It's funny how news creeps out...even across oceans and continents.
I tripped over the announcement late this evening that Liam Clancy - the last surviving member of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem - had died. And I must admit that it while I wasn't entirely shocked, I was - as the Corrie folks would say - gutted.
For many of us whose parents were Irish immigrants, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were a connecting fibre. Eire or Ulster...Yank or Canadian...Catholic or Protestant, the four fine minstrels were a touchstone.
They appeared in equal turns at Massey Hall in Toronto and Carnegie Hall in New York. One of their famous album covers features a photo of the four of them - with Tommy Clancy holding his arms in the air...the cover is black and the title is simply 'Live...At Carnegie Hall.' To this day, the album sells on Amazon, Chapters and iTunes. I have a number of the songs on my iPod.
They were, in their way, the original fab four. Two Tommys, a Liam and a Paddy. I have all those in my Butler family...repeated almost precisely in each generation. They were friends and fans of Pete Seeger - who is acknowledged on some of their albums and in most of their writings. On their double album, the final track is Liam - God Rest You - announcing, "Pete's gonna sing 'This Land...' They appeared - kid you not - on Dylan commemorative albums.
Perhaps more, they're etched on the hearts of far flung Irish descendants who know them through their albums (really, the vinyl ones), appearances on the Today Show each St. Patrick's Day, and visits to local venues. I remember vividly the drives to Massey Hall in Toronto. To this day, when I drive to the Big Smoke and I pass under the railway track on Yonge Street, I'm humming those songs, even when it's early in the morning (before the break of day) and I'm off to a meeting. It sticks with you...
I found myself in Washington on St. Patrick's Day a few years back. My official meetings done, off I went on on a Sunday evening to an Irish pub. I was sipping my Smithicks when the singer started up...and when I found myself standing next to a priest. The singer was good, but the verses were off...and by off, I mean not the Clancy rendition. The priest and I traded glances....and shook our heads a bit. 'What can I get you, Father?' I asked. 'Jameson dear...and a song sheet for our friend, like Liam and Tommy.' I told him the whiskey I could do but the bigger miracles were his. We had a lovely chat and with the Clancys and Makem as our common interest, we crossed a number of international borders...and eccliastical approaches.
My father was the youngest of his generation...depending on who you believe, the baby of 10...or 13 ...or 20. He left Ireland for Canada at 15...came to a sister he adored...a brother he revered but didn't know as well (20 years separation will do that to siblings)...and a place he could hardly imagine. His children are all proud Canadians...with great love for the Emerald Isle...who were taught to be open minded.
My parents' first house - in Burlington, Ontario - was a lovely spot with a front and back garden.
The neighbours on Wellington Avenue were Irish...he a Protestant from the South and she a Catholic from the North. My father bloody adored them...and he'd explain gently to us that in his day, in his Ireland, that would never have happened...but that it was never to be an issue in his Canada...
If you're at all familiar with the lyrics of The Old Orange Flute - a Clancy and Makem staple - you'll have no doubt where I'm taking this.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVlbenGJ8u0
Before I was old enough to understand why it was important, my father used to say it was history...but not to be repeated...it was different. When I brought home my Mister (25 years in 2010 and who knew - our anniversary was the same day he landed)...the Orange Brit...his sole comment was (based on the lad's size) 'Eileen, we might need more meat....' For a fellow who grew up with limited exposure to many cultures and things, he was remarkably and reasonably progressive.
My only trip to Ireland (so far) was with him. It's a big family...and I was not prepared to go without an ambassador...and a tour guide.
My idea of Ireland was shaped - in large part - by the music. Roddy McCorley...The Patriot Game...Red Head Mary...(I know...none of the expected regulars...go figure!) I met a couple of lovely cousins....briefly...before arriving 25 years later at their end.
When I did arrive (on the heels of a curious relation who made Canadians a bit unwelcome), three things made me a credible presence: first, my firm belief that I NEEDED to buy the first round to pave the way to good karma (that's equally true in the US might I add); second, my unwavering conviction that I was a guest who appreciated being welcome but by no means felt that was a given; third, my exposure to the Clancys and Makem...when lyrics were up in the air, on occasion, I knew the answer.
Every Friday night, my father sang those songs. I listened. I love them still.
When we sat in a sweet cousin's house and discussion emerged about song lyrics, I said quietly, 'Well, the Clancys and Makem sing it this way....' My cousins laughed...but agreed....
My father taught me many things...
Integrity...application....faith... (he was better at this than I will ever be)...equity...
And much of what he taught me was reflected in the songs of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
When I go - and I will - DJ has a list....
I'd like a wake....with some music....including the Parting Glass and Roisin the Bow.
For our friend Liam, let's dwell on The Parting Glass which he sang so well....
Oh all the money that ere I spent
I spent it in good company...
And all the harm that e're I've done...
Alas it was to none but me...
There's much more...but that will get you doing (and I can't indent those...)
Wrap me up in me oil skins and jumpers
No more on the deck I'll be seen
Just tell me old ship mates
I'm takin a trip mates
And I'll see you one day in Fiddlers' Green.....
Goodnight Sweet Prince
Flights of Angels guide thee to they rest...
And if you don't mind, say hi to my Dad...and ny Uncle Tom...who taught me to adore you this way....
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