1. |
||||
2. |
||||
|
Jimmy was from Ladbroke Grove and only just 16
When he saw an old man mugged by two cowards big and mean
These scumbags jumped him from behind and knocked him to the ground
Then rifled through his pockets for a measly £7.
Jimmy was enraged by this, he couldn’t stand and watch
So he grabbed one by the throat and kneed him in the crotch
The other pulled a stanley knife and slashed young Jimmy’s back
But Jimmy turned around real quick and gave him such a slap!
As this thug hit the ground he dropped the stanley knife
Jimmy picked it up and said “your money or your life”
They emptied out their pockets, they nearly had a grand
Jimmy took it off of them and gave it all to the old man.
When he went to hospital to get his back stitched up
The law wanted details but young Jimmy kept it shut
When he got back to his flat, someone was waiting there
A very elegant old man was sitting in a chair .
His face was old and wrinkled but it screamed authority
If you had a problem, it was him you’d go and see
He could wipe your debts all clean or take somebody out
He would always whisper sternly, he never had to shout.
He said “Now Jim I heard about the deed you did last night
It seems you’re pretty handy, the way you put those slags to flight
The old man you defended is very dear to me
He is the younger brother, that I never thought I’d see.
Because he’s always been a loner but you brought him to my door
To tell me of the gallant youth, he wanted to reward
Of riches I have plenty but no children or no wife
He is the only family I have left in my life.
I know that from this mortal coil I shall soon be gone
And what uses an empire if you cannot pass it on
To those that have been loyal to me for the longest time
They have done it for good reasons and to them I will be kind.
But for bringing home my brother, in a selfless act so brave
West London will be yours my friend when I reach my grave
So with the Westway on your shoulders I leave you now to stand
With your strength and honour, I know it’s in safe hands!”
Jimmy ran West London for many happy years
He only did what he had to, he never ruled through fear
From a flat in Golbourne Road he helped so many out
He always whispered sternly, he never had to shout!
|
||||
3. |
Wrong Path in Life
04:19
|
|||
|
Weapons in the playground, tagging on the wall
Teachers cannot reach you, you think you know it all
Stealing from and beating the other kids at school
You think you’re really clever, but really you’re a fool!
You’re on the wrong path in life
Feral children rampage down in the underpass
There is no prospects waiting for this underclass
Such a harsh survival when you can’t pay
Will you to turn to crime or find another way.
From the wrong path in life.
No employer wants you, you’re destined for the street
Where gang initiations make your life complete
Start to raise your status, by dealing misery
Slowly graduating to armed robbery.
Gained the wealth you wanted, now you’re ahead of the pack
But how many wait to stab you in the back
As you left the nightclub, it was face down you fell
It only took a second, to send your soul to hell.
From the wrong path in life
When you were at the bottom, all you could do was climb
Your route was quick and easy, but now you’re out of time
Another sad statistic of this modern age
No sooner out of the cradle, then into the grave.
From the wrong path in life.
|
||||
4. |
London's Irish
02:50
|
|||
|
London town is always home to me
But I’ve another across the Irish sea
That my parents came here from
But it’s not where I belong.
I’ve been called a paddy and a pom
A thick mick and limey cockney scum
But I don’t give a damn
Because I know what I am.
And that is Irish, London Irish
And there’s millions just like me.
Our good mothers did all that they could
While our fathers work the mixer and the hod
Digging tunnels underground
Oh so hard to earn a pound.
When you were Irish, London Irish
And that’s how are used to be.
The Bamba, Gary Owen and Galtymore
Is where they’d meet up and dance around the floor
But they’d always save some cash
For the plate at Quex Road mass.
Because they were Irish, London Irish
And that’s how it used to be.
The city has changed so much since I was young
So much cleaner but so much soul has gone
The Stags Head in Camden Town
Like so many got close down.
But still there’s Irish, London Irish
And there’s millions thankfully.
|
||||
5. |
||||
|
An old widow from Sligo was walking across the land
When she met an old man, he took her by the hand
He led her to a cottage fine with horseshoes around the door
And while she looked around, some drinks he did pour.
They sat by the fire side and pass the time
Talking and drinking what she thought was wine
He seemed so kind and made her feel secure
She got the feeling they had met before.
