-house represented an oasis where the traveller could
find peace. On entering through the low door, one could hear the song of
water echo the distant sea or the sound of the rain in a bamboo forest.
The tea-house was a place of repose and one in which the harmony of nature
pervaded.
Once You Had Gold
For some it will be
the memory of darkness and their journey thought it. Looking back to the
walk though winter into vernal days. Knowing that all things must pass;
both good and bad.
For others it is the
mother reassuring her child. The ways of the world hold both darkness and
dreams. Every day has it's ending and every night it's new dawn. And, although
Summer sheds to winter, days will once again become bright.
Others will see the
path which took them from one understanding to another; once in which they
realised that which was most precious to them.
La Soñadora
From the mythologies
of our origins to the dreams of Borges and beyond. From probable to the
abstract, from the one to the many, from the dreamer to the bedreamed.
In Irish Mythology
there is often mention of the Druid; The Druid was regarded as a man of
knowledge and power. He held the knowledge in dreams and signs an interpretation.
He knew the lie of lands and the way of the winds. He understood the elements.
His was the knowledge of words. One Druid in particular inspired the seed
to this lyric; Amergin, who came from the shores of Iberia, modern-day
Spain, with the Son of Mil.
And so the Dreamer
dreams.
On My Way Home
The journey home. A
clear, fresh evening, quiet, restful. Thoughts are comforting, memories
are warm and sweet. The air is so still reflection comes easy. A gentle
snow may cocoon us and can deaden the night sounds, The mind can dwell
on the good things in life as, with each step, one joyful thought begets
another. The journey home is filled with the anticipation and excitement
of arrival - family, friends, those we love. The solitary path has more
room for wishes, in that stillness, in that night, going home.
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A
Box of Dreams
From the A Box
of Dreams Booklet.
Reflections on the
way life was, the way life is, the way life might be – peaceful meanderings
through the mysteries of life, the journeys where we touch days, remember
days, approach new days with the experience these mysteries have given
us, with the revelations that still lie before us waiting to be discovered.
From where I am now
I have time to remember, time to go beyond.
Lothlórien…
…beautiful as a dream…
…pure as the dawn
of creation…
…old as the beginning
of time…
the leaves do not
fall – they turn to gold…
…the vale of the land
of singers…
…the valley of the
singing gold…
…Dreamflower…
How far is it from
the beginning to the end.
A daydream is as rich
a gift as any. Like Afer Ventus, the wind from Africa, or Eurus,
the East wind, Boreas from the North or the gentle Zephyrs, the imagination
is free and can choose and create its own journey. As with all dreams,
we reach for the ideal and we find ourselves in Caribbean Blue…
The theme of dreams:
On the river of my imagination I feel I can go anywhere. Possibilities
are endless. And so, on this ship of dreams, I sail away. The
map of who I am guides me into the light of the heavenly stars, still visible
in the morning sky. Something wonderful steers my course – my belief
that there is a journey worth creating, worth following. The sky
deepens blue, wide and giving. I flow where the river takes me and
as it opens out into the ocean I see hues of indigo. What new worlds
await me? What will I discover? This is a journey of the heart,
mind and soul. I dive into my book of days, tireless navigator.
The words within myself tell me to trust what is inscribed and I will find
the way through. I pass the Isles of Ebudae. A whispering world,
the domain of ancient queens. Wonders to behold. Sail on.
Sail on. Someday into the Land of the Summer Stars. The air
thickens, beautiful storms wrap around me. Amharc tríd na
stormeacha. Above me a deep sea of clouds, below the water endless
and free. As I wish myself homeward one joyful thought begets another
and I find my way back to the moment in my ship of dreams.
…the ancient islands
of the coast of Caledonia…inscribed on ancient maps…found in ancient sounds…
Watermark…
…the line of separation…the
impression…
…the rising…the mark
left…
Na laetha gael m’óige
The eyes of a child
can lay asleep
not knowing
time could never be
enough.
The eyes of a child
can cry.
I cry.
The same child within
me cries.
I grew to remember
the promises of youth
and walked the road
of destiny,
and walked the road
that was to be mine.
Looking through my
childhood
I was so happy,
unaware of life.
Our time was so short.
I sorrow for it.
Long gone the day.
The brighter days of
my youth held promise.
The way before me
held sure destiny.
I remember
…the shore.
The plain of…
…the shelter
Maragallan
Athair ar neamh…
…Calm and understanding…
…away from the day…
Thoughts from an Oriel
window…
The evening star…
Persia…
the isles of ebony…
Winter gardens…
the singing-ringing
tree…
As the light hits a
crystal each of its many sides reflect a different hue. As we walk
in the light of our lives so the human heart ignites and radiates emotion,
wonderfully varied. To be human in to be passionately alive.
