inspired songs - chris de...

INSPIRED SONGS

01 On The Ridge Of A Hill - Steve Bennett 02 The Camote Song (Can't Get You Out Of My Head) - Rommel Carrera

03 Always - Jonathan Rowland & Tammy Roylance 04 When The Rain Stops – Allen Eu

05 Seeing The World With My Eyes - Ina Stöcker, Holger & Adrian Ehmann

06 Signs - Florian Bork 07 There Is A Light - Nils-Ole Finbak 08 Barcelona Bells - John Voorpostel

09 Summer Rain - Kateryna 10 Higher - Ed Campbell

11 Another Night - Monika Maid 12 The Star - Elke Löhr

13 What Is The Sense Of War? - Gion Stump 14 Call My Name - Frank Holweger & Frank Scholz

15 Rain (Edited Mix) - Oliver Petermeier & Markus Winter 16 Excalibur - César Quintero

17 The Buccaneer Of Souls - Dimitra Dourouda

[01] On The Ridge Of A Hill (4:36)

I learned to play guitar and sing in the early 1980’s and had managed to turn professional by 1984. I soon discovered the incredible music of Chris de Burgh and his inspirational song writing style became one of the greatest reasons why I had to try and write songs myself. During the years of 1989 to 1992 I wrote around thirty songs – one of which was ‘On the Ridge of A Hill’. I had always wanted to write something similar to 'Borderline' and one day while working in Spain, my Wife, Claire said to me: “Why not write a song called 'On the Ridge of A Hill’; it's a really good title for a song!" I immediately thought about the last few moments of those poor souls who were waiting to go 'over the top' during World War One. I cannot begin to imagine how awful it must have been to have been waiting for the order to leave the trenches into 'no man's land' knowing that you may never see your home or family again. I tried to capture that moment into the words of the song. This makes the song melancholy, but there again so is the song that inspired it, 'Borderline', and just like ‘Borderline’ the Dm key seemed to fit the song perfectly. The song was recorded in 1994 in our front room during one live take on a Sony Minidisc. The other voice on the track is that of my wife, Claire. The opening line: 'In the land of the blind, has the one-eyed ruler got to be right?' makes reference to some of the ill-advised, pompous leaders and Generals around during World War 1. My Wife Claire and myself, carried on as professional singers/musicians until 2003. We now live in Winsford UK with our beautiful daughter Niamh and Spot the Dalmatian. For me, Chris de Burgh still remains a huge inspiration to this day.

Those feelings usually emerge in a similar emotional state when listening to my favourites, “Don’t Pay the Ferryman” and “Heart of Darkness”, and the music started to flow through my fingers. After several months, with different parts lingering in my head on a stagnant point, I thought of testing myself by playing “What about me?” by memory without listening to the CD simultaneously. Surprisingly, I found the right key immediately, but I kept confusing the chord progression! I got so dizzy that I finally let my hands lead me to a new theme! Instead of starting a brand new piece, I thought of transposing it to the key of my old tune remaining half-finished. And there it was, the chorus of my Buccaneer! Working on my piece, was like a journey where I would join this youngster in my imagination. I could see him standing on the shore, his white shirt wide open, his chest full of hope, optimism and dreams for his voyage, as he is about to aboard his small boat, seeking for a new world. In the middle of the sea, he discerns the figure of an impressive sailing boat in the horizon. Full of curiosity and anticipation, he approached this tall ship, hoping to meet interesting and fearless sailors. He is, of course, more than welcomed, and he even looks up to his Captain at first, but eventually he realizes that he is the tragic victim of a ruthless buccaneer, who takes advantage of his innocence and dreams in order to enslave him! Being totally shuttered and horrified, he gradually struggles to find the stamina to break free. There he is again, on the shore, still full of dreams yet a lot wiser, observing the Buccaneer of Souls sailing away in search of new victims. The Buccaneer is a symbolic feature, taking different forms in the lives or inner world of each one of us, always misleading, always menacing, always threatening our soul and our esoteric peace and free will. Be aware, he is always there… sliding in the dark sea…

Dimitra D

ourouda

Athens, Greece

[17] The Buccaneer Of Souls (4:59) Dimitra’s the name, music is the game… And I hope I am not bound… to go underground!

I have been a restless traveller on the Road to Freedom of the Spirit and the Soul paved by the unique Crusader of contemporary music, Chris de Burgh, since 1983, at the age of ten. I have had the great fortune of enjoying him “live in concert” as well the true pleasure and honour of meeting him personally on several occasions in Greece, the UK and Germany. Other influences since childhood include Mike Oldfield, Richard Clayderman, Abba, Ennio Morricone, Yanni and Manos Hadjidakis.

