a great man was born in dublin, 1939 oh, a country torn by many a wretched swine

with more siblings than fingers on two hands born to a clan deep in the lands

brought to a small home on the wrong side of the Liffey oh, but his heart did roam told his Mam he’d be back in a jiffy

for how could he predict he’d meet an english girl Islington they had picked they were married in a whirl

a kind soul was she trained as a nurse always a little carefree read out a bible verse

soon enough they had four kids to call their own they’d say “Look Dad! We’re finally all grown!”

because soon they left too just as he had done before loved each other through and through what a family to adore

but this great man never had someone to share his interests at the banjo he wasn’t bad played his irish tunes with no diffidence

years and countries down the road his kids had kids too but that was just as his pulse slowed and illness he couldn’t push through

oh, Grandad what a shame i was eight at your wake but i carry on your name the love you couldn’t shake

for i too have a banjo now and i love the black velvet band so, for you, i’ll say a vow i’ll keep the family grand

been piecing together a family tree it’s taken me five years i hope you’d be proud of me i can almost hear your cheers

so, Grandad, what i’m trying to say i’d like to have properly known you but your legacy will live another day i’ll piece the parts together with glue.