Song notes:

This was written after hearing of the many places indicated by Liam of his district of Ardoyne. Each was accompanied by a short story and Liam’s obvious pride in the area was evident. I tried to use the language that Liam used to describe each of these events. It culminated in a trip to the Belfast Festival and performing it to a very enthusiastic (and drunk) audience.

The reaction when they realised the song was about their district and the actual Twin towers of the church was highlighted at the back of the stage area was outstanding!

It became the title track for the Skibbereen CD of the same name.

Song Lyrics:

Top Of The Pad

When I was young our mother sent us off to Sunday school

To the church with the twin spires on the hill at the top of our street

She kept a watchful eye on us as we walked to the top of the slope

And we turned and waved to her as we rounded the corner and prepared to bolt

We bolted like the wind, before Father O’Flynn could nab us for the Sunday choir!

Chorus

Growing up on the pad

Top of the pad

In the shadows of the twin spires of Ardoyne

Vs 2

In the Summer we made the gaters out of boxes and ball bearing wheels

We plummeted down that hill with the sound of screaming steel

And in the Winter we took the wheels off and made them into sleds

And on the icy concrete, we rattled and crashed and bled

We played marlies on the sidewalk, handball against the wall

And the gap between the mill houses was our football goal   –   CH

Vs 3

Now Chatham Street was the universe, some that live there may well say

In the top end it was heaven, and at the bottom was the other way

And at Enfield was the league where we played the cards and pool

We sang songs under street lamps, went to the chippy when we needed food

Then I went away, but I’ll return some day

To the top of the pad and my native home    –  CH