For the past 8 years I have been working as an executive secretary in a private institute for counseling and psychological studies, which has turned out to be a fascinating on-going process of personal and professional development for me. I live in Byron (a municipality named after the famous British romantic poet, Lord Byron), about 20 minutes form the center of Athens, Greece. My street is no longer as quiet as it used to be, this being the reason for deciding to… cheat on my wonderful Ackermann (my old German piano) and record in a studio. Moreover, I always wanted to go through this challenging experience, but I never had a solid… excuse for it, as I am not a musician but an amateur piano player.

“The Buccaneer of Souls” was ignited by a TV show 10 years ago, presenting parents who had lost their children to a certain New Age “philosophical movement”, which is merely a cult masked in a lot of Hollywood flamboyance. Those parents were so desperate when they talked of their young son being totally brainwashed by those charismatic yet manipulating people: “They won’t even let us see him. We went to this hill overlooking Piraeus harbour, just to take a glimpse of this large ship they use to sail around the world and recruit youngsters. They promise this new world of fascinating experiences and spiritual freedom, but all they want is to turn our children into slaves, working for free to support this global cult-enterprise system and profit from the youth’s merits and energy. Our children are gone forever!” I sat on the piano overwhelmed by feelings of anguish, fear, being on the alert, yet armed with the courage and determination to fight and getaway from a horrendous peril.

And so, in the land of the blind, has the one-eyed ruler got to be right?

I shivered as I looked on the town A reflection of my home far away And the soldier there by my side

Standing with his foot in his grave And I couldn’t help sighing as I thought

Of the folks I’d hoped to see again And the soldier put his hand by his side

On that cold December day And the rain, came down

Pounding like the sound of my heart The roses had gone and the time stood still

On The Ridge of a Hill

I saw there still were men hadn’t seen They were facing what remained of their lives

And to steady ourselves from the fear I’m writing to my home one more time

Eyes heavy from the crying and the pain As no-man’s-land is the cry

And the soldier held his gun in dismay On that cold December night

And the rain, came down

Pounding like the sound of my heart The roses had gone and the time stood still

On The Ridge of a Hill

And so, in the land of the blind Has the one-eyed-ruler got to be right?

And so, in the land of the blind Has the one-eyed-ruler got to be , got to be, got to be, so damned right?

Instrumental

And the rain, came down

Steve Bennett

Winsford, UK

[02] The Camote Song (3:43) Rommel Carrera is a part time vocalist/ songwriter/ keyboardist based in the Philippines. An engineer by profession and currently an executive in a multinational manufacturing company, he works out of his modest home studio.

His mainstream successes include : being a finalist in a Philippine songwriting contest in 1990, and a major label album (BMG) in 1996 as principal songwriter ad keyboardist for the pop band Afterschool.

Influences inclued the Police, The Beatles, U2, Chris deBurge, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Johannes Brahms. Miles Davis.

He is currently working on songs for a children's animated TV show in India.

"Camote" is a Philippine root crop. There is a local saying that if you are hopeless, or can't do anything, just plant camote.

This song was inspired by Chris' most popular song, "Lady in Red". The second verse in particular recalls the chorus of "Lady in Red"

Pretending that I'm slow dancing with you And I'm stepping on your high heeled shoes

But when I come to my senses there's nobody there I'm friggin' daydreaming

It's about sensing that spark of attraction in a moment. And keeping that spark for days on end and using it as an inspiration. And the image of a dance floor, mirrorballs and all, is very conducive to kindling that spark.

P.S. I don't want to end this writing without saying once again how wonderful is to participate in a global effort like this Tribute CD's. It's been already eight years since we started, and even more (eleven, I think) since I proposed the idea for the first time in the recently- born mailing list... And still I am amazed every time we, as a group more than individuals, manage to create this labour of love enlightened just by CdeB's music. Thank you people!

Once upon a time, in a distant land, 'tween the magic sands lived a brave young man, brilliant sword in hand, as strong as kind

and the young man's on his way... and the young man's on his way...

Mist surrounds the path, as he rides his horse, through his countryland has no lady at home, has no dog to feed, only a dream he has...

and the young man's on his way... and the young knight's on his way... And Arthur's his name... And Arthur's his name...

Excalibur, wake up now Excalibur...

