blessing

for Brian Grove

the words for this song were taken
from some of the traditional Irish blessings below.

they are the very brightest of best wishes
but when you combine some of them,
you end up with images that seem to conflict -

like how you might feel when a friend
is embarking on a wonderful adventure
thousands of miles away.

After this song was finished, I noticed another conflict:
as simple as this tune is,
I couldn't manage to keep it from wandering between two different keys.


this song is dedicated to Brian Grove,
who has offered unconditional (and often undeserved)
support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for my creative endeavors
for more than a decade.

may the road rise up to meet you
may the wind be always at your back
may the sun shine warm upon your face
and rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the hollow of His hand

may you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and the road downhill all the way to your door.

may your glass be ever full
may the roof over your head be always strong
and may you be in heaven half an hour
before the devil knows you're dead.

may you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.