Wear the Green

Not too long ago I was inspired to write a song about the Irish and their quest for freedom, faith and hope for the future. Wear the Green touches on the trials and struggles that Ireland has endured. The adventurous faith journey of St. Patrick introduces the song’s first verse, followed by the famed patriots of Irish History and their battle for Irish freedom from England’s tyranny. After editing the song over time, we decided to drop the 3rd verse exploring the exploits of Cúchulainn and the mythology of old, because of the song’s length. My favorite part of the song is the Bridge, which touches on the pain and suffering of war and the cry for justice. The Irish legacy of denominational strife, war and bloodshed are a painful chapter of Christianity. The very core and key command was when Jesus taught us: “To love one another, as I have loved you.” That is a difficult command to follow, at times when we consider what Jesus endured for us. The final verse describes the longing of many faith traditions: A new heaven and new Earth where suffering and tears are “wiped away.” I am encouraged by the recent peace the Protestants and Catholics are experiencing and the breaking away from the needless killing of each other.

The song broke away from the traditional Celtic sound and explored a fusion of a punkish, countryish sound. Are those words? Devin Avey, our lead guitarist, came up with catchy hooks and a unique solo that drives and diversifies the song. The Wild Rovers took this song and its foundations and made it driving and rocking. The final piece that brought it together was Dan’s drumming. Over time this song developed into one of our better ones because our consistent desire to make it the best it could be. Here are the lyrics below. Feel free to comment, or give suggestions. I am still developing in my song-writing ability and look forward to the next inspiration. If you would like to hear the song it is on our cd, which is also on myspace at:http://myspace.com/wildrovers7
You can also see a decent Youtube at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EElQDlXWgYE

WEAR THE GREEN

We wear the green for Patrick and his call
To share the light of Christ on through the fog
Kidnapped by Irish pirates a shepherd slave of youth
He escaped yet to return to bring the Irish the truth

Chorus
We wear the green for our freedom
Put it on for the Irish old and new
And bear it for California
Yah we don it with our red, white and blue

We wear the green for the patriots of old
Like Delary and his key to spring his fold
Robert Emmet’s rising de Valera’s brave crew
Michael Collin’s fury to cut the English noose

We wear the green for the new world coming soon
Like the rain upon the grass before its hewn
All those tears be wiped away and all things will made new
Living water for the thirsty like the rising sun at noon

Bridge
Wear the green for the unseen
Innocent trampled by war
For the oppressed chained distress
Not knowing what for
Let justice pour like the rain through the storm
Let justice pour like the rain through the storm