He took out a fiddle and he played a tune
She started dancing all around the room
Til she collapsed on to the cold stone floor
When she awoke she was young once more.
She looked in the mirror, she couldn’t look away
Gone was her widow shawl and her locks of grey
Instead she wore the finest silk and lace
Golden corkscrew hair and a youthful face.
The cottage has changed into a marble hall
Filled with people dancing at a society ball
A hand laid on her shoulder, a touch she did know
It was the husband she’d lost, so many years ago.
He whirled her around the dance floor, like she was on air
He kissed her ruby lips and stroked her hair
Both young and handsome, and in love once more
Just like before she lost him to a cruel war.
|
||||
6. |
||||
|
I’ve travelled all over Ireland
When I was too young to understand
That in the country I was born
Some were filled with hate and scorn
And there is blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
From the Boyne there is hatred to the end
Seems that neither crown or harp, will ever bend
Are you with the Pope or Monarchy?
Why spread hate and misery
And blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
Are you one of us? Or are you one of them?
I’m not one of them, they are not my friends
I’m with you guys for the day, it’s just safer that way
Because there’s blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
The fighting was once for a worthy cause
But now it’s all gangsters and outlaws
If it’s girls, guns or drugs
You can get them from the thugs
That spill their blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
Five hundred years of torture and pain
In the name of Christ, it’s Jesus just the same
And if we’ve only one Chief
Why can’t they take away our grief?
And the blood from the Shamrock and the Rose.
|
||||
7. |
Pretty Gypsy Smile
04:04
|
|||
|
She appeared like a vision out of a dream
Dark with a glow like a summer moonbeam
One look in her eye and a spell it was cast
The touch of a hand, I was tied to the mast.
With the gypsy smile
My heart she did beguile
Danced up the road, no shoes on her feet
Singing a song so melodic and sweet
A voice from the heavens, a smooth velvet cry
I noticed a roguish look in her dark eye.
Large golden earrings, her hair black as night
Ivory skin on a frame, oh so slight
Following her I was held in a trance
I hadn’t a choice but to join in her dance
Romany looks without fault or flaw
Oh how she had irresistible lure
I knew right away that she was the one
Destined to share all my sadness and fun.
Danced for awhile and I held her so close
After tasting her lips, I just had to propose
Now I’ve joined the gypsies, my heart rules my head
And we dance on together now we are wed
|
||||
8. |
Vengful Passion
04:38
|
|||
|
Desperation made her leave
The pretty hamlet where she lived
Her parents and the one she loved
To find some work in old London.
She met a couple on the Strand
With a fine estate and lots of land
They took her on to work as a maid
But then one night the story changed.
When he came to her room and to her bed
And stole away her maidenhead
She was young and naïve, easy to deceive
And so she was.
When her middle it did swell
The mistress she did have to tell
Filled with fury and with rage
She knew her husband’s cheating ways.
So together they did hatch a plan
To rid themselves of this cruel man
Vengeful passion made them close
And such a bond cannot be broke.
So when he came to her room and to her bed
An axe came down upon his head
He never made a sound
As his blood flow down, he only twitched!
He was never seen again
They left him sleeping in the Thames
And when the baby it was born
The mistress loved it like her own.
Oh he went to her room, into her bed
And stole the way her maidenhead
But he paid the price
His fortune, his life and lost his head .
Desperation made her leave
The pretty hamlet where she lived
But now she’s found a better life
With her masters widowed wife.
|
||||
9. |
Best At Being You
04:54
|
|||
|
When you’re young people talk at you, try and make you think like them
It makes it hard to recognise good guidance from a friend
Until you don’t know who to trust or where to place your heart
So don’t make judgements quickly because life has many parts.
To football down at Loftus Road, I was taken by my dad
I learn to win and lose with dignity when I was just a lad
It’s okay to fail at things if you’ve done your best
Because there’s always something else where you’ll be better than the rest.
Values I learned from my mum will be with me till the end
Use it up, leave none to waste, make do and mend
It’s nice to have things plentiful but no good will come of greed
And there is a massive difference between to want and to need.
