Opera on the Top Floor

by Jack O'Rourke

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Music and Lyrics: Jack O’Rourke

Vocals and piano: Jack O’Rourke

Cello: Aisling Fitzpatrick
Violin: Maria Ryan
Violin II: Lucia MacPartlin
Viola: David Kenny

String Arrangement: Cormac McCarthy

Dedicated to Aiden and Michael of Mike The Pies, Listowel

lyrics

Status Quo blasts from a jukebox
The lads I grew up with play air guitar, conjuring youth
Hunched at the bar, I hear dreams that turned to dust
Till i ring out for last call

A pint takes a minute to settle
The creamy head rises and lands like a chorus of hums
regulars catching my eye to change their tune
But I ain’t a conductor

I got opera on the top floor
Where violins cry and arias explode
I’m riding with those Valkyies to Lohengrin
I got my own Valhalla in Listowel

And that opera on the top floor,
Well know one knows, it’s under lock and key
The needle hits the vinyl, I’m away on the wind
Every secret needs a sanctuary

The boyos sing Elvis and skiffle
Perched with their porter like vulture chicks waiting to hatch
Leopardstown races and darts don’t soothe the soul
I’m a fish outta water

A child of Pragues beedy eye judges
He might blow the whistle if my world collided with theirs
After the final, John gave us a drunk Nessun Dorma
And for once I felt kinship

I got opera on the top floor
Where violins cry and arias explode
I’m riding with those Valkyies to Lohengrin
I’ve got my own Valhalla in Listowel

And that opera on the top floor,
Well know one knows, it’s under lock and key
The needle hits the vinyl, I’m away on the wind
Every secret needs a sanctuary

credits

released July 29, 2021
Music and Lyrics: Jack O’Rourke

Vocals and piano: Jack O’Rourke

Cello: Aisling Fitzpatrick
Violin: Maria Ryan
Violin II: Lucia MacPartlin
Viola: David Kenny

String Arrangement: Cormac McCarthy

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about

Jack O'Rourke Cork, Ireland

Jack O’Rourke was described by Hotpress as “one of Ireland’s most gifted songwriters” in a review for his 2019 album, Ivory Towers. A Corkonian, Jack certainly references the musicality of Leeside turn of phrase, but his songs explore unique character studies, matters of the heart and are deeply personal, yet universal. This particularly rings true on his upcoming third album, Wild Place ... more

jackorourkemusic.com

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