Nanna’s Waltz (music and lyrics by Dan O'Brien,© Jan. 27,2010) Vs 1 Nanna sits in her parlour, her mind far away In memories of so long ago Of mayflowers in springtime and warm summer days Of sleigh rides in new fallen snow, She dreams of her young man, so graceful and smooth As he whirls her around the dance hall, The prettiest girl with the one that she loves As they waltz at the Harvest-Time Ball. Vs 2 A tear escapes slowly and lands on her dress As she pictures her life flashing by, And in every picture right there by her side, Her lover, her tall handsome guy, She knows that he sees her and waits patiently, Somewhere beyond the blue sky, With a gleam in his eye as he waits for his girl, Where they’ll dance in the sweet bye and bye. Bridge A lifetime of memories stored safe in her heart Where only her lover can go, A bridge across time zones that keep them apart, She’ll cross soon to the one she loves so Vs 3 She’ll be safe in his arms when he holds her so tight As the beautiful music plays on, They’ll dance thru the evening, they’ll dance thru the night, They’ll dance every morning at dawn, Someday she’ll be there again by his side Her young man so graceful and tall Then the prettiest girl with the one that she loves Will waltz at the Heavenly Ball. Ending Yes the prettiest girl and the one that she loves Will waltz at the Heavenly Ball
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Clarence – Albert (©April 14, 2020, music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien) Vs 1 A few years before the First World War, in a Nova Scotia town, A little boy was born one day, who would turn my world around, He was born left-handed and was always full of fun, His name was Clarence-Albert, my Grandma’s oldest son. Vs 2 He didn’t go too far in school, those war years they were rough, And being born a south-paw, that just made things extra tough, In time he left and went to work to earn a little pay, And try to make his way in life, in the war years of that day. Ch 1 He would learn he had a love for music deep within his soul, And longed to own a real guitar, like he heard on the radio, At Eaton’s big department store, one bright and sunny day, He bought a Spanish Dobro, and taught himself to play. Vs 3 One day he met a nice young girl, at a picnic with some friends, He sang and played some music there, and planned to see that girl again, In time, they started going out, and soon they fell in love, They were wed in 1940, with many blessings from above. Vs 4 His music ran along the lines of Jimmie, Wilf, and Hank, But he always played just for the fun, not for money in the bank, He played mainly at church concerts, and folks’d come from near and far, To hear Clary, the south-paw picker sing, while playing his guitar. Ch 2 The wisest man I’ve ever known, with a heart of purest gold, He always had a friendly word, and was loved by young and old, He was born left-handed, and was always full of fun, His name was Clarence-Albert, and I’m proud to be his son, Ending His name was Clarence-Albert, I’m so proud to be his son.
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FRIENDS ( A Song For Jeffie ) (music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien – (c) Aug 31, 2012) 1) In the wondrous way of nature, Splendid friendships sometimes grow Between animals of different pedigree, In the woodlands of New Scotland, You might one day come to know The strangest couple that you’ll likely ever see. 2) One friend is fairly small And weighs in at a couple pounds, She stands maybe fifteen centimeters high, The other one’s enormous, Weighing a quarter ton or more And he towers o’er the likes of you and I. Refrain They tramp around together Thru the wetlands and the bogs, That lie among the fir and alders, and the spruce, Friends of different natures Travelling on the same life path, Begins the story of the turtle and the moose. 3) A certain young biologist Who knew the turtle well, Asked for a special meeting with the moose, Now you’ll often find the three of them Together in the bogs Right among the fir and alders, and the spruce. 4) The bears who come to watch them meet Might bring along some friends, Perhaps a squirrel and skunk, or a rabbit, and a goose, The crows watch from their treetops While the conference goes on Between the human, and the turtle, and the moose. Refrain They tramp around together Thru the wetlands and the bogs, That lie among the fir and alders, and the spruce, Friends of different natures Travelling on the same life path, That’s the human, and the turtle, and the moose. 5) One day they sent an “Action Plan” Up to the government, It was titled, “Look There’s Really No Excuse!” So the Minister signed their document, Then named a brand new park, For the human, and the turtle, and the moose. Refrain They tramp around together Thru the wetlands and the bogs, That lie among the fir and alders, and the spruce, Friends of different natures Travelling on the same life path, That’s the human, and the turtle, and the moose. Ending Oh yes, the human, and the turtle, and the moose.
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I’M SAYING A PRAYER FOR YOU DADDY music and lyrics by Clarence A. O’Brien/Dan O’Brien © 1945,1998,2022 Vs 1 I’m sayin’ a prayer for you Daddy Wherever you happen to be And asking the angels in heaven To watch over you just for me, For someday this war will be ended, And you’ll come sailing too Back home with the rest of the heroes To the son who is waiting for you. Bridge I promised to be a brave soldier That day when you sailed far away And no one knows just how I miss you May God please protect you I pray Vs 2 I’m sayin’ a prayer for you Daddy Wherever you happen to be And asking the angels in heaven To watch over you just for me And now that the battle is over Then you’ll come sailing too Back home with the rest of the heroes To the son who is waiting for you.