Excalibur, wake up now Excalibur... your country needs you now!...

He found a silver lake where a strange light shone underneath the lines then the water rolls and a lady flows with a sword in her hand and the lady calls his name... yeah the lady calls his name...

King Arthur he became! King Arthur he became!

Excalibur, wake up now Excalibur...

Excalibur, wake up now Excalibur... your country needs you now!... again!

And old men say that they heard since children, that he'd be back some day at the time of his country direst need, Excalibur would wake him up again!

Excalibur... Excalibur...

And in another time, a thousand years from now, a baby child is born he will have to fight, for fate has chosen him as the Pendragon

...and his mother holds him tight... and his father smiles and says... ...that Arthur'll be his name!... . ..that Arthur'll be his name!...

César Quintero

Madrid, Spain

[16] Excalibur (5:57)

Hola!. My name is Cesar Quintero, even though this particular recording was made under my "artistic name", David Valley... I live in Madrid, Spain, and I'm several things in life, among which I could say computer geek, businessman, happy husband and daddy, and a few more... but the thing that I really think that define me is songwriter and producer...

How come I came to that?... Well, I think Paul, John, Mike (Oldfield), Garth (Brooks) and someone named Chris are to blame here... When I was 18, pretty late by most standards, I started playing guitar at the same time I started writing songs... Then I heard "For Rosanna" and I started playing Piano, I listened to Live in Dublin and got myself a 12 strings Ovation... And decided I wanted to make music.

So I listened to everything I could lay my hands on. Especially those people who I really admired, whose work were scrutinied to the maximum I could... Which chords, stories, instruments they used to create that beautiful music, hoping that, if I could understand how they were making this music, I could create it too!...

And one day I went to London and could buy three or four CdeB's albums I still were missing. And one of them was Crusader... I didn't start right at the first track, but at the fourth. Just the title of the song had captured me: "The Girl with April in her Eyes"... I knew I was going to like it even before I even listened to it!... Wow, it was great... And a little while later, came the Masterpiece, the compendium of it all, a three-part historical-mythical song named "Crusader"...

This song had very clearly differenced structures... A slow start where the lyrics introduce us from the viewpoint of a omnipresent narrator who is at the moment at the very scene, and where the players are introduced to us. Then a fast strong middle section where the battle is, and ending with a full circle, with the same sounds, rhythm and story of the beginning, but with a slight change to it. All of this surrounded in myth, and in the mists of time...

And here comes "Excalibur". I tried to write a song from the same structure Introduction (slow) - Battle (fast) - Back to start, (but with a slight change).

I had at the time the wonderful collaboration of my band ATLANTIS (www.atlantismusic.net ) to record this song, where Rodolfo del Fresno helped me with some guitars, my beloved Kitty did some wonderful voices, along with Silvia Estevez , and CdeB just breathed some spirit into it.

I hope you like the results!

I wondered a lot of times what would I say to CdeB if one day I could meet him... I've had the honour a few times since then, but I'd still say the same. Chris, THANK YOU for your music. Thank you.

Falling for you's really messed up my mind You're the reason I can't sleep at night

And everytime I rush I get left behind I'm friggin' daydreaming

I can't get you out of my head, oh baby I can't even get off this bed in the morning

I can't get you out of my, can't get you out of my head I'm out of my head

Pretending that I'm slow dancing with you And I'm stepping on your high heeled shoes

But when I come to my senses there's nobody there I'm friggin' daydreaming


I better plant camote instead, oh baby I can't get you out of my, can't get you out of my head

I'm out of my head

I'm out of my head, I want you So bad, it's driving me mad, mad

I'm out of my head, I desire you I'm an addict, and I want you want you want you

I want you

I come to my senses there's nobody there I'm friggin' daydreaming


I better plant camote instead, oh baby I can't get you out of my, can't get you out of my head

I'm out of my head Rommel Carrera

Philippines

[03] Always (4:47)

First off, it must be said that I am a non-performing songwriter. Sadly, I can't sing to save my life! But, since I was a boy, tunes have just appeared, from nowhere, into my head. One minute there's nothing, the next minute ... I'm humming a tune that has floated into my mind.

After about 30 years, I thought I ought to try and do something about it and, after many false dawns, I finally managed to find a genuinely talented vocalist (Tammy) who could sing certain of my songs in the studio.

