Slán Abhaile

This was written in memory of my dad, Eric Swan, 1929-2010. Slán abhaile (pronounced Slawn Awallya) means "safe home" and Slán go foill (Slawn g'foe-ill) means "bye for now" in Irish.


SLÁN ABHAILE (Richard Swan, 2010)

As I sit here all alone
With the sun streaming down
And try to summarise just how I feel
I've got a well of emotions
Rising up from the deep
And I can tell you
They've never felt so rea

Cos there's a hole in the world
About 5'8" high
It's got silvery hair
And big blue eyes
And the most mischievous smile
You ever did spy...
In your life

So Slan Abhaile
Slan Abhaile
May this road lead you safely home
Slan Abhaile
Slan Abhaile
I'll miss you
But slan go foill

You were soft as a spring lamb
A genuine gentleman
Nearly always in a collar and tie
And so many people loved you
But you didn't ever really know
You were humble, and painfully shy

And I remember the times
When on a Saturday night
We'd watch the Two Ronnies
And if I was good we might
Have a box of Maltesers
Or a big slab of white Milky Bar

Chorus

Only three things really mattered in your life
You loved mum, you loved God, and you loved me.
Yet you still weren't sure if you'd be let in to Heaven
Dad, if anybody's there... if anybody's there... I know you'll be

Growing your beloved plants
Squirming at all thoughts of romance
And swearing, when you did DIY
Shouting at the rugby match
"Anyone could make that catch"
These things, I'll remember till I die

And how your eyes filled with tears
When you heard Danny Boy
And when I came round to visit you
How your face filled with joy
And how you taught me to cycle
On a second-hand bike
And when you bought me that piano
Which would become my life
And when you drove me to London
When I left home for good
And how I didn't say I loved you
Just as much as I should
But how I made you hug me
In the last year you had
And you really responded
And I'm ever so glad
Because I am your son
And you are my dad
Forever

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Slan
• Abhaile
• tribute
• father
• dad

[andy66pandy]

my father passed away 10/7/11...had dementia and couldnt communicate very well at all..his last words were 'slan abhaile' ...it took us all by surprise by the poignancy...great song Richard.

[cornucopiamusic]

@andy66pandy Thanks Andy. Appreciate the comment. My belated sympathies to you.

[deathbringer514]

Beautiful song mate. Go mbeannai Dia is Muire duit..

[juliusfhan]

speechless... wow.

[ECKeogh]

Safe home

[jackyindubai]

You have an amazing voice I could listen to you all day long

[sam22ish]

wow

[kaldezar]

Richard - this was so tender and beautiful. My Dad died at the beginning of the year - born in 1921 so similar generation. I have not got your talent for writing songs but I have started a book to try to capture him for ever. My mum died one month before so it was a hard year. I miss him everydat - wish you long life with no more sorrows