I wrote this for the Failure and Regret Songfight. The mix in this version is subtley different than the Songfight submission: that version lacked bass, and the vocals in the chorus sounded harsh. (They were too loud and ended up squashed by the compression on the final mix.) This mix is more even.
I wanted the song to sound like straight-up Canadian folk rock, so I used two of the genre’s defining elements: 6/8 time, and a Lowest Of The Low-style instrumentation. (Though Steve Stanley’s guitar tone is an elusive beast.) The decision to add Sarah, and all the reverb on her voice, came after I’d arranged the song. It needed more Ireland in it, or something.
Also: St. Brendan’s Way is my favorite song on Shakespeare My Butt….
over the sea by the winds in sail.
To where the sun sets, west of the soil we knew.
While the poor men fled,
run off their homes on our poisoned land,
I led my sweet girl through it all, just we two.
All our black days behind us,
in our New-found land, we’re free.
Failure and regret won’t find us
Not where the sun shines over you and me
All the powers that be
made it simple, our chosen way.
But no one gets it right the first time, for God’s sake.
While the country spoils,
all of her native sons trodden down,
we’re at peace, an ocean removed from our mistake.
With all our black days behind us,
in our New-found land, we’re free.
Failure and regret won’t find us
Not where the sun shines over you and me
( …all our brave men gone … he’s our country’s son … )