Since 1999, we have recorded quite a number of songs together ... but it was only last month that I managed to get someone to sit up and take notice. And, ironically (given the awesome quality of Tammy's vocal), it was only when another artist took hold of one of my reflective country ballads and took it to No.1 in the Soundclick country charts. Yeah ... I know ... some 30,000 country songs on Soundclick ... but one of mine actually went to No.1.

Of course, whether I ever get any further recognition is obviously in the lap of the gods but I have more and more tunes coming all the time and, I just know I will keep writing, keep recording and I will keep that fire burning. Hope you like my song.

If you've read my bio, you'll have seen that my songs are written when a tune just floats into my head ... from thin air. So, I principally consider myself a tune-smith, as opposed to a lyricist and, to that end, I contacted a specialist lyricist in London in the hope that he might be able to come up with words appropriate for my melodies. Instead, I'm afraid, he asked me to try and come up with some tunes to suit his lyrics! Now, until then, I'd always thought it nigh on impossible to write a beautiful melody to exactly match a set of pre-penned words but, I must admit, I tried it .... and the first tune took just 90 seconds to compose. Thinking it wasn't so difficult after all, the next day, I tried it with another set of his lyrics and, within 5 minutes, I nailed the tune for "Always". I thought it was quite a nice tune at the time but I didn't think much more of it. A few weeks alter, when my session singer came round to rehearse a few new songs, I called up the tune for Always by mistake (I simply pressed the wrong button on my keyboard as I retrieved the next song). I said "sorry, I didn't mean to play that tune" But Tammy said "let it run, it's beautiful!" She then asked for the lyrics, tried singing the song, but she wasn't too impressed by the set of lyrics written by the guy from London. But she said it is such a beauttiful melody ... so she asked me to come up with some new lyrics for her to record it as a ballad about true love.

So, the next day, I've got pen and paper in my hands and I didn't know where to start. I've always thought Lady in Red is just about the most gorgeous love song that has ever been written ... and I wanted to try and evoke that feeling of true, undeniable, undying love ... that is just so rare and so, so special. 45 minutes later, the lyrics were written. They never changed, or altered. Once I'd got into that mood, the words literally flowed onto the page.

words and music: markus winter

(c) WinterZeit Tonträger

part two: Prepare for The Battle

the smell of blood is in the air leading me into the night

the rose of death is still in bloom still a war to fight - tonight

blood will flow like wine tonight the soldiers are preparing to die

the evil force gathered here to turn our day into night - stand tight

Prepare to die on this stormy night Prepare to meet your fate

the Time has come for the final fight where love shall deal with hate

Start the Attack

part three: the War

(spoken) tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day

to the last syllabel of recorded time and all our yseterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death

life’s but a walking shadow a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage

and then is heard no more it is a tale told by an idiot

full of sound and fury but signifying nothing

part four: After the War

so now the war is over what is left for me to say?

I wish that tell you that night turned into day

but as the smoke is fading you see who’s won the day where on our way to darkness

what is left to do is pray

part five: epilouge

and as I sit here listening

I am feeling the rain again

prologue:

the wind of time blows unceasing blowing my worries away

a river of blood flows beside me drowning my sorrows and pain

for 32 years I was travelling not knowing which way I should turn

now that I’ve lost all I lived for for the first time I’m willing to learn

parliamo ancora di lui la ora della luna

creiscuto nei vicoli scuri sei diventato forte

la paura

it’s snowing in hell for the first time the devil is losing his grin

it seems we reached our destination corruption and violence and sin

I know that I won’t live forever some time I’ll get carried away

the colours of life don’t get brighter but I am attending to make bright my day

c’est sont les roses de la mort c’est sont notre dernier jours

fini le temps du balladin la mort de la femme fatale - c’est soir

part one: The Rise of the Evil

We fall down the steps that lead to hell itself We’re stumbling on our way into the night

We don’t know who’s gonna help us find our Path Out of trouble and back to the light

Back to the Light

If Lady in Red is indeed the most awesome love song ever composed, then Always is my best shot at something in the same vein. It can't compare, of course (nothing can) but, for a tunesmith who had just a white sheet of paper in his hands, it's arguably my best piece of work. So, I must thank Tammy for telling me I had a lovely melody hidden away on the keyboard but I must certainly thank Chris for his piece of magical inspiration in dealing with pure, unadulterated, undeniable love.