To be human is to embrace each and every experience with an open heart.
To be human is to express courageously. The colours of emotion shimmer
within us, constantly changing, constantly moving, colours of goodbye kisses,
of wishes all too great, of time stolen, of fears deep inside, the colours
of the sacred pool, of our journey’s end, the colours of those brave enough
to follow, the colours of Divinity, of hope, despair, of love. We
are all of these and more. The colours of the crystal. The
colours of the heart. With passion…we feel…we live.
Do gach duine a thug
cead dom isteah i do shaoil go maiream a cheil.
The journey home…
my journey ends here.
The exile of lonely
words…
the exile of heart
and soul.
Top
Only
Time - The Collection
From the Only Time
- The Collection booklet.>
Watermark
Has the night taken
from you
the one who loves
you?
No. Love
is forever.
In your eyes is
the sadness of one
who remembers their
loss.
Love will not leave
you.
Love does not fall
under a name or
the mark on a page.
Love is unencumbered,
it's free and it's
pure and it's brave.
In your heart is
the island
where memories
wash on the shore.
Love is an ocean.
Has the night taken
from you
the one who belongs
to you?
No. Love
is forever.
The title of the track
from the album "Watermark" was inspired by a poem I had written at that
time. It remained as a poem and was not adapted for lyric.
This is the first time the poem has been in print. The track was
later used for the tribute album for Princess Diana, the proceeds of which
went to the memorial fund set up in her name.
Exile
Exile, in this song,
is the seperation from one whom you love and is more than merely a physical
experience. Yet in the loneliness of this song there is hope and
determination.
Aldebaran
The Red giant Star,
Aldebaran, found in the constellation of Taurus, is the Eye of the bull.
From the Arabic, Al Dabaran, it means "the follower" as it "follows" the
Pleiades. This piece portrays future Celts passing Aldebaran on their
journey to new territories, continuing the migratory pattern which was
so predominant in their early history.
March of the Celts
By an amazing co-incidence
this track was recorded and titled before we were commissioned to create
the music for the BBC series "The Celts". Director David Richardson
had planned on using a different composer for each of the six programmes
in the series, but on hearing "March of the Celts" decided that Enya should
score the music for the entire series.
Boadicea
Boadicea or Boudicca,
meaning Victorious, was the Queen of the Inceni tribe of East Anglia.
She led a rebellion in 60 A.D. against the Romans, destroying the cities
of Colchester, St. Alban's and capturing London. She was eventually
defeated by the Romans, and rather than be humiliated by them, she poisoned
herself.
The Sun in the Stream
Inspired by the legend
of the Salmon of Knowledge. In the Grove of the nine wise Hazel trees,
from the sacred pool, the River Boyne flowed. The salmon feasted
on the rich crimson nuts fallen from the hazel trees, and hence possessed
all the truth in the world.
On Your Shore
No matter how far we
are in the journey of our lives, no matter how many days and nights have
fallen by us, with all their happenings, the child we were is always within
us.
Cursum Perficio
My journey is over,
my journey ends here.
Storms in Africa
There are two versions
of "Storms in Africa", one in Gaelic and one in English. The Gaelic
version is our personal favourite, which we have included here. Both
versions were released as a single in 1989.
The Celts
This was the main title
theme for the series. There were six programmes in the series with
72 minutes of music recorded. The director had various pastiches
in the programme and wanted music to compliment these. Thus the music
ranges from a "Spaghetti Western" through to "The Third Man" and "The Haunted
House" to the more familiar tracks embodied on the soundtrack album.
What happened to the other tracks? We still have them!
Miss Clare Remembers
"Miss Clare Remembers"
is the title of a "Miss Read" book. The idyllic descriptions of country
and village life and the simple portraits of those who peopled such settings
had appealed to Enya. In composing this music she recaptures the
naivety and innocence of an age and place far removed from the whirl and
pressure of a sophisticated society and suggests that we need to dip into
that world from time to time.
I Want Tomorrow
This song was written
for "The Celts". Although a track had already specifically been written
for Boadicea, the director nevertheless wanted a song to reflect not quite
a "re-incarnation", but a fascination or the idea of "being spellbound"
by Boadicea..
Orinoco Flow
Although it was the
last track written for the album "Watermark" it was the first track to
be released, and with great success. There was a sense of discovery
in the creating of this album, a sense of beginning, a sense of something
new and exciting. "Orinoco Flow" reflects the feeling of that time
for us - adventure!
Ebudae
Ebudae, latin for the
Hebrides, is referred to in Ariosto's "Orlando Furioso" as the Dreadful
Isle or the Isle of Tears. It is also home to the "waulking songs"
the rhythm of which is the inspiration for this piece. "Waulking
songs" come from the tradition of women weaving and chanting to the unrelenting
rhythm of the looms.
