Name: Opera On The Top Floor
Duration: P00H03M42S
Description: Dedicated to Aiden, Michael and Mike the Pies

Opera On The Top Floor

from Wild Place by Jack O'Rourke

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

€1 EUR or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Dedicated to Aiden, Michael and Mike the Pies

lyrics

Opera On The Top Floor
(For Aiden, Michael & all secret sanctuaries)

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 aint a conductor

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

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 Dorm, 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 no 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

from Wild Place, released November 5, 2021
Words and Music: Jack O’Rourke

Production: Davie Ryan and Jack O’Rourke
Mixing: Ber Quinn
Mastering: Philip Shaw Bova

Vocals and Piano: Jack O’Rourke
String Arrangement: Cormac McCarthy
Violins: Maria Ryan and Lucia MacPartlin
Viola: David Kenny
Cello: Aisling Fitzpatrick
Quartet arranged by Cormac McCarthy
Guitar: Hugh Dillon

license

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

contact / help

Contact Jack O'Rourke

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Jack O'Rourke, you may also like:

Winter Sun
by Fiachna O Braonain

supported by 15 fans who also own “Opera On The Top Floor”

Fiachna Winter Sun just brings me to my knees. The fiddle and flute completely summons my core to the submission of such beauty. Just played this again after your performance with Tom Dunne and Alan Conner on The Late Late Show. Your energy on the trad song was incredible. Still grappling with a continent and an ocean keeping me at bay with the gigs of humanity being right there in Ireland. Dont Stop! David and Delfina Hernandez
go to album
Sowing Acorns
by Emma Langford

supported by 12 fans who also own “Opera On The Top Floor”

Because Emma has a wonderful voice fitz70
go to album
Hemet
by Niamh Regan

supported by 12 fans who also own “Opera On The Top Floor”

Beautiful arrangements and a voice that carries so much emotion. BikeBoy29
go to album
The Ruins
by Planes on Paper

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jan 27, 2015
go to album
Emotions and Math
by Margaret Glaspy

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jun 6, 2017
go to album
Waving To My Girl
by Winten

A hushed and low-lit EP from this Melbourne musician, where dreamlike melodies drift across a bed of tender guitar. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 19, 2023
go to album
One Morning in August
by One Morning in August

supported by 11 fans who also own “Opera On The Top Floor”

Great stuff lads, well done, love it. Edward Butt
go to album