Sketches EP

Far Beyond the Stars

Louder Than Words (2014)

· James Monroe
I'll tell you a story of James Monroe

He's a man who you won't wanna know

And I've been waiting for far too long

So that's why I want to sing you this song

It was some years ago when I met my fate

But nobody told me til it was too late

And now I'm sitting here and feeling blue

Giving you my advice so that he won't hurt you

Chorus:

James Monroe he's a wicked rogue

And deep inside me he tore my soul

James Monroe he's a wicked rogue

And deep inside me he tore my soul

Oh I won't be waiting for him no more

Just how long I've been waiting I'm not too sure

He breaks hearts wherever he goes

So listen to me before he gets too close

Chorus

Ill tell you the story of James Monroe

He's a man who you don't want to know

And I've been waiting for far too long

So why do I still

Why do I still

Why do I still

Love him so
· The Weather
Sunshine, please don't go away

There isn't any reason for you not to stay

I'm tired of waiting on a sunny day

There's always a rainy in the way

But don't worry 'bout the weather

Take my hand we'll go together

And embrace whatever troubles come our way

No don't worry 'bout the weather

We can happily endeavour

Just as long as we're together

I've been dreaming and waiting on this day so long

And now you're standing next to me, I feel so strong

I'm alive, alive as I will ever be

Lets run below, down to the sea

And listen to the endless song

Don't worry 'bout the weather

Take my hand we'll go together

And embrace whatever troubles come our way

No don't worry 'bout the weather

We can happily endeavour

Just as long as we're together...

Oooooo

Ooooo

Ooooo
· Maybe
I feel like I should know you

I feel like we have met before

You're telling me familiar stories

You're telling me things I've heard before

I am seduced by the promises you make

And I am charmed but that's not all that it takes

You should remember that actions speak louder than words

I wanna take you on my journey

I wanna take you all the way with me

I want to see the morning glory

And see the things I've never seen

And all these things that I don't really understand

Would be much simpler if you'd only hold my hand

& just remember that actions speak louder than words

Maybe you will be the answer to my prayer

Maybe you will be the one who really cares

Maybe you will be - the one that I've been waiting for

And all these years that I've been waiting for a change

The picture's different but the view remains the same

& just remember that action speak louder than words

I wake to greet another morning

I stop to watch the rivers peaceful flow

It listens to so many troubles.

Soaks them up and then it lets them go

Maybe you will be the answer to my prayer

Maybe you will be the one who really cares

Maybe you will be - the one that I've been waiting for

Maybe you will be the answer to my prayers

Maybe you will be the one who really cares

Maybe you will be the one that I've been waiting for

Waiting for ...

Waiting for ...
· No Matter What You Say
I bet you're wondering now what became of your dreams

I bet you're wondering now how it all came loose at the seams

I didn't know how wicked you could be

I saw a look in your eyes & I knew it was time to leave

Well time dissolves, yeah it slowly slips away

And there's no getting it back

No matter what you say

No matter what you say

Ooo

I bet you're wondering now if I see you in my dreams

You're no longer my hero, you can't save me

Something was raging inside you

It was something you couldn't keep in

You fear the sound of your loneliness

But somehow you'll never give in

Well them dissolves, yeah it slowly slips away

And there's no getting it back

No matter what you say

No matter what you say

Ooo

Think about the things you've done

Think about the path you paved

And to where it led...

It was easy to tell you were spinning your lies

To those under your spell who knew not your disguise

Well not me. I was smarter, I had seen it all before

I was weak but I grew stronger, now I'm stronger than ever before

My heart is free 'cause you no longer have a hold on me

I'm walking away and you can't stop me

No matter what you say

No matter what you say

Well time dissolves yeah it slowly slips away

And there's no getting it back

No matter what you say

No matter what you say
· Reason To Believe
A man stands over a dead dog lyin' by the highway in a ditch