Markus Winter

Düsseldorf, Germany

Just told it to the birds

Don't think they understood Don't think they cared

Nobody overheard Don't matter if they did

They ain't been there

Chorus So right here - Right now

I make this vow-ow-ow I make this vow

That I will always Love you

Yes I will always be true to you

Our valley sweeps the land It's oh so quiet here

All on my own Life never goes as planned

But should I die right here Let it be known

Chorus

Bridge There's not a secret left … un-told

Those special moments left … in code You are my body and … my soul

My soul …. My very soul

Chorus

Just told it to the birds Don't think they understood

Don't think they cared

Jonathan Rowland & Tammy Roylance

UK

[04] When The Rain Stops (3:36) Greetings, my name is Allen and I’m an amateur songwriter from Singapore.

‘When The Rain Stops’ was infact triggered off by two lines in Chris de Burgh’s ‘The Snows Of New York’ that left a very deep impression on me, “And when there was just one set of prints in the sand, that was when you carried me.” I want to be that person to carry my loved ones.

As a songwriter, I have always admired how Chris is able to conjure up wonderfully vivid imageries that speak volumes with his words. Combine that with his very expressive voice and memorable tunes, like many others I’m sure, I’m always touched by the sincerity in his music. I am not a singer by a long shot, but still I hope that someday my songs will be able to heal and encourage its’ listeners, just like Chris de Burgh’s.

Hope you enjoy ‘When The Rain Stops’.

[15] Rain (Edited Mix) (5:46)

Markus Winter (born September 14, 1973 in Düsseldorf) is a writer, musician, script writer, singer and composer.

As a singer of the band HERTzTON since 2002, he has released three albums. In 1993 his first novel, The Avenger, was published. Since he writes at irregular intervals short stories for various magazines and publishing houses. In the fall of 2008, his second novel “Traumwandler” to be published. He also works as a music producer and sound engineer. Since summer 2006, he writes for the European radio drama series DiE DR3i whose progress at the moment, however, because of unclear legal situation is not yet safe. Currently, he lives and works in his own recording studio in Leverkusen, which includes WinterZeit Tonträger record label.

www.markus-winter.net

To me the epic songs of Chris have always been the best. Songs like “Crusader”, “The Leader”, “Revolution” or “Transmission ends” and “Mirror of the Soul” have been my inspiration for that epic song of mine. A song about the final battle of mankind. Good vrs. Evil. The Light vrs. The Darkness. But just like in “Spanish Train” it is not the Lord that wins. Since I listened to “Crusader” I always tried to write and record my own epic song with all that romantic storytelling in it. And here you have it. I always loved Chris’ ability to create tension and drama and tried very hard to do it myself. By the way: There are a few lines of Shakespeares “Macbeth” woven into the middle section of the song. Note: The original song is over 12 minutes long - too long to be included in our CD, as this would have meant to leave out 2-3 other great songs. So the CD only includes a shorter version of his song - but you can download the full version in our Bonus Tracks at http://tribute2007.chris-de-burgh.co.uk .

Your sky's been darkened for quite awhile now

Your day's as cold as night Curtain calls upon your strength as Time passes on

Insensibility surrounds the sensible Makes a path turn to many

why can't I see you in your reluctant future

Who can say they really know when tonight's stars will appear? It shouldn't bring you down so much

As there'll always be sunshine after the night's rain

When the lucid rain stops Will you still remember? "It isn't your wrong" I whispered

I'll always be a kite to accompany your sky So don't carry the world in your little heart

Even on a cloudless day, there might just be a rainbow somewhere There will always be....

(English translation - original is in Chinese)

Allen Eu I-Luen

Singapore

[05] Seeing The World With My Eyes (6:44)

Hello!

We are Ina Stöcker, 38 years, living in Bergisch Gladbach/Germany and Holger Ehmann, 45 years with his son Adrian Ehmann,13 years, both living in Leichlingen/Germany.

It was great to create an own song for this Tribute-contest, of course inspired by the music of Chris de Burgh - we had a lot of fun together, and of course also a lot of work, but we enjoyed it.

The lyrics and the voice of the song are Ina's part, Holger did all musical arrangements.Adrian did our recording and gave his best with all his technical knowledge. He is very interested in music and very talented in playing Keyboard etc. Adrian is autism and the best friend of Ina's son, who is autism, too - so our families got friends during the last years. So by this way a special and big thank you to Adrian, without his help we couldn't have recorded this song!

We all tried to give our song it's soul and we hope you will like it as we enjoyed all the work with this special project!

Often we were touched how Chris de Burgh describes emotions in his songs, especially when he sings from an other ones view, es example like in the song "Once upon a time". So we decided to create a song from the sight of the view of someone who often gets to his/her personal borders and shows a part of his emotions, shares this emotions with us. It is also a lovesong and a song full of live, proud to be part of this wonderful world.