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NOEL d'AMOUR (music and lyrics by Dan O'Brien – © Dec. 22, 2014) 1) May your heart be filled with joy on Christmas, That special time of year, As you give your gifts of love this Christmas To all who you hold dear, For it happened long ago, one Christmas When Mary's Baby Boy was born, And the perfect Gift of Love Came to us from up above On that first, blessed Christmas morn. 2) A radiant star shone oh so bright that Christmas, To guide shepherds on their way, To a stable in the town of Bethlehem, Where the Infant Jesus lay, Choirs of angels sang sweet melodies, And kings travelled from afar, Bringing precious gifts to the newborn Babe, As they followed the wondrous star. Chorus If you find yourself this Christmas Wondering what it's all about, Let the smiles of joy on little children Banish all your doubt, For love's the very soul of Christmas, It's why the carolers sing, And presents are placed around the tree, It's the Birthday of a King. 3) Instrumental vs Chorus/ending
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Heaven’s Sweet Shore Songwriter: Dan O’Brien, © Feb. 24, 2013 Vs 1 They sailed her out past Cape Sable one winter evening so fair, They didn’t know it would be the last time, For the cold North Atlantic would claim them out there In a gale of the very worst kind. Vs 2 Friends and companions since childhood days They’d leave family and loved ones behind, When a rogue wave from hell flipped their boat upside down, They knew they’d come to the end of the line. Ch 1 Five gallant young fishermen, lost out at sea, They’ll be seen in Woods Harbour no more, For the Lord called them home on that cold, windy day, The day they sailed The Miss Ally to heaven’s sweet shore. Vs 3 In the midst of the maelstrom a figure appeared, On the waves, bathed in shining white light, He said, “Don’t be afraid boys, please come here to Me, You’ll all be with Me in heaven tonight. Vs 4 The young captain said, “Yes Lord we’ll do as You ask But what of our families back home?” He said, “My son don’t you worry, for they’ll know you’re with Me And that I won’t leave you out here alone.” Ch 2 Five gallant young fishermen, lost out at sea, They’ll be seen in Woods Harbour no more, For the Lord called them home on that cold, windy day, The day they sailed The Miss Ally to heaven’s sweet shore.
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FOR ALWAYS AND A DAY (music and lyrics by Dan O'Brien – © Oct., 2015) 1) Time has a way of passing by And leaving dreams undone, Because of things we let get in the way, I wish I had you in my life Back when I was young, For your love gives my life meaning every day. Refrain If I could go way back in time, I know just what I'd do, I'd ask The Lord to fix it so - I could spend each day with you, From babies in a cradle, To a rockin' chair for two, I'll love you dear for always, and a day. 2) It seems life's greatest blessings Can hide behind a smile, The way it was, the day that I met you, How could I know, that little grin Would lead me down the aisle To a brand new life, and a world of love so true Refrain If I could go way back in time I know just what I’d do, I’d ask the Lord to fix it so - I could spend each day with you, From babies in a cradle, To a rockin’ chair for two, I’ll love you dear for always and a day Ending I’ll love you dear for always, and a day
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WHERE THE WILD ROSES GROW (music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © July 7, 2013) 1) It was this kind of Sunday Many summers ago, The sun shone as brightly, And a warm breeze did blow, They walked hand in hand then And fell in love so, The day they strolled thru the meadow Where the wild roses grow. 2) He asked her to wed him And become his wife, She said, “ Oh yes my darling, Why for all of my life I have waited for someone Who I could love so, And today, Love, I’ve found you Where the wild roses grow”. (Bridge) They would stroll thru the meadow Each summer that came To see the wild roses in bloom, But every year as they both became older, it seemed Those pretty flowers would fade away too soon. 3) One day he stroked her dear face With a trembling hand And said, “Today I must leave you, I know that you’ll understand, But there’s one thing my darling That I need you to know, I’ll wait for you in heaven Where the wild roses grow”. 4) She laid her head on his heart then As he drifted away, And she’d always remember The words that she heard him say, Now when she sees their wild roses In the meadow below, She knows he waits there in heaven Where those wild roses grow. (End) She’ll find him in heaven Where the wild roses grow.
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ONE LIFE FOR THE WORLD ( music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © April 3/21) 1) One Life for the world Is the gift that He gave us, A key to the Kingdom, where peace and love reign, A Man of the people, Sent down from heaven, And love never-ending, from the moment He came. 2) One Life for the world Living right here amongst us, Not with riches and grandeur, but in simplicity, A carpenter’s Helper, a Gift to His mother, A Teacher, A Healer, Who would set us all free. (Bridge) What will you do now With this gift that He gave you, Will you honour His message to proclaim The Good News, Oh, believe it still matters In this world we now live in, And ask for His guidance in the life that you choose. 3) One Life for the world, The great gift that He gave us, Our keys to His Kingdom, for eternity, Rejoice and be glad then, For in truth He is risen, And Jesus Our Saviour, lives for you and for me. Jesus, Our Saviour, He lives for you and for me.
