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Isles of Stone

from A Minstrel in Moray by Bruce Coughlan

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lyrics

ISLES OF STONE

I guess it was fate, a fancy of fortune
That first brought me here to walk on your shores
I did not come with notions about you
But charms so abound you, it's hard to ignore

You islands fare, like picture book pages
The mystic reverie that burns in your veins
Your weathered face; a true rock of ages
Is cast in my memory, forever to remain

And I wish I was in Kirkwall's cathedral
I wish I was where the mighty heroes lay
What dark, true tales; thinking of St Magnus
With a solitude that stirs right to the bone
On isles of stone

Was it here, the brave last provisioned?
When they crossed the wild ocean centuries ago?
And Logan's Well on the high street of Stromness
Still watches the ships as they come and they go

I wish I was in the Parish of Orphir
I wish I was by the Hall of Clestrain
Walking along and thinking of the Arctic
While a waning sun sets low on Scappa Flow
Over isles of stone

It's strange to miss a place that makes you feel lonely
It's sad to miss a place that can make you feel so small
A strange, uneasy feeling that your only passing through
Just a pilgrim in the scheme of it all

Still I wish I was within the Stones of Brodger
I wish I was in the ruins of Scarra Brae
In a cold north rain, I'm thinking of the ages
And wishing I had something more to say

And I wish I was by Kirkwall's cathedral
I wish I was in the pubs along the quay
In dark, true ales, I'm drinking with St Magnus
While the haunted winds of waiting winter moan
Over isles of stone

credits

from A Minstrel in Moray, released June 1, 2014
Produced & mastered by Joby Baker

All songs by Bruce Coughlan (SOCAN) 2009 except: Kinreen o’ the Dee – music by Bruce Coughlan, lyrics from The Piobrach O’ Kinreen by William Forsyth (1818–1879), Apron Strings – music by Phil Cunningham, lyrics by Bruce Coughlan and Ower Lang Awa’ – music by Bruce Coughlan, lyrics by James McQueen of Forres, published 1905. Additional Gaelic lyrics by Mary Ann Kennedy

Recorded and mixed at Baker Studios Ltd., Victoria, BC
Additional tracks recorded at Watercolour Music, Ardgour, Scotland

Bruce Coughlan – 1980s Jean Larrivee D5 dreadnaught guitar (Mahogany), 1927 Ludwig “Kingston” tenor banjo, 1940s Gibson TG 50 tenor guitar (Mahogany), Casey Burns keyless wood flute (Mopane), Elf Song D Whistle (West Coast Whistle Co.), Soodlum D whistle, Antonio Duarte Portuguese cittern (circa 1900) 1965 Gibson “Heritage” dreadnaught guitar (Brazilian Rosewood), 1982 Takamine classical guitar (Rosewood) Nashville mandolin (plywood).

Joby Baker – 1939 Kay upright bass, Yamaha C5 grand piano (spanky new), 2005 Gretsch kick & toms, 1959 Rogers snare drum, Istanbul cymbals, 1940s Gibson TG 50 tenor guitar (Mahogany), DW Karn pump organ (circa 1900), wood shaker & maraca (origins unknown), Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B3, hose
Mary Ann Kennedy – Gaelic vocals on Ower Lang Awa’
Artwork & design – Carylann Loeppky

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Bruce Coughlan Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Pacific Canadian-based recording & performing artist, Bruce Coughlan has spent decades making Acoustic Roots Music Music of all descriptions. An expressive singer and rock-solid guitarist, Bruce is driven by one guiding principle: It's all about the Song. ... more

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