I always loved Phil Lynnot’s Dublin but I’m embarrassed to say that I only came across this previously unreleased version online this evening. I’ve replayed it six times now. It was originally recorded at Trend Studios in 1970 and ‘remained hidden in the vaults’ until 2006.
After our affair
I swore that I’d leave Dublin
And in that line I’d left behind
The years, the tears, the memories and youIn Dublin
At the quays friends come and say farewell
We’d laugh and joke and smoke
And later on the boat
I’d cry over youIn Dublin
How can I leave the town that brings me down
That has no jobs
Is blessed by God
And makes me cryDublin
And at sea with flowing hair
I’d think of Dublin
Of Grafton Street and Derby Square
And those for whom I really care and youIn Dublin
The song always gets to me. What beautiful, haunting lyrics. This version has now become my favoruite.
The ‘Derby Square’ in the song refers to a small alley (80ft along according to one poster on Dublin.ie) that used to be off Werburgh Street, just beside Burdocks chipper. It was redeveloped in the early 1990s.
For an added bonus, here is a spoken word version from the BBC. Date unknown:
I was around town when the entrance was “developed” – I’ve often wondered where the name-stone ended up – Anyone know?
Also, if memory serves me well, James Clarence Mangan went to school in Derby Square.
I presume you all know that there’s a version of Dublin on The Radiators’ Sound City Beat.
In fairness,I think Philip would appreciate the Radiators’ version – their album certainly evokes fond memories of those halcyon days!