David Keenan's Tour Diary Part 5: Coughlans, Cork

Strip me Bare for the fifth time...

This past week I’ve watched our countryside pass before me in flashes, gazing out windows at cattle, ditches, shucks, homes of strangers, derelict estates and field upon field of clandestine green.
I’m happiest when I’m on the move, it all stems from the fact that I was born on a train, a fine way to travel.

What became of them brave young few you said that we’d live forever in the ruins of the railway masters shed ?
I go back to them in memory sporadically and they seem contented, making plans and crushing cans of precious metals into the earth.
I sit here covered in dust.
I sit here now, an eye witness.
Cork has become a place that I adore.

Coughlans provides a perfect backdrop for my songs, I ran my hand along the bar and felt a vibration.
I stood on plywood and said what I had to say, I left my body and sat in the corner drinking from a pint of Beamish and observing my facial expressions as they twisted in song.
Back behind the microphone I paused abruptly mid flow, an adventurous bead of sweat swam down my face, I looked into the whites of eyes, I loosened my shoulders, relaxed my muscles, time seemed to slow.

You wondrous crowds of fellow truth seekers where are you all coming from ?
I’ve looked for so long, I’ve longed for the looks and half nods in recognition.

These are magical nights, I am happy to be a part of them.

My love to Elaine Malone for filling the room with her spellbinding sounds.
Coughlans will you have me back ?
The sky today is the purest of blues X