Every year I challenge myself to write a song for Christmas. It is a good exercise, since seemingly everything has been said and every symbol and turn of phrase has been done and done and done. It's not easy to come up with something fresh and new. But I always give it a shot, to mixed results.
Here is this year's attempt. It celebrates the neighborhood in the Bronx known as Woodlawn, an Irish section where Shilelagh Law plays often. It is written from the viewpoint of a fairly recent arrival who finds his new home full of life and promise.
I mention two Woodlawn institutions: The Rambling House, a bar and restaurant that acts as Shilelagh Law's home base, and The Chipper Truck, which can be found parked right nearby to serve the needs of all of us folks who just have to have curry chips at 3:30 in the morning. Check them both out if you are ever in the neighborhood.
(click through for lyrics)
Cup
of Cheer
(music/lyrics by richard popovic)
I
just heard the news, out on the avenue
The
holidays have brought you back to town
The
word is on the street, you’re looking for me
Lucky
you, I’m easily found
On
the corner of Katonah and 236th
The pints are well poured and the drinks are well mixed
No better place to be if you're far from home on Christmas Eve
‘Tis
the season let’s share a cup of cheer
The
snow starts to fall, but I’m not worried at all
My
place is just a couple blocks away
We’ll
watch the cars get stuck, then we’ll hit the chipper truck
Eat
curry fries as we search for a flying sleigh
And
we’ll join the drunken choirs, those are the best kind
It’s
4:30 in the morning but no one seems to mind
Although
we are off-key we sound heavenly to me
‘Tis
the season let’s raise a cup of cheer
My
stocking may be empty but I am not concerned
Each
new day is a gift is a lesson that I’ve learned
I
feel wealthy as king when the Christmas bells a-ring
‘Tis
the season let’s raise a cup of cheer
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