River
This track was titled
even as it was written. The title expresses all that Enya wanted
to say about this piece.
The Longships
The Longships, the
famed war ships of the Vikings. The Irish Annals tell us that the
first Viking raid in Ireland was at a place called Rechru (Rathlin Island)
in 795. By 841 Dublin (Duibh-Linn or black pool) was one of the first
Viking settlements or Longphorts in Ireland.
Na Laetha Geal M'óige
A reminiscence on the
days of youth, which always seem better in retrospect.
Book of Days
"Book of Days" was
adapted from its original instrumental form as it first appeared on the
album "Shepherd Moons", for the Ron Howard film "Far and Away" which starred
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The lyrics were written around the
theme of the film.
Shepherd Moons
Two tiny new moons
had been discovered. Shepherd moons orbiting the outer ring of Saturn.
Numbered, not named. Working ceaselessly, it seemed, to keep the
particles of the ring together, much as a shepherd would guide his flock.
Protectors both, 1980S26 and 1980S27 - either side of the F ring.
Voyager had performed like a dream and sent pictures to Earth. An
unspoken glory to the rings of Saturn. The world had not known but
all the time they were there, working tirelessly. Everyone had appreciated
the spectacular beauty of Saturn, but where would the planet be without
those precious, mis-shaped, miniature moons?
Caribbean Blue
Like "Afer Ventus",
the wind from Africa or Eurus, the east wind or the gentle Zephyrus, the
imagination is free and can choose to create its own journey. As
with all dreams, we reach for the ideal and "Caribbean Blue" represents
such a dream. The lyrics can be summed up in three words: Believe
in yourself.
Evacuee
War carries with it
inevitable sadness. This is the song of the grief of a child evacuee,
of the seperation of the child from mother and father. Unfortunately
it is not a song that belongs only to the past.
Evening Falls...
A song of a spirit
travelling, of the dreaming of the same dream, of...
Lothlórien
Lothlórien is
one of the beautiful, Elvish kingdoms in Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings".
This piece was written for the album "Shepherd Moons", which was released
in 1991, some tens years before Enya was asked to compose for Peter Jackson's
epic film.
Marble Halls
An operatic piece originally
scored by the Irish composer, Michael William Balfe (1808 - 1870) with
lyrics by Alfred Bunn. "Marble Halls", or "The Dream" as it is also
known, is from the 1843 opera "The Bohemian Girl", which enjoyed great
success during Balfe's lifetime. Balfe was once complemented by Strauss
as being the "Master of Melody". "The Bohemian Girl", and in particular
this song, is a favourite of Enya.
Afer Ventus
The moment experienced
when everything in life suddenly makes sense - when everything fits into
place and we know why - is a rare moment, but it does happen. If
we are lucky enough we can bathe in the brevity of the moment for it passes
as quickly as it arrives. Like Joyce's "Epiphanies" they sometimes
seem trivial but are always crucial and revealing moments in our lives,
delicate and fleeting.
No Holly For Miss
Quinn
A partner piece to
"Miss Clare Remembers". "No Holly For Miss Quinn" was prompted by
another Miss Read story.
The Memory of Trees
In ancient Celtic belief
trees had spirits within them and were considered sacred. They were
the keepers of memory and lore. The Druids, the men of knowledge,
used to record their wisdoms by means of a secret alphabet called Ogham,
which is also called the "Tree Alphabet". Ogham is named after the
God Ogma, the God of poetry and eloquence. Thus the memory of trees
looks into the past.
The future we look
at may give us another interpretation of the title, with the destruction
of the world's rainforests it may turn out to be that the memory of trees
is nothing more than that for us - a memory.
Anywhere Is
Well, it is, isn't
it?
Athair ar Neamh
"Father in Heaven"...
the voice of epiphany is found in Athair ar Neamh. It is the voice
of the day, the voice of night, the voice of all, of understanding.
China Roses
Everyone has their
own idea of heaven. What creates the beauty of the world is the love
we have for it, connected to memories, wishes, desires. For each
of us it is a different treasure we embrace - a changing sky, the crimson
flower of the keys of heaven, a love token, the endless delight of fairytales,
the ever-shifting pictures of our world that we find in the word of poets.
For each one of us, a different love becomes our own wood of dreams.
Denique non omnes eadem mirantur amantque: All men, in short, do not admire
and love the same things.
How Can I Keep From
Singing?
This is an old Shaker
hymn. Shakers lived simple lives and their songs reflect the beauty
inherent in this simplicity. It is not widely known that the Shakers
sent food to Ireland in 1846 in an attempt to relieve the suffering during
the famine.
Hope Has a Place
A song of love's beginning.
A song of first love.