When I was young my sisters sang ‘Que Sera Sera’
And that was my first lesson in how things really are
Some are pretty, some are rich, some might get one shot
So whatever assets you may have, make the best of what you’ve got.
Because time waits for no one, so be what you want to be
We can’t all be winners but some might just succeed
Time waits for no one, so do what you wanna do
And always remember, you’re the best at being you!
|
||||
10. |
Have A Drink With Me
04:05
|
|||
|
My training is completed now they say I’m well prepared
For fighting and for killing but for this I’ve never cared
I joined up to get a job and to learn the trade
There wasn’t any talk of war when my mistake was made.
Now my first tour of duty I survived, I’m pleased to tell
I know I’m bound for heaven, cos I’ve spent my time in hell
I’ve seen such pointless slaughter in this good country‘s name
And now they want me back there, to do it all again!
But I’m still having nightmares since first I saw a bomb
Blow the man beside me from his life to kingdom come
I am not a coward but no more I’ll hold a gun
Call me a deserter but I’m going on the run.
Now my court marshall hearing is due next Monday morn
I know freedom and liberty will from me be torn
There’s no honour for my duty or for risking life and limb
Just a year in prison because I won’t do it all again.
I thought that on release I could start my life again
But people’s scorn and nightmares cause me too much pain
I’m too damaged to hold down a job I don’t want to burden you
So I’m going to end it all, it’s all I’ve left to do!
So have a drink with me and my friend
Have a drink with me and my friend
Before I have to go away
Have a drink with me and my friend
|
||||
11. |
||||
|
My name is Anthony Morrissey that I’ll never change
In London it’s Morra now to some that sounds strange
In Dublin it’s Anto and in Norfolk Tony
So when I am asked my name I don’t know what to say!
I grew up in London a mile from the West End
With a lad called Sean Kelly and he still my best friend
We rode on our choppers, fished in the canal
And I know I’ll never find a better pal.
Now my mum is from Cork and my dad was Dublin
I’ve three older sisters Eileen Edna and Anne
I was the youngest, the doted on son
I was spoilt rotten and I had lots of fun!
Between them my sisters have seven kids
And up until now only one husband each
We’ve three Steves, Dean, Daniel, Albino, James, Joe,
Richard and Michael, all a pleasure to know.
I went to school in posh St John’s Wood
It was comprehensive, so not short of a hood
There were Jew kids and Paddies; Muslims, Asians and Blacks
And the teachers were Commies, Gay hippies and Punks.
Then the building site was where I first went to work
But I was a dandy, I hated the dirt
I wanted nothing to do with Thatcher’s Britain greed
So I signed on the dole and spent 12 years asleep!
I took to my bed with a great lump of hash
And only got up to go out on the lash
Then I joined a rock band and I grew my hair
And I chased those ladies dark, auburn, and fair.
I got restless in London because it’s such a rat race
So I moved out to Norfolk to slow down the pace
In Norwich I studied art and design
Then I got married and found peace of mind.
With this good life I’ve got middle-age spread
My locks are all gone, there’s no hair on my head
But I still feel young when I play my guitar
And sing those all folk songs fa-loora-ly-ah.
Well I’ve never had money but I’ve lots of good friends
So I’m richer than kings and will be till the end
And should I died tomorrow, well I’ve had a good life
Wth a fun loving family and a bloody good wife.
|
||||
12. |
||||
|
I’ve travelled all over Ireland
When I was too young to understand
That in the country I was born
Some were filled with hate and scorn
And there is blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
From the Boyne there is hatred to the end
Seems that neither crown or harp, will ever bend
Are you with the Pope or Monarchy?
Why spread hate and misery
And blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
Are you one of us? Or are you one of them?
I’m not one of them, they are not my friends
I’m with you guys for the day, it’s just safer that way
Because there’s blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
The fighting was once for a worthy cause
But now it’s all gangsters and outlaws
If it’s girls, guns or drugs
You can get them from the thugs
That spill their blood on the Shamrock and the Rose.
Five hundred years of torture and pain
In the name of Christ, it’s Jesus just the same
And if we’ve only one Chief
Why can’t they take away our grief?
And the blood from the Shamrock and the Rose.
|
||||
13. |
London Irish (2011 Demo)
04:30
|
|||
|
London town is always home to me
But I’ve another across the Irish sea
That my parents came here from
But it’s not where I belong.
