These tracks were recorded by my talented friend Paul Donnan in the beautiful entrance hall of Powerscourt in County Wicklow. I have a fascination, inherited from my father, with Irish ‘Big Houses’. Powerscourt has its own special sadness – it was destroyed by fire in 1974 – and this is never far from one’s thoughts within its bare-brick interior (restored in 1996). I dare you to examine unmoved the photos of the house from before the fire that are displayed inside.
It was a real treat to be playing my songs in that place while the winter night seethed with jealousy outside.
I chose two: my latest song, ‘Face in a frame’ and a song I wrote about five years ago which I call ‘Little boy’. I realise now that it’s finally recorded that it’s as much about the little girl…any ideas on what it should be called? (Paul called it ‘Tonight’.) Click on the titles to listen.
Carry my love over the ocean; bring him back here, back to my arms. Accuse me of greed – I don’t care for reason – I just know I need him keeping me warm. The neighbours are kind – they smile and make small talk – but I politely decline when they ask to tea. I couldn’t help counting the chairs at the table. The catch in my throat: “No, everything’s fine”. Your face in a frame (last summer’s vacation). Your coat on a hook on the back of the door. I walk in the rain reliving old memories; each line on your face the same as before. Our boy’s growing tall, he’s stronger each day now. He asks me no questions, I tell him no lies. I can see in his face that he wants to protect me. I wonder can he see the same thing in mine? Your face in a frame (our boy on your shoulders). Your coat on a hook on the back of the door. I’ll try to explain when he’s a bit older. Oh why can’t things stay the same as before?
Little boy, what have you done? Little boy, what have you done? You’re so big and strong. You’re so big and strong. Little girl, what have you done? Little girl, what have you done? You’re so beautiful. You’re so beautiful. Tonight the angels rejoice over you. Little boy, what have you done? Little boy, what have you done? I’ll wipe your tears away. I’ll wipe your tears away. Little girl, what have you done? Little girl, what have you done? I’ll wipe your tears away. I’ll wipe your tears away. Tonight the angels rejoice over you.
jay wilson :: music 