A Poem and Song for St. Patrick’s Day: ‘The Session’ by Jeff Eardley

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Guitar music for “Sheebag Sheemore” performed by Jeff Eardley.

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The Session

Monday at the Shamrock Inn,
So, the session does begin,
Rosin up the fiddle’s bow,
Get in tune and off we go.

Pipes and flutes and mandolin,
More musicians coming in,
Carolan alive once more,
As we play Sheebeg, Sheemore.

Jigs and reels in G and D,
Fill the players hearts with glee,
Banging out a joyful noise,
Better now than Planxty’s boys,

Tables groan ‘neath weight of beer,
Customers will oft appear,
Stick their heads around the door,
Wonder what the laughter’s for.

Fingers flashing on the frets,
Now as good as music gets,
Feet are tapping in the street,
To the banjo’s bouncy beat.

All good things, alas must end,
For our band of happy friends,
Landlord calling time for sure,
Shamrock pub is quiet once more.

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Poet’s Note: Eighteenth century Irish harpist, Turlough O. Carolan wrote many good tunes. One of the best is “Si Bheag Si Mhor” anglicised as “Sheebeg Sheemore” or sometimes, “She begs for more,” but that is another story! Also note that Planxty were perhaps the greatest ever Irish band.

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Jeff Eardley lives in the heart of England near to the Peak District National Park and is a local musician playing guitar, mandolin and piano steeped in the music of America, including the likes of Ry Cooder, Paul Simon, and particularly Hank Williams.