Stories from the Exile
Words, music and arrangements by Vincent Lockhart
Words, music and arrangements by Vincent Lockhart
Jack Lockhart (1914-1981)
Fontem, Cameroon
Fontem, Cameroon
Stories from the Exile - Jack Lockhart
I remember the light
that shone in my father’s eyes
as he sang out,
clear and strong,
Sliabhnamon.
I was eight years old and proud.
I said, “That’s my Dad up there
the people are cheering for”.
But he’s gone now
to the twilight
where people are hiding with God,
not lost or forgotten
but brought in
to our hearts
when we love.
So I hope you will see
a part of my father
singing out in me.
Background
This song recalls the time when our family lived in Arbroath in the north east of Scotland. We had moved there from the central belt of Scotland because of my father's work in the building industry.
Much of our social life revolved around our parish where I was also a Mass server. Often the family was the "choir" at Benediction on a Sunday evening and my parents were active in running the parish social events.
The occasion where my father was singing in the song was at the St. Patrick's night dance in the town hall. This was a big night in Arbroath because many people were descended from the Irish labourers who settled there after building the railway from Dundee to Aberdeen at the end of the 19th century.
My father had a beautiful tenor voice and music and singing was always a big part of our family life.
Vocals and guitar: Vincent Lockhart
Violin: Deirdre Morrison
Recording: Tim Friery & Vincent Lockhart