Patrick's Song - Cindy L Spear & Eddie Leighton

A new song for a special project that I am working on. I wrote the lyrics and the music was composed, sung and narrated by my very talented cousin Eddie Leighton. I cannot say much yet about this story (except it is one of the threads in book 2 of my historical trilogy) but this song offers a glimpse of an Irish Canadian who comes to Australia during the 1850s Gold Rush. He begins his journey in what is known today as the state of Victoria and then makes his way to Araluen Valley (not far from me) in New South Wales. Of course, there’s a love interest, loss and heartbreak. The photo above is of the Araluen valley—once a hotbed for gold. It is quite a stunning, inspiring setting.

Patrick’s Song

 

I came to honour a good man’s heart

But his dying wish steered my path to fame

I found a love that was diamond pure

Wrapped in roses rare of high acclaim

 

As the mission failed and I moved on

Araluen called but I answered slow

In a tantrum storm, rocked by digger’s fear

Enemies seeped through the cracks and holds

 

Many heroes came before my day

The tall and limber climbed the heights of gold

They ignored the warnings and reaped the rage

So, I watched and learned, when to come and go

 

On the virgin fields, I made real friends

As I found my way in the southern sun

I drank with the best and dined with kings

I learned of danger, fortune and guns

 

Then I found a joy that gave me wings

And I served a season above my call

I lived in the garden of Eden a while

Until the serpent came, and I lost it all

 

A child was born that would bear the cost

But I hope she found a better world 

And the letter I left to make her strong

At Rose Gold Manor would soon unfurl

 

For this stately home carried it all

The secrets of its owners’ rise and fall

Death and desire, passion and release

Its walls would whisper of long lost peace

The locket of faith would tell its tale

And the wounds would one day slowly heal

Fire and ice, splendour and pain

The tree of deceit would be shaken, again                                                                                   

 

This land once woven in dust and dreams

Grafted itself to my weathered soul

The agonies that I’ve come to wear

Are part now of my patterned whole

 

As I stand by the sea and look back 

I trust my daughter is brighter than me

For she carries her mother’s grace and charm

Born to deliver, shine and lead.

I board Marco Polo to sail once more

With the winds and my brother at my side

On this shuddering frame, I take the wheel

To regain the adventure and the rhyme.

 

I leave a legacy of love on shore 

But I hope my words find their home one day

In the future branches of our clan

And someone returns to restore my name

 

Lyrics: Cindy L Spear ©2020 

Music & Vocals: Eddie Leighton @2021

 

Eddie Leighton