I created this for my mum’s memorial service – she died in 2011.
For me, writing the song was a really good way of sorting out my feelings and helping me to focus on my grief, when there were so many other pulls on my time and attention. Sorting through old photos and adding the slides has given the song another dimension, and invites me to come back, listen, watch, remember …
The “Before time” phrase, and a few fragments of the lines first came to me some years ago on a retreat, but I’d never found a place for them.
Before time there were children
Tears and laughter and your love
And we knew you were always there
And when the springtime brings new leaf upon the tree we’ll remember
Before time there was an island
We’d go walking on the edge of the world
And it felt like time was on our side
And I know when the sun shines on a clear blue sea, I’ll remember
Paddling down in Old Town Bay
A memory now from years away
You and dad
Why can’t we stay this way forever
Reading quietly in your chair
Some aches, some pains, silver hair
I can hold your hand but I can’t stop the passing of the years
And you will always be beautiful to me
Before time there was a garden
Full of flowers and all those birds
Now when they sing I will hear your joy
Mary Eileen, wife and mother, woman wise, woman lover, friend and child, we’ll remember
And we will hold you in our hearts as we say goodbye
And you will know how much we love you by the way we live our lives
Now it’s time to say goodbye
