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about
Strawman's highly-anticipated Christmas release, 'The Kindness of Strangers' is now on sale in CD form and also on Bandcamp. It is an epic production with percussion, guitars, strings, brass and choir that provides a sweeping traditional Christmas sound. The lyrics poignantly touch upon a journey, the struggles for some at this time of year and in the rousing choruses, a defiant appeal to stay the course in anticipation of better days ahead. All proceeds from both CD and digital 2021 sales go to Mica-affected families.
It is accompanied by a beautifully directed video by Michael Gillespie.
Recorded at Valley Music Studio, Ballybofey.
Produced by Terry McGinty.
We all know Christmas is coming/so open your eyes
We all know Christmas is coming/ so open your arms
We all know Christmas is coming/ so open your heart
…..to a stranger
I pull the car on the road, with many miles left to go
She got cross when I had to leave, couild I have stayed an hour longer
The lights stay green, no gridlock no misery
I’m on the bridge, I’m on the rise, my mind’s left to wandering
I turn and look to my right, tapestry of coloured lights
A Christmas kaleidescope, reflecting upon the Foyle
Each with a tale to tell, of life their own personal hell
And those in abundant glee, far away I hear the bells ring
I can feel Christmas night come alive, I can see the angels
Not unlike’ It’s a Wonderful Life’ when they saved George Bailey
I didn’t come here to question your faith, it can go a long way
Time and time, we underestimate the kindness of strangers
Snowflakes silently fall upon, the road ahead
I’ve slowly come to realise just how lucky I am
A year past and one to come, one more trip around the sun
From here, I can just make out, the blinds and the curtains drawn
I think of those different lives, gathered around the fire
A quick snooze upon the chair, a board game and one more fight
The first one without their dad, another without their mum
A third one here on his own
The loneliness takes its toll
So tonight, can you please stay alive, can you find an angel?
Don’t let go and hold on for dear life, till your well and able
Raise a glass, here’s to much better days we all hope to savour
We can help knock the world into shape when we are kinder strangers
Snowflakes silently fall upon the road ahead
I’ve slowly come to realise, how lucky I am
Snowflakes silently fall upon, the road ahead
Under no illusions just how lucky I am
credits
released November 26, 2021
Lyrics by Tom Bonner
Music by Tom Bonner and Terry McGinty
Tom Bonner- Guitars and Vocals, Terry McGinty- Bass, Drums, Piano, Guitar and Keys. David Oliver- Trumpet. Seamus Devenny- Violin. Trudy O' Donnell- Flute. Featuring the Donegal ETB Choir conducted by Karen Patton.
In 2007, Tom Bonner recorded his debut album 'Some Belated Truths' under the moniker 'Urban Hermits'. Later that year, the
band played in the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. In between, due to family commitments, he took a break from the music scene with the exception of the occasional project . 'Fearless' (2020) is his second full release. ......more
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