He's lookin' down kinda puzzled pokin' that dog with a stick

Got his car door flung open he's standin' out on Highway 31

Like if he stood there long enough that dog'd get up and run

It struck me kinda funny, seemed kinda funny sir to me

Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe

Now Mary Lou loved Johnny with a love mean and true

She said "Baby I'll work for you every day, bring my money home to you"

One day he up and left her and ever since that

She waits down at the end of that dirt road for young Johnny to come back

Struck me kinda funny, funny yeah to me*

How at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe

Take a baby to the river, Kyle William they called him

Wash the baby in the water, take away little Kyle's sin

In a whitewash shotgun shack an old man passes away

Take his body to the graveyard, over him they pray

Lord won't you tell us, tell us what does it mean

At the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe

Congregation gathers down by the riverside

Preacher stands with a Bible, groom stands waitin' for his bride

Congregation gone and the sun sets behind a weepin' willow tree

Groom stands alone and watches the river rush on so effortlessly

Wonderin' where can his baby be

Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe
· The Light In The Window
Tell me was it you by the window darling

Won't you tell me was it you?

& When we saw the light that night

Oh tell me was it you?

Was a late September night when we went out walking

While you were laying there, they were saying prayers for you

Many years before we walked here together

And your gentle voice still lingers in my soul

Tell me was it you by the window darling

Won't you tell me was it you?

& When we saw the light that night

Oh tell me was it you?

Wish I had the chance to tell you I love you

All the times that you were lost and on your own

And if I had the chance to tell you I love you

I'd remind you that you never were alone

INSTRUMENTAL

Tell me was it you by the window darling

Won't you tell me was it you?

& When we saw the light that night

Oh tell me was it you?
· Home
There's an old man with a rag doll

And he's looking round but he won't fall

And he sees his old friend walking by and he doesn't want to say hello

And there's a young girl with a torn skirt and she's looking round

But she can't find what she's left behind

And she doesn't want to stay and so she says

How do I get home?

How do I get home?

There's a couple in the back room and they're hiding from the bridegroom

And she knows she's doing wrong but she still wants to carry on

And there's s young girl crying daddy but he's not around

And she's ready to go home now and leave this empty crowd

And so she says..

How do I get home?

How do I get home?

How do I get home?

On my own

I'm feeling all alone

I just wanna go home

There's s young boy with an empty cup and he's looking up at the morning rush

and they pass him by but no one stops to ask him why

And the whole world is running late and they're trying to get to a higher state of living

Living on their own

And so they say..

How do I get home?

How do I get home?

How do I get home?

Home, home, home

Home, home, home

Home, home, home

Home, home, home
· So Long But Not Goodbye
You just smiled as we said our last goodbye

But behind that smile a teardrop in your eye

Told me you were lonely too

All your skies were not so blue

Though the city lights it's true were fascinating you

I just whispered see you by and by

Then a great big tear came tumbling from your eye

And I knew right there and then

That when we'd meet again

I'd make you mine

No one else's dear but mine

Memories are calling, nightshades are falling

Poor little lonesome me

For my heart is in an isle across the sea

I tried to bear it with no one to share it

Now it's just plain as can be

And within my heart I cried

That our so long was not goodbye

You just smiled as we said our last goodbye

But behind that smile a teardrop in your eye

Told me you were lonely too

All your skies were not so blue

Though the city light it's true were fascinating you

I just whispered see you by and by

Then a great big tear came tumbling from your eye

And I knew right there and then

That when we'd meet again

I'd make you mine

No one else's dear but mine
· It's Not Easy
Sitting by the window looking out at the sea