All the best from

Ina, Holger and Adrian

Time goes on, there is no doubt You are the one

I had a vision, a family in luck But now it’s gone I hear my country

I have to go I have to finish the bitter war

I never thought that I could miss the desert of L.A. Goodbye

I leave my country I save the world

Stars and stripes take care of me I hear your cry but I have to go

Stay at your window Please call my name

Wait until the day comes I’ll be back, and then darling we will be free

Close your eyes, believe what you see Tomorrow the hell

Of Omaha and Gold I hold your picture

I talk to you At the end the last goodbye

I hear your cry but I have to fight Stay at your window Please call my name

Wait until the day comes I’ll be back, And then darling we will be free

Close your eyes, believe what you see I see bibles, I see tears I see blood in the sand

I hear thunder, I hear crying I hear voices from beyond

Stay in California Take care of our child

Remember me when everything is over And then darling I will be free

Close your eyes, believe what you see Yes only believe in the hopes of your dreams

Stay

Frank Holweger &

Frank Scholz

Berlin, Germany

[14] Call My Name (4:22)

Frank Holweger: Text & Music, Guitars, Additional Keyboards, Programming Frank Scholz: Vocals, Piano, Organ, Keyboards

My name is Frank Holweger and I was born in Rathenow, Germany. I'm 36 and live with my wife and my 3-year old twins in Berlin. My greatest hobby, making or working with music, is now my job. I'm specialized in music/songs for children and cleanig up audiofiles from vinyl and tape to the so-called "CD-Quality".

I have been a Chris-de-Burgh-Fan since the Mid-80's. The music of CdeB was and is the center of my musical interest and "Revolution" was the song that started me playing the guitar. I chose "Call My Name" because war has always been a dominating topic in the work of CdeB.

Almost every song I wrote or write is something inspired by CdeB. "Call My Name" is something special, because it goes back to 1986 when I first heard the Song "Say Goodbye To It All". It is one of my favourites, especially played live with full band. I couldn't get the line "...We came to Juno, Omaha and Gold..." out of my mind. I had no idea, what these names stood for. So I was interested. More than 10 years later I visited the D-Day museum in Bayeux, France and there I saw a letter written by a GI. I was very impressed by the words he wrote to his wife and little child he left in a village or little town near LA.

I re-recorded this Version of "Call My Name" with my friend Frank Scholz especially for the CdeB-Inspired-Song-Contest. Enjoy!

I'm able to hear all the words that you say but often I don't understand the sense of this

words I feel it's too much for me sorting all out

There’s silence in me - no hurts

You want to feel me - laying in your arms So near beside you - don't you feel how it hurts?

There are so many things you show me with your face/

There are so many things you can show with your face

Unable to read this voiceless words

Seeing this wonderful world with my eyes Is not seeing the same things as you do

All this little moments you will never realize These moments show my world is also true

I know sometimes you don't understand me I feel so unbalanced and try you to show

What do you see deep inside my soul Do you really understand my world?

You want to feel me - laying in your arms so near beside you - don't you feel how it hurts?

There are so many things you show me with your face/

There are so many things you can show with your face

Unable to read this voiceless words

Seeing this wonderful world with my eyes is not seeing the same things as you do

all this little moments you will never realize these moments show my world is also true.

Never stop loving me and touching my soul Feeling your love - it helps me out

Please take my hand to be in your world I need your energy - you teach me to live Even you can not see I need all you give

It's hard to show my emotions - but you see I'm part of your world - that's what I want to be

Thank your for sharing your world - your life - with me.

Ina Stöcker, Holger & Adrian Ehmann Bergisch Gladbach, Germany

[06] Signs (4:38)

I was born in 1979 near Hameln. I first had contact with Chris de Burgh through my parents who were often listening to his music. I always liked his music. When I became older I started to play music myself. I learned to play Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Keyboard (since 1986) and in the mid 90's I started playing in bands. That was the time when I started understanding what these big musicians are doing and that it was hard work. So I was very impressed by the work of Mr. de Burgh, because I was trying to write songs, but I had to learn that this wasn't that easy. So Mr. de Burgh became a "hero" for me and he inspired me with his fantastic work. So many years that he is in business and still writing so much songs and telling these storys in each of them. It took years for me to write a song that was telling a story. But then it was done. I finished my song in 2002. It is telling the story of a young man who left his girlfriend and who is now trying to get her back because he understood that he made mistakes himself. I always thought that it wasn't that good, but everyone who listened to it liked it (2 girls even had tears in their eyes). That impressed me so much that I recorded it in a studio (in 2006).

