The Train to Sligo ( The Scholar )
The train to Sligo moves too slow
As it takes her from the school below
She wants to be there faster than
The train to Sligo ever can
She wonders where the passing time goes
Creeping by her window; my oh my
It’s getting further than
It ever has before.
Eyes wide as silver dollars
Can’t think why but she’s a scholar
Oh Lord, it takes so long to learn
What’s right from what is wrong
School books and fancy collars
Can’t think why but she’s a scholar
‘Hold on’, her daddy tells her
‘Learn to sing your song’.
The train from Sligo moves too fast
Holidays are gone at last
Winter days are here again
Please promise me you’ll write me then
It’s two long weeks till I get home
I can’t help feeling so alone
If someone doesn’t write me soon
I’ll simply fade away
Chorus
This lovely song was written by Thom Moore. Otherwise called “The Scholar”, Thom wrote this melody in 1979 based on the traditional reel “The Scholar”. Maura O’Connell sang the version which I first learned and I’ve taken liberty in rearranging the version. I’ve been singing it for years and years.
Dedicated to my daughter Ailbhe, now living in Sligo.
Thank you Thom for this beautiful piece - I’ve have great fun singing it over the years.
Those of you interested will find another version of it on the Horan’s Collective website.
Vocals
Violin
Bass
Nylon string guitar , piano
Arrangement
MIXING, EDITING, MASTERING
Music & Lyric
Brendan Hayes
Kim Sjøgren
James Blennerhassett
Brendan Hayes
Brendan Hayes
James Blennerhassett
Thom Moore
Painting by Liam Daly.