Wondering where I'm supposed to be

I'm alone and I don't belong

Watching the clouds passing by

My heart is aching but I won't cry

There's no time

I'll soon be moving on

Oh and oh my weary bones won't be still

I've got to go

Got to get away from here

To where I dunno

To where I dunno

It's not easy living this way

It's not easy so get out of my way

You can't stop me

But I'm trying to stop myself

It's not easy living this way

It's not easy so get out of my way

You can't stop me

But I'm trying to stop myself

You my friend are a shining light

I count the hours til I'm by your side

I hear your voice and its music to my ears

I'll share my secrets and my dreams

And show you wonders I have seen

I'll give it all, if I've got something left to give

Oh and oh my weary bones won't be still

I've got to go

Got to get away from here

To where I dunno

To where I dunno

It's not easy living this way

It's not easy so get out of my way

You can't stop me

But I'm trying to stop myself

It's not easy living this way

It's not easy so get out of my way

You can't stop me

But I'm trying to stop myself

Ooo

Ooo

Ooo

It's not easy..
· Here Beside Me
You with me, here beside me

Is all I really need

I'm asking one thing only

That you will always stay close to me

I will be true, in sunshine and shade

Troubles behind no longer dismayed

I'm going back to the mountain

Its where I long to be

You with me, here beside me

Is all I really need

I'm asking one thing only

That you will always stay close to me

I will be true, in sunshine and shade

Troubles behind no longer dismayed

I'm going back to the mountain

Where I long to be

I'm going back to the ocean

To put my mind at ease

'These sisters have a sensational talent. The quality of their harmony singing goes beyond mere technique. They possess an unerring ability to blend tone and resonance in a seamless fashion.'
- Eamon Carr, The Evening Herald (IRL)

December Moon (2011)

· Sing My Sister DownDown, down we went down
Down, down, we went down
Down from the higher ground
Oh to sing my sister down
Oh my dear sister, what have you done?
Everyone was watching as you walked out

Out in the midday sun
I can tell by your eyes that you’re frightened
But I know you did what you had to do
When you picked up that axe handle you were in charge
Of what was gonna happen to you

And we went…Down, down we went down
Down, down, we went down
Down from the higher ground
Oh to sing my sister down

I wish I had more time to say goodbye
Glaring at the bonfire light
Singing songs for putting baby to sleep
And to soothe broken hearts at night

No coming unstuck from this one
You couldn’t let that handle lie
We knew you’d be angry once the glitter wore off
We knew that he had to die

Then we went.. Down, down we went down
Down, down, we went down
Down from the higher ground
Oh to sing my sister down
· December MoonDecember Moon, don’t go too soon
You float so low, lighting the way below
Your amber glow always returning
Captures my heart and leaves me longing
Last night I dreamed I heard you calling
And you were calling out my name
And I fear that you are falling
Lost and lonely in the rain

I won’t wait until the rain stops falling
I won’t wait until the stars come out
I’ll come running when i hear you calling
I’ll be here waiting when the sun goes down

Why do I cry each time I see you?
Why do I sigh each time I leave you?
Why do I need something more from you?
Never enough, leaves my heart burning
I won’t wait until the rain stops falling
I won’t wait until the stars come out
I’ll come running when I hear you calling
I’ll be here waiting when the sun goes down
(X 4)
· Moonstruck(short instrumental)
· Rain & SnowWell I married me a wife
She gave me trouble all my life
She left me out in the cold rain and snow
Rain and snow
She left me out in the cold rain and snow
She came a runnin’ on down the stairs
Combin’ back her long yellow hair
And her cheeks were as red as a rose
As a rose, as a rose
And her cheeks were as red as a rose

Well I ain’t got no use
For your red apple juice
And I’m not gonna be treated this way
This a way this a way
And I’m not gonna be treated this way

I see you sitting in the shade
Counting every dime I’ve made
I’m so broke and I’m hungry too
Hungry too, hungry too
I’m so broke and I’m hungry too
(repeat first verse)
· The Long RoadHow I long to get where I’m going
How I need to get there soon
How I long to get where I’m going
And I’m travelling by the light of the moon
Oh I need to be there by morning
but I’m running out of time
Oh I need to be there by morning
But I can’t see any sign
On this long road
Long road
Long road
And I’m travelling by the light of the moon
Oh it feels like it’s never ending
This road with all its twists and turns
Oh it feels like it’s never ending
Like it’s under some kinda curse
Well the lights turned red and I heard your voice calling
(It’s time to turn the other way)
And the night sky covered every sight and sound
(Didn’t you see the sign)
Well your heart fell to the ground
Feeling lost and never found
Wondering if you’ll ever make it back
On this long road
Long road
Long road
And I’m travelling by the light of the moon
(X 4)
· Watching the DetectivesNice girls not one with a defect,
cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct.
Red dogs under illegal legs.
She looks so good that he gets down and begs.
[Chorus:]