I didn't have a band so I recorded it all by myself. I always wanted Mr. de Burgh to hear it, to get an opinion of him, but I thought that he never would. Maybe this is the chance.

So everytime I listen to Mr. de Burgh's music it reminds me of my childhood and it inspires me everytime again.

Florian Bork

Hameln, Germany

When the war is over, I'll see my daughter Ann again,

I will sing to her about the sunshine and the singing bird, I will forget, the cries, the guns and the lies.

I will take you in my arms, I'll give you the warmth you need,

I want to see you grow, your daughters and your sons.

Just one attack, Just one shot,

Just one bullet, I will survive!!

What is the sense of war? I can ask a woman I can ask a man

Everyone here says the same, "What is the sense of war? What is the sense of war?

What is the sense of war?"

Oh my heart, is breaking when I see, you are not a girl anymore, you've become a woman now...

Oh my heart, is breaking when I see, you are not a girl anymore, you've become a woman now...

Gion Stump

Engelburg, Switzerland

When I look back the last days, there are so many mistakes, I have done, since I wrote you last week..

On your door I wrote a message with blood, and I think this is enough to let you know I´m here…

Ref: And I hope you´ll understand the signs an find your way into my mind and into my imaginary world..

You will find an open door so you don´t have to run no more, into my imaginary wall..

Everywhere I go and feel, I have a friend I´m in her hand, I can´t see her but she´s always there..

In a world, I hope I´ll be, some things are very strange but everybody is on the good side..

In the sky I wrote a message, with clouds, and I hope that is enough to let you know, I´m here..

Ref: And I hope you´ll understand the signs an find your way into my mind and into my imaginary world..

You will find an open door so you don´t have to run no more, into my imaginary wall..

Piano Solo

The sky is red I see the sunrise, and it´s sad that my heaven is So far, far away..

There are so many memories, I can´t understand it, but I feel, It´s allright..

On this paper, I wrote a song, and I hope this is enough to tell You that I´m here for you..

[13] What Is The Sense Of War? (4:02)

I was born on 21.08.1991. When I was 5 years old, I started to learn Violin (which I stopped in the age of 12. At the same time I started to learn Percussion in which I still take lessons. Since last year I take lessons in Piano and Vocals, too. In 2004, I visited a concert of Peter Gabriel. I was so fascinated of this music. So I started to write / perform songs. Two years later I got to know the music of Chris de Burgh which also fascinated me. I tried to find a style between these extraordinary musicians.

Now I’m the singer of my own band (Gion Stump & Band), the singer / percussionist of a Workshop Band (Funky Pumpkins) and percussionists of many orchestras / bands.

My song “What is the Sense of War?” is a mixture between the songs “Borderline” and “The Leader” (Trilogy). Maybe you will notice the three parts in the song. The first part is slow (The Leader), the second one is fairly fast and rocky (The Vision), and the last part is slow again (What about me?).

The song is about a father, who has to fight in the war. At home he’s got a wife and a daughter. He knows that he’ll just have to fight once again, then he may return home. In the third part of the song, he is at home again and notices that he missed the childhood of his daughter. She’s not a girl anymore, she has become a woman now…

And you’ll never see You’ll never see

All the tears that she cries right after the shows You’ll never see, you’ll never see

All the tears that she cries, right after the shows You’ll never see

Sometimes she gave you roses, or a bottle of red wine Sometimes she wrote a letter and lay awake all night

That’s when she takes her guitar, when she sings all you songs She wants to be a good friend, but the distance was to long




Again she’s at the stage; she’s looking at your face She’s singing all your songs, of her sadness there’s no trace

She’s afraid that she might loose you, that you cannot understand That she doesn’t see the star, that she only sees a friend.




The lights are going out; no sound, no applause Wearing a content smile, you enjoy this time alone

It’s been a perfect show; and the fans, they sang along In the multicoloured lights, that’s right where you belong




[07] There Is A Light (4:45)

My name is Nils-Ole Finbak and I come from Norway. I live in a town called Bodø above the Arctic Circle! I've been singing and playing for years (mostly at home) and also writing lots of music! It's only the last couple of years that I've been recording my music (in our family's little "homestudio")! A lot of these recordings have found their way to the Web. My music page on Soundclick.com has a lot of my music as free streams/downloads (www.soundclick.com/nilsolefinbak). I play all the instruments myself and am not sure what I like best, guitar or piano!! Anyway, I love music and A LOT of Chris deBurgh's songs are among my favourites.

