.png)
Discover the Music of Dàn Cycle Novels
In the Dàn Cycle Novels, Druids play an essential role as characters. A Bard, also known as a Filídh, is a history keeper, storyteller, and master musician of the Aos Dána. My two honorary Gaelic Bards are Claire Odlum and Emy Smith!
Lyrics for the two songs created so far are below, with song notes and links to YouTube where you can listen to them.
A Bard's Plea: from Lann Dàn -Blades of Destiny
A Bard’s Plea
In times gone by our clans did battle
To the sounds of fear and the drummers rattle
When Mystical Maeve, she fought Cú Chulainn
And Rory the Red, he reigned our land
Heroes they were and legends they made
But kings forget and legends fade
Our kingdoms bicker, our bright lights dim
Our people’s fate is a fickle whim
Erin’s hero is needed once more
To rally her people
As in times before
To lead to victory
And see our land restored
To be the voice of those ignored
They ride horses through winds and hail
Crossed wide rivers where fairies wail
Some had pikes, swords, and spears
While others used their wits and jeers
Seeds were sown and stories told
Of spirits in forests and legends of old
Young blood runs deep and old hearts beat
Which one will win and take their seat
Erin’s hero isneeded once more
To rally her people
As in times before
To lead to victory
And see our land restored
To be the voice of those ignored
Erin’s hero isneeded once more
For our Heart to choose as before
A hero born brave, unswayed by the waves
Fierce and bold, forever to hold
Song Notes
In A Bard's Plea, Claire leads with the vocals. Emy Smith finished the composition as we evolved the lyrics and I learned how to ensure words rhyme from line to line (I tell stories, not write songs). Then we adjusted the pace of the melody to make it easier to sing. Claire's first comment was, "I'm trying to figure out how to breathe while singing!" Emy slowed things down and here we have it! A great result, thanks to my two new honorary Gaelic Bards, Claire Odlum and Emy Smith! Dagda, Tuatha God known as All-Father and Erin's Chief Bard, would be proud of you both!
Erin's Hero Rising: from Lia Dàn- Stone of Destiny
In the kingdoms of Emerald Erin
Where the Heart of Destiny beats
To choose Erin’s next hero in times of needs
Ćroí Dàn, can you hear the calling?
The whispers of many lost souls
When kingdoms are close to falling
You’ll find the right hero for us
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
In your chosen hero we trust
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
Make fire rise from the dust
They came to conquer our Land
Some fought and some held hostage
Yet one would end all the fear
Our next Erin’s Hero with courage
One born of blood from both sides
As our gods before have foreseen
They gave her the magic to stand
And build a new destiny
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
In your chosen hero we trust
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
Make fire rise from the dust
Ćroí Dàn has called a Hero
To battle and bleed
For our land and our pride
In dark times she’ll lead
Ćroí Dàn has called a Hero
To battle and bleed
For our land and our pride
May the land of Erin live free
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
In your chosen hero we trust
Ćroí Dàn defends us
Ćroí Dàn protects us
Make fire rise from the dust
Song Notes
In this song, Emy leads with the vocals. This composition is more epic since the song is performed for the first time at a Gaelic Céilí in the book, with more musicians on the stage. It is an outstanding effort thanks to my two honorary Gaelic Bards Claire Odlum and Emy Smith!
A Bard's Plea - from Lann Dàn -Blades of Destiny
Gaels Rule the Cycle of Time
This song is being developed - stay tuned!
Warriors of Destiny
This song is being developed - stay tuned!