She is watching the detectives.
“ooh, he’s so cute!”
She is watching the detectives
when they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot.

They beat him up until the teardrops start,
but he can’t be wounded ’cause he’s got no heart.
Long shot of that jumping sign,
Visible shivers running down my spine.
Cut the baby taking off her clothes.
Close-up of the sign that says,”We never close”
You snatch a tune, you a match a cigarette,
She pulls the eyes out with a face like a magnet.
I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
She’s filing her nails while they’re dragging the lake.

[Chorus]

You think you’re alone until you realize you’re in it.
Now fear is here to stay. Love is here for a visit.
They call it instant justice when it’s past the legal limit.
Someone’s scratching at the window. I wonder who is it?
The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents
who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter’s disappearance.
Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay,
it only took my little fingers to blow you away.

Just like watching the detectives.
Don’t get cute!”
It’s just like watching the detectives.
I get so angry when the teardrops start,
but he can’t be wounded ’cause he’s got no heart.
Watching the detectives.
It’s just like watching the detectives.
· Stop Saying ForeverYou’ve got to stop saying forever
And takes things day by day
‘Cause nothing lasts in this whole world
You’re wishing your life away
If you find yourself drifting
And your heart needs lifting
When the hours seem to turn into days
Hold on hold on,
Good things will come your way
Oh it’s so hard to keep believing
When you have nothing to keep you strong
You wave goodbye to a thousand lights
Turn around and the crowd is gone
The fire is burning and the hands they are turning
On the clock at the end of the day
Hold on Hold on

Good things will come your way
If you find yourself drifting
And your heart needs lifting
When the hours seem to turn into days
Hold on hold on
Good things will come your way
Hold on hold on
Good things will come your way
· Sweet DreamsNight time comes around and peaceful melodies will play
And peaceful melodies will play
Sun sets on the ocean and it brings the end of day
Somewhere in the darkness a star will shine for you
And I’ll be watching over you
Moonbeams will surround you and to dreamland you will go
Wind chimes serenade you, golden fairies all aglow
Hush-a-bye my baby, diamonds fill the sky above
I’ll be watching over you

Sweet dreams my darling
Sleep peacefully
Sweet dreams my darling
I’ll be watching over you

Raindrops on the rooftop
Somewhere in the darkness a star will shine for you
I’ll be watching over you

Sweet dreams my darling
Sleep peacefully
Sweet dreams my darling
I’ll be watching over you
I’ll be watching over you
I’ll be watching over you
· Aisling(short instrumental)
· When Will I See You Againreally do miss you
I just want to kiss you
When will I see you again?
My arms are wide open
Dont want my heart broken
When will I see you again?
oOO oOO oOO
When will I see you again?
oOO oOO oOO

I just want to hear you
I wanna be near you
When will I see you again?
I just wanna show you
How much I adore you
When will I see you again?

oOO oOO oOO
When will I see you again?
oOO oOO oOO

I didn’t think that you’d go
And that just show how little I know (x 2)
I didn’t ask you to stay
And now I’m left here feeling this way
I didn’t think that you’d go
And that just shows..
Don’t wanna be lonely
I think of you only
When will I see you again?