How my song "There is a light" is inspired by CdeB: I sat down and recorded a backing track and starting singing a song on top of it. It suddenly dawned on me that it sounded CdeB-ish, which is no wonder as I have listened to his music A LOT through the years. I remembered that this CD was going to be made and decided to make the rest of the song in a CdeB-way and send it to you!

Regards, Nils-Ole Finbak

Nils-Ole Finbak

Bodø, Norway

There is a light in the darkest night I can see it just outside the window

Last night I felt like a man on the run But then it was there beneath the willow

Every day the search has been on But I never found what I wanted

But suddenly in the midst of a dream I found peace and was no longer haunted

There is a light There is a light

In the night you can see it shine There is a light There is a light

And you should know that dream is mine That dream is mine

I found a light in the darkest night I found a light in the darkest night

There is a light in the darkest night I found it just outside my window

Tonight I saw it There is a light and I know it shines so bright

For you and me, for everyone beneath the willow

There is a light There is a light

In the night you can see it shine There is a light There is a light

And you should know that dream is mine That dream is mine

[12] The Star (5:38)

My name is Elke Löhr, I am 47 years old and live in Bochum, Germany. I like playing the guitar in my free time, I like singing and sometimes I write songs about things that touch me inside. To be more precise I try to capture feelings of mine like sadness or happiness in music and I try to share those with people around me.

The song "The Star" is one of the first songs I recorded in a studio. It was written after one of my many Chris De Burgh concerts. I had noticed his ways and how friendly he was towards his "fans". But I had also realized that some fans are really sad when the concert is over. Chris is not only a superstar, he has also become a friend who plays an important part in their lives for many of his fans. Therefore I tried to capture and express this feeling in my song "The Star".

The lights are going out; no sound, no applause

Wearing a content smile, you enjoy this time alone It’s been a perfect show; and the fans, they sang along

In the multicoloured lights, that’s right where you belong Elke Löhr

Bochum, Germany

[08] Barcelona Bells (4:00) I am a practicing chartered accountant who helps people build successful businesses and make sound financial decisions, and I like to write and play music to take a vacation away from myself. I've always enjoyed music that has a good lyric. The music of course has to carry the lyric, and the words have to move the melody forward, so there are technical requirements to a lyric, but it also has to say and mean something to me. So I've always been attracted to the singer songwriter, those individuals who craft the entire song. They are my musical heroes. I'm also proud to say that my kids have picked up on my love for music. Both have become quite accomplished, and are now far more technically proficient than I, and I love it when we can play things together. And it is so cool to have them sing stuff I've written, out of the blue, while they're somewhere else in the house. Awesomely satisfying! I first heard Chris de Burgh's classic Spanish Train album in 1977 and I was immediately hooked on his words and his music. His lyrics were stories, something not all that common, at least in the music I was listening to, and his music and voice were just the right vehicle for getting his lyric across. The following year I saw him for the first time in Toronto's Massey Hall, an intimate theatre with great acoustics, and a wonderful setting for Chris and his band to have some fun and share his music with us. What Chris showed me was how to write a good story in the short time you have. Choose an eternal theme, love, good versus evil, loss, war...and show how that affects people. Barcelona Bells is a love story told the way Chris de Burgh likes to write it. ...with plenty of "local colour". The story unfolds to reveal two lovers, at their favourite table overlooking the city, who pledge their lives to each other. Under moonlight, and to the sounds and sights of the city, and the pealing of cathedral bells, the two realize they are meant for each other, and they promise to become as inseparable a pair as Barcelona's Meditacio and Coqueta, the bull and giraffe, two sculptures that grace that city. The recording is my first attempt at going beyond a simple tape deck. I recorded into a Tascam DP-1FX. Barcelona Bells was a direct line in with guitar, and a subsequent voice over. Nothing complex, no effects, simply guitar, voice and a song to sing.

Another night, I'm looking out the window;

Stars are shining softly to my room, This night is filled with tender thoughts

From me to you. I feel a breeze is blowing through the open door, Just candle-light when I sit there to write a letter,

Which can never reach you there.

I want to reach you there....

I dream my-self away this night Maybe I was lying in your arms

But there's a book inside my hands Within a story, that never ends...

I'm still awake, Outside the dawn is breaