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The Two Donkeys of Sliabh na hEalbha

from In the Home of my Ancestors by Gavin O'Loghlen & Cotters Bequest

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about

We camped on Sliabh na hEalbha, a mountain of frightening desolation on the Burren on County Clare. The next morning we went for a walk. On the way we were approached by two very scruffy, unkempt donkeys, who relieved us of all our biscuits, apples and snack bars. They really appeared to be the kings of the mountain.

lyrics

When she was only seventeen my mother was a beauty queen
sought fame and fortune , so she ran away.
But somewhere west in County Clare
she stopped to rest and then and there
she met a young man and just had to stay.

(Irish Gaelic language)

Da asail i mbun an tsleibhe
Da asail i mbun an lae
Ar Sliabh Elbha inniu
and we're here to stay.

(English Translation)

Two donkeys rule the mountain
Two donkeys save the day
on Sliabh Elbha today

So some months later I was born into this barn we called a home
the birth was easy, but the times were hard.
As I grew older, we grew poor with farming rocks and little more
two pigs, two donkeys and an old grey mare.

(Irish Gaelic language)

Da asail i mbun an tsleibhe
Da asail i mbun an lae
Ar Sliabh Elbha inniu
and we're here to stay.

(English Translation)

Two donkeys rule the mountain
Two donkeys save the day
on Sliabh Elbha today

So Da' he has an idea to solve our being poor
we'll chase the stock to Elva's top and offer a reward
and when the press come streaming in for rustler's tales amd more
they'll pay, and they'll pay and they'll pay......


So Da' he called a meetin', the neighbours came in force
the vote was taken and arrangements made.
Take all the cows and horses, the pigs and goats and sheep
but leave the donkeys 'cause they're too damn cheap.

* * * * *

The months went by and no- one came,
the neighbours all held Da' to blame
the stock had vanished and the banks foreclosed.
The donkeys on the other hand had forged a very happy band
of well fed animals with equity.

Two donkeys joined the union, the E.E.C. and more
creamed every subsidy that they could find.
Two donkeys rule the mountain, two donkeys saved the day
they bought Slieve Elva and they're here to stay
here to stay
here to stay - okay!

credits

from In the Home of my Ancestors, released September 17, 1997
Gavin O'Loghlen :Acoustic guitars, drums, bass, percussion, whistle, keyboards, lead vocals
Stephanie Graeber : Violin
Harry Theodoros: Accordion, vocals
Angelee Theodoros : Vocals
Anne Dormer : Vocals
Jacqui Yeo : Vocals
Malachy O'Reilly : Voice

Music & words written by Gavin O'Loghlen

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Gavin O'Loghlen Australia

Cotters Bequest is a seven piece progressive Celtic band playing 28 instruments including Highland, Uilleann, Northumbrian and Scottish smallpipes, Irish whistles, violin, cello and accordion wrapped in layers of acoustic and electric guitars, vintage keyboards and rich vocal harmonies.

In the style of "a Celtic King Crimson..a Pink Floyd with bagpipes.. with a sprinkling of Peter Gabriel." ... more

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