I’m so lost without you
I’m crazy about you
When will I see you again?

oOO oOO oOO
When will I see you again?
oOO oOO oOO

I didn’t think that you’d go
And that just show how little I know (x 2)
I didn’t ask you to stay
And now I’m left here feeling this way
I didn’t think that you’d go
And that just shows
· Fool's GoldYou told me that you’d stay with me
And shelter me forever
That was a hard promise to keep
I can’t blame you for the bad weather
After all that has been said and done
I won’t ask you where you’re going
Don’t keep in touch, I don’t miss you much
Except sometimes early in the morning

Now use your silver tongue once more
There’s one thing that I’d like to know
Did you ever believe the lies that you told
Did you earn the fool’s gold that you gave me

I forgive you wanting to be free
I realize you long to wander
And I sympathize with your roving eyes
I just can’t forgive your bad manners

Now use your silver tongue once more
There’s one thing that I’d like to know
Did you ever believe the lies that you told
Did you earn the fool’s gold that you gave me
· Ol' Cook PotMama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Try to get more than what that woman got
Don’t trim no fat no potatoes from a box
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Mmm mmm mmm
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot X 2
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Try to make enough to go around
With five mouths to feed and papa in the ground
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Mmm mmm mmm
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot X 2

So thank the lord and sit up straight
Mind your manners and clean your plate
Don’t ask for more, savour every drop
‘Cause there’s nothing more coming from the old cook pot

So thank the lord and sit up straight
Mind your manners and clean your plate
Don’t ask for more, savour every drop
‘Cause there’s nothing coming out, nothing coming out

Oh Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Pray to the maker make the hunger stop
Then ask a little more than what we got
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Mmm mmm mmm
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot X 2

Oh Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Pray to the maker make the hunger stop
Then ask a little more than what we got
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot

So thank the lord and sit up straight
Mind your manners and clean your plate
Don’t ask for more, savour every drop
‘Cause there’s nothing more coming from the old cook pot

So thank the lord and sit up straight
Mind your manners and clean your plate
Don’t ask for more, savour every drop
‘Cause there’s nothing coming out, nothing coming out
Oh Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Pray to the maker make the hunger stop
Then ask a little more than what we got
Mama gonna bargain with the ol cook pot
· FarewellFarewell, Farewell
To your strength and your courage, your vision for change
Farewell, Farewell
Never striving for glory, so humble and kind
Farewell
Here’s to you
Farewell, Farewell
To a true inspiration, who put up a good fight
Farewell, Farewell
May colourful rainbows light up your way
Farewell
Here’s to you

Farewell, Farewell
May you breathe freely and like a bird soar
Farewell, Farewell
To a beautiful flower who’ll blossom once more
Farewell
Here’s to you
· Couldn't Ask For MoreI’ve seen many things and I’ve had my ups and downs
I’ve been round the block a few times
Oh I’ve been through many towns
But I cant think of anythings that pleases me much more
Than when I’m by your side
I couldn’t ask for more
I’ve kissed many lips and I’ve held a hand or two
I’ve found love a couple of times
But no-one compares to you
And my heart can’t help skipping a beat
When you’re knocking at my door
When I’m by your side
I couldn’t ask for more

So come with me and sit with me under the pale moonlight
And we will hold each other close as the stars are shining bright
Forget about your worries and your cares the whole night through
Come a little closer and I’ll whisper I love you

I’ve cried many tears and I’ve broken many hearts
But when it comes to loving you oh no-one can tear us apart
I can’t think of anything that pleases me much more
Than when I’m by your side I couldn’t ask for more

INSTRUMENTAL

So come with me and sit with me under the pale moonlight
And we will hold each other close as the stars are shining bright
Forget about your worries and your cares the whole night through
Come a little closer and I’ll whisper I love you

I’ve cried many tears and I’ve broken many hearts
But when it comes to loving you oh no-one can tear us apart
I can’t think of anything that pleases me much more
Than when I’m by your side I couldn’t ask for more

“The Henry Girls are a County Donegal trio whose eclecticism mixes traditional/world/country with surprisingly successful results. High buoyant vocal harmonies and ebullient instrumental attack make for stellar moments aplenty. This album is a full bodied and powerfully dynamic collection”

fRoots Magazine