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Beyond the Quays

by Emma Gee Flowers

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about

A song that defines (literally) my DNA. My grandparents were a huge influence on my life, and I was lucky enough to have them until my 30s.
The song charts my Grandad's early life from when he stowed away on a ship near his home on the Dublin Quays to when he brought his family to England.
He was a huge influence on me, not only in terms of my personality, but also my values and politics.

The song is an Irish waltz, given wonderfully sympathetic treatment by Martin Stephenson. I always wanted the tin whistle, but Martin's brilliant 50s inspired guitar adds an evocative, Sunday afternoon front parlour feel. It takes me back to when I played all their records!

lyrics

A gaze across the Liffey as the ships sailed out to sea.
A young dreamer wonders "what's out there for me?"
A night boat to Rio is the chance he awaited.
Adventure at 13, his future created.

Beyond the quays, a new life to live
New friendships to make and new love to give.
A city left behind, but a payment in kind...
With a family beyond the quays.

As the ship docked he thought he'd reached paradise
But familiar accents made him think twice
It was London not Rio where his adventure ended
Discovered by crew and apprehended.

Beyond the quays, a new life to live
New friendships to make and new love to give.
A city left behind, but a payment in kind...
With a family beyond the quays.

The wanderlust stayed with him, for the next few years.
He knew he'd be leaving some day.
With a wife and a baby, he held back the tears
And headed for Liverpool.

Not the end of the story, that was yet to ensue.
A family extended in Birmingham grew
That man was my grandfather, I'll proudly sing his name.
Thomas John Higgins from Dublin he came.

Beyond the quays, a new life to live
New friendships to make and new love to give.
A city left behind, but a payment in kind...
With a family beyond the quays.

You gave me the passion to travel the world.
I know you'd be proud of your part.
As I sit looking over the mountains in Spain
With Birmingham, Dublin, and you....in my heart.

Beyond the quays, a new life to live
New friendships to make and new love to give.
A city left behind, but a payment in kind...
With a family beyond the quays.
A city left behind, but a payment in kind...
With a family beyond the quays

credits

released May 11, 2023
Irish Bouzouki/Vocals: Emma Gee Flowers
Electric Guitar/Acoustic Guitar/Bass/Additional vocals- Martin Stephenson
Tin Whistle-Edmund John Sloggie

Words and music Emma Gee Flowers
Produced at Barbaraville Studios by Martin Stephenson
Mastered by Mark Lough
Cover art by Lesley Flowers

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Emma Gee Flowers UK

My music comes from the heart- one that contains love, doubts, burning principles, anger, and hope.
It's country, blues, Americana, with a smattering of 70s pop. Whatever works to tell the story.
I write because I must. I hope others feel something in my songs too.
I'm originally from Birmingham, England,via Dublin, Ireland, but who knows where my travels will take me. ... more

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