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HOME-COMING (music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © Mar.7, 2012) (1) When it’s summer in the Valley I’ll be on my way back home, Searching for the love that once we knew. I hope you’ll find room in your heart to let my love back in Cause every single day I’m missin’ you. Refrain: When apple blossoms bloom this spring beneath that Valley sky, Remember all the love we shared Before I made you cry, When I think about those angry words, It breaks my heart in two, Please Darlin’, let me come back home to you. (2) There’s never been another one, It’s always been just you Even when we’ve been so far apart, You’re the only one I love, Dear, And that’s why I’m so blue, Cause only you can heal my broken heart. Refrain: (3) It’s been so very long now Since I caused you pain that day, Or since we held each other, oh so tight. You’ve no idea how sorry I am for hurting you that way, Or how I cry myself to sleep each night. Refrain: When apple blossoms bloom this spring beneath that Valley sky, Remember all the love we shared, Before I made you cry, When I think about those angry words, It breaks my heart in two, Please Darlin’, let me come back home to you
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MIRAMICHI MEMORY (music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © Sept 29, 2016) 1) Time goes by so quickly you wonder what happened To all of the dreams and the people you’ve met, But sometimes a memory can come back to haunt you Especially those memories too hard to forget. 2) Once a young man just travellin’ alone around the country To see what I could before I became old, I spent time on the East Coast, and down in New Brunswick Where I met a young maiden who captured my soul. Refrain Sometimes late at night I wonder where she is And wonder if she ever thinks about me, For I’ll always remember that night one September We made love on the banks of the Miramichi. 3) She was just passing thru on her way to big cities To find the excitement she’d heard all about, I asked her to stay then, but she shook her head sadly And the pain in her eyes brought a lump to my throat. 4) I wonder how different our lives might have turned out Had we stayed together since that night long ago. I guess only the Good Lord could answer that question And why all these years later I still miss her so. Refrain Sometimes late at night I wonder where she is And wonder if she ever thinks about me, For I’ll always remember that night one September We made love on the banks of the Miramichi. Yes I’ll always remember that night one September We made love on the banks of the Miramichi.
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NELLIE’S SONG (A song for children – young and old) Music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien, © July 18, 2012 1) Way out in the country, born on a farm You learn how to nurture, and keep things from harm, Growing up in the country, you learn how to love All of the creatures we’re sent from above. 2) The chickens and rooster, the goats and the cow, The comical donkey, and the heavy old sow, The horses and cattle that lay down with the sheep, And seem to enjoy all the company they keep. (Refrain) But doggies are special, and pussycats too, They’re the guardian angels God sends me and you, Four-legged angels sent from above To teach us about unconditional love. 3) My faithful dog, Nellie, curls up close to me, She’s my constant companion, and my best friend, you see, She stays by my side thru the night and each day, And waits by the door whenever I’ve gone away. (Refrain) Yes, doggies are special, and pussycats too, They’re the guardian angels God sends me and you, Four-legged angels sent from above To teach us about unconditional love.
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ROUND TUITS Music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © Oct.5, 2022 1) We-ll, Mama said, Son, you better get things done Cause time is just a-wastin’, You got to fix that door and sweep that floor, And put down that beer you’re a-tastin’, You need to find a job to earn some dough, Son just go and do it, I said Mama don’t you worry, I’ll do those things Just as soon as I get a “round tuit” Ch Round tuits are things hard to come by I’ve known that all a’ my life, Mama she knows it , and so did Dad, And so does my poor ex-wife 2) Next mornin’ I got up and went outside To see what I could find, I searched here and there and everywhere For round tuits of any kind, Come late in the day, I had to say “There just ain’t none nowhere”, So I went to the Pub and had some grub, Then me and some gals drank beer Yeah, I went to the Pub, and ate some grub, Then me and the gals drank beer
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ANALOG MAN Music and lyrics by Dan O’Brien © 2019 1) I’m an analog man, Do you know what that means? I just don’t know why I’m on this U Tube screen, Somebody put me on, Said, play a little song, So I just played along Cause I’m a “Good Old Bean” 2) I’m an analog man, I play a little guitar, Got them wire wound strangs That make me sound like a star, And I can count from one to ten And everything in between, It’s enough to get me by Cause I’m a “Good Old Bean” 3) Well I’m an analog man But I can grin and bear, Oh I could curse and swear, But I won’t do that here, I’ll just finish this tune And I’ll be done real soon, Hope it makes you want to croon Just like an Analog Man
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