At, what seemed like the height of the pandemic in May 2019, my Mother’s health was ailing back in Dublin, and I was stuck in the U.S, unable to make the trip home to see her through her last days.
Those who have cared so well for the sick and the dying through this horrendous time, have not remotely received their due. The banners calling them Heroes, to my mind, are just not enough. I still feel more should be done. So, I did what I do, and I wrote a song in an attempt to stand in their shoes. I will be donating 50% of funds generated from the sale of this single to a global charity for nurses.
I feel this song goes some way toward capturing what it must have been like in those ER and ICU rooms all around the world, having wave after relentless wave of afflicted humanity descend upon exhausted and terrified medical staff.
lyrics
Angels of Mercy
You went to work anyway - You had no choice
You’re from the neighborhood - That’s never had a voice
You’ve always been cannon fodder - On the front line
You’ve seen yourself in history books - Hoped for change this time
Tide starts to rise - There’s sirens in the street
They’re clapping from the balconies - You’re aching on your feet
Joe died on Sat - Henrietta went last week
Ships are all stuck out at sea - Praying for the heat
Schools have all shut down - Kids don’t get to meet
You feel like an old backyard shed - Crumbling to its knees
Sam’s in tears at the window - Can’t hold Jane in his arms
His shoulders shake in torment - His heart screams in alarm
Sleep tonight - Please sleep tonight
Our Angels of Mercy - Our Angels of Mercy - Our Angels of Mercy
You know, they rattle your cage - Like they’ve always done
Today the worlds upside down - For you it’s just another one.
credits
released September 3, 2021
Production Notes:
Producer: Mark Dignam
Recording and Mix Engineer – Steve Seel at Copper Sound Lab, Gibsonia, PA.
Mastering – Garrett Haines at Treelady Mastering, Pittsburgh, PA.
Cover Design – Ivi Rebova.
Drums/Loops, Bass, Electric Guitar, Keys – Steve Seel.
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic and Distorted Acoustic Guitars – Mark Dignam.
Backing Vocals – Addi Twig, Nathan Zoob, Erin Lyndsay Dragon, Sage Anthony.
Thanks to: Julie Moyle – Social Media Management. Lauren DiMichiei and Peter Gullard for their input and advice.
Irish born Singer/Songwriter. Highly poetic, poignant lyricist and powerful performer. Performs solo, or with the band "The House of Song" also available for private events and workshops.
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