I’ve been called a paddy and a pom
A thick mick and limey cockney scum
But I don’t give a damn
Because I know what I am.
And that is Irish, London Irish
And there’s millions just like me.
Our good mothers did all that they could
While our fathers work the mixer and the hod
Digging tunnels underground
Oh so hard to earn a pound.
When you were Irish, London Irish
And that’s how are used to be.
The Bamba, Gary Owen and Galtymore
Is where they’d meet up and dance around the floor
But they’d always save some cash
For the plate at Quex Road mass.
Because they were Irish, London Irish
And that’s how it used to be.
The city has changed so much since I was young
So much cleaner but so much soul has gone
The Stags Head in Camden Town
Like so many got close down.
But still there’s Irish, London Irish
And there’s millions thankfully.
|
||||
14. |
||||
|
Jimmy was from Ladbroke Grove and only just 16
When he saw an old man mugged by two cowards big and mean
These scumbags jumped him from behind and knocked him to the ground
Then rifled through his pockets for a measly £7.
Jimmy was enraged by this, he couldn’t stand and watch
So he grabbed one by the throat and kneed him in the crotch
The other pulled a stanley knife and slashed young Jimmy’s back
But Jimmy turned around real quick and gave him such a slap!
As this thug hit the ground he dropped the stanley knife
Jimmy picked it up and said “your money or your life”
They emptied out their pockets, they nearly had a grand
Jimmy took it off of them and gave it all to the old man.
When he went to hospital to get his back stitched up
The law wanted details but young Jimmy kept it shut
When he got back to his flat, someone was waiting there
A very elegant old man was sitting in a chair .
His face was old and wrinkled but it screamed authority
If you had a problem, it was him you’d go and see
He could wipe your debts all clean or take somebody out
He would always whisper sternly, he never had to shout.
He said “Now Jim I heard about the deed you did last night
It seems you’re pretty handy, the way you put those slags to flight
The old man you defended is very dear to me
He is the younger brother, that I never thought I’d see.
Because he’s always been a loner but you brought him to my door
To tell me of the gallant youth, he wanted to reward
Of riches I have plenty but no children or no wife
He is the only family I have left in my life.
I know that from this mortal coil I shall soon be gone
And what uses an empire if you cannot pass it on
To those that have been loyal to me for the longest time
They have done it for good reasons and to them I will be kind.
But for bringing home my brother, in a selfless act so brave
West London will be yours my friend when I reach my grave
So with the Westway on your shoulders I leave you now to stand
With your strength and honour, I know it’s in safe hands!”
Jimmy ran West London for many happy years
He only did what he had to, he never ruled through fear
From a flat in Golbourne Road he helped so many out
He always whispered sternly, he never had to shout!
|
||||
Anto Morra England, UK
London Irish Punk Folker has been writing songs and performing live solo and in bands since 1988. Released debut Album 'Never Had To Shout' on the 5th August 2013. Based in Norfolk and specialises in Traditional Irish Folk songs.
If you like Anto Morra, you may also like:
From Cork, Ireland, Lewis Barfoot writes mystic, majestic songs derived from regional folk, with an ambient music aura.
go to album
The Two Worlds
by Brigid Mae Power
The latest LP from Brigid Mae Power is gorgeous and ghostly, setting Power’s voice against soft brushes of guitar, piano, & shuffling drums.
go to album
Featuring members of Seachange (Matador /Glitterhouse Records), Dearest took 8 years to craft their haunting LP.
go to album
Ship To Shore
by Richard Thompson
The legendary Richard Thompson's new solo album exemplifies his many musical paths, from pop and cabaret to jazz to traditional folk.
go to album
Nippon Acid Folk 1970-1980
by Time Capsule
The experimental spirit permeating this collection of Japanese acid folk foreshadowed the arrivals of city pop, the psych revival, and folktronica.
go to album
The London musician recorded the dreamy psychedelic pop songs on his third album in churches, bedrooms and kitchens.
go to album
I Don't Like My Chances On The Outside
by lilo
The London-based duo's intimate folk music explores love, friendship, and loss.
go to album
