Donegal musician, Brí Carr will tonight launch her stunning song ‘Is Mé do Chúis’ (I am your reason) to celebrate the end of her year-long residency at Amharclann Gaoth Dobhair.
The moving song was recorded in collaboration with a group called Cairde le Chéile, which is made up of Caela Carr, Orla Kearney, Helena McNally, Future Ndex Moyo, Audrey and Leila Coyle.
The music video is filled with beautiful scenery including the Drummonaghan Woods and Cashelshanaghan.
The story describes what Ireland means to us all, the old passing it on to the young, the young promising to care for, nurture and carry on the traditions, memories, beliefs and emotions of being Irish.
The verses of the song (translated below) are a tribute to what it means to be Irish, each representing a different generation:
“I am your native tongue, listen to my voice I am your ground, your clay and your rock I am your nature, your home place and your background. Do not cast me aside, It’s worth the prize I’m your hope, I’m your reason.
“I am your freedom, it’s my blood that spilled. I am your fill to eat after your famine times. I am your youth, growing up. Don’t throw me away, but put me first I am your peace.
“I am your flag, green white and gold I’m your heritage, your history and your story I am your future moving on and I am watching the breaking of a new dawn I’m your voice, forever more.
“I am your family, that kept you safe I am your people, your pride and your love I am your life, your country, your heart rise up. I am your reason now.”
Brí Carr has spoken of how she spent her year-long residency at the Amharclann reaching out to local schools and clubs, visiting the islands scattered along Gaoth Dobhair’s rugged coast and organising song writing collaborations.
“I dedicate this labour of love and last four months of composing and producing it, to all in Gweedore and the Rosses who supported, encouraged, believed and welcomed me whole-heartedly.
“This song – which has turned into a massive undertaking and hopefully enjoyable production – reflects for me what we as a country are about.
“The story describes what Ireland means to us all, the old passing it on to the young, the young promising to care for, nurture and carry on the traditions, memories, beliefs and emotions of being Irish.
“The diversity of our ever changing country interchanging with the very roots of our ancient Celtic heritage, interlinking and flowing, like the tides of our seas and the trees in our woods, if ever there was a reason to be Irish… it’s Ireland,” said Brí Carr.
The song will launch on YouTube, tonight, 16 March at 7pm.
Link – https://youtu.be/VukRlFqDFF0
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