Tea-House Moon
It is said that the
path to the tea-house was one of the copse of summer trees, a wave of the
sea, the pale evening moon. The trees, the sea, the pale evening
moon evoked old dreams and the tea-house represented an oasis where the
traveller could find peace. On entering through the low door one
could hear the song of water echo the distant sea or the sound of the rain
in a bamboo forest. The tea-house was a place of repose and one in
which the harmony of nature pervaded.
Pax Deorum
Pax Deorum translates
as 'Peace of the Gods'. This goodwill of the Gods expresses accord
between ancient Rome and her Gods, maintaining a harmonious relationship
between Man and Divinity. This concept, and variations of it, are
echoed throughout history in other ages and cultures.
Eclipse
An eclipse filled the
ancient heart with terror. Had the sun forsaken them? Would
the light return? Were they to be forever in the darkness?
Isobella
A song for a child.
A spirit-child. One whom both Enya and myself experienced yet know
nothing about. A truly beautiful and peaceful child. We called
the little spirit child Isobella and this song is for her.
Only Time
Who knows the way of
love? Only time...
A Day Without Rain
"...No-one remembers
as I do
how each word of
love you gave was true.
So often do I dream
of you
so my heart is
not alone.
Can dreams be found
when the sun comes
again?
Tears still fall
down
in a day without
rain..."
Originally we thought
this track to be a song and began writing lyrics. However as work
on the music progressed it became clear that it wanted to be an instrumental.
The lyrics, although incomplete, are given here. We did however keep
one of the lines as the title of the track.
Song of the Sandman
The image speaks for
itself. This song is a lullaby.
Willows on the Water
In Greek mythology
Aiglé was one of the Hespéridés, who were guardians
to the tree that bore apples of gold. When the Minyans approached
them, imploring them to reveal a river so that they could quench their
thirst, the Hespéridés metamorphosed into trees, Aiglé
becoming a willow. She was the one to show the Minyans where to find
water.
Wild Child
The day is a wild child.
It is unpredictable, it is reckless, it offers you no security, it promises
nothing. It is what you make it. So make it good.
Flora's Secret
Tells of lovers lying
in the long grass. Perhaps the girl is called Flora. Perhaps
the "flora" in the song are the flowers they are surrounded by. Perhaps
it is about the Goddess of flowers, Flora.
The Song was inspired
by the various legends from classical mythology given to flowers.
The "tears from Persia" are the Persian Iris. They are the tears
of the Mourning Iris taken from the legend of Persephone, the daughter
of Demeter, the Goddess of the Corn. Persephone was abducted by Hades,
and was made to spend six months of each year in the underworld with him
(hence winter) and the other six months on earth (hence summer).
Ah, but who is the one the moon loves?
Fallen Embers
The memory of a special
time with the one you love and a reflection of the loss of that love.
Yet it is reminiscence filled with the tenderness of that love, as much
as with the saddness of its loss. It is a celebration of that special
time, and a lament that it is over.
Tempus Vernum
Our lives are entwined
with each other and with everything in nature. Yet, although we are
part of the cycle of life, we should remember that the earth can begin
again - without us. Therefore...
Deora ar mo Chroí
This song continues
the theme of Tempus Vernum, a reflection on the beauty of mother earth,
and how, after we journey through our days with her, we move beyond.
And still the earth sings...
One by One
Four tales from under
the Cherry tree. Four tales, four seasons, four loves. Each
tale tells a different story, each season has its own time, each love ends
in a different way. One by one the tales of love are told, and one
by one the pages upon which they are written fall as the leaves fall.
The First of Autumn
(Haiku)
Love is like the
leaves;
some ever green,
some fall on
the first of autumn.
Whilst writing poetry
relating to the seasons, I had included some Haiku, the Japanese verse
form, and from one of these came the idea for "the First of Autumn".
The Haiku is printed here for the first time.
Lazy Days
In the helter skelter
of life it is good for the heart and the soul to have a lazy day.
One where you make time to dream, to consider, to meditate, to reflect.
When simply to be is enough. When we do not worry about the moments
that cause us such concern and distress, but enjoy the moment as it is.
Whether summer or winter, whether watching the corn moving in the wind,
or a single red balloon floating skywards.
May It Be
Written for the Peter
Jackson film epic of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of
the Ring" the song "May it be" is written in both English and the Elvish
language, Quenya. Quenya means "speech" and was known as the "Forbidden
language" or "the language of the kinslayers". It was a language
used primarily in ancient song and ceremony and in the language of lore.
"May it be" or "Nai" in Quenya, is usually used by the Elves to express
a wish.
Oíche Chiúin
This is a Gaelic rendering
of the famous Christmas Carol "Silent Night". Little more needs to
be said about this universally known carol. The version on the video
was sung for the BBC programme "Christmas Day in the Morning" and was recorded
at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
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