Song #23 Sri Lanka

 In 1981 I went on the first of my many visits to Sri Lanka. Courtesy of my dear friend Louise, and Titus and the generous inhabitants of the village of Weligama, it was to become a home away from home for a few years. It’s hard to put into words the joy I felt living there, but the song gives a fair idea of how smitten I was with the place.

Alas real life punctured the idealised version of Sri Lankan life I conjured up in these lyrics. Titus’ premature death in a road accident and a 20 year long civil war put a stop to our magical visits there. (An account of my return to Weligama after 20+ years is HERE.)

 

SRI LANKA

 

(You) surprise me with your smiling eyes

A greeting so warm for me

I’d like to return your openliness

But Western pent-up insecurities die hard

I’d like to look at you as you look at me

But you smile so much

People of the Pearl – you’re charmed with a grace

Rarely spotted in the family of man

Children of paradise with Eden as your garden

No fences, concrete, smog, or canned food

Noble savages and little kings

Princes, princesses, and kings

So regal in your stance; so willing in your glance

To share the joy of home and living

 

CHORUS

Sri Lanka I don’t know thee

But already I love thee

Sri Lanka I don’t know thee

But already I love thee

 

“To the Family of Man we belong”

Twice you’ve told me in these so few days

Respect for your leaders and their path of neutrality

To warmth and kindness, sympathy and charity

I see it in your eyes to me

I see it in your eyes to them – your countrymen

Loved, chided, and left to wander

I can’t forget the children

“Were you once like they are now?” I ask the older ones

Do you know how lucky you are?

To wander these grasses, these jungles and beaches

Unfettered by the world as it groans

Can it last? Will it last? A monument to the beauty of people and places

 

CHORUS

Sri Lanka I don’t know thee

But already I love thee

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

 

(Copyright Michael Coghlan 1981)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song #22 Ballad of Jo Moore

Back in the late 70s/early 80s there was an Adelaide rock band called The Fabulaires. They had developed quite a following and things were beginning to take off for them. Their singer was a beautiful young woman called Jo Moore. She had a wonderful voice and a great stage presence. One night on the way back from playing a gig in the country she and her partner and band guitarist Michael were hit by a truck. Jo was asleep on the back seat and died instantly. Michael and Jo were good friends. I think you’d like the song Jo. I still sing it sometimes but I have to pick the right moment. I must record it one day. (Done - 28/7/21!)

BALLAD OF JO MOORE

(listen here)

 

Is it strange to be sitting around

Late at night when the sun’s gone down

Thinkin’ of someone who lives no more?

And that was her name – Jo Moore

I hope you don’t mind Jo if I sing this song

About the way you left us

 

You were a singer of the best kind

You sang it with feeling, you sang it with melody

Every time

Her name was Jo Moore and even her name

Begs a song to tell her story

 

Travellin’ home from a gig up the country

Asleep when the truck hit

Asleep on the back seat

You didn’t even wake up

To know a thing about it

 

CHORUS

You were a singer of the best kind

You sang it with feeling, you sang it with melody

Every time

The guys in the front row they couldn’t take their eyes off you

And the ladies in the back row the same

‘Cos you were a singer of the best kind

You sang it with feeling, you sang it with melody

 Every time

 

Is it strange to be sitting around

Late at night when the sun’s gone down

Thinkin’ of someone who lives no more?

And that was her name - Jo Moore

I know there aren’t many Jo

Of all those who met you

Who’d ever wanna forget you

‘Cos ….

 

CHORUS

 

(Copyright Michael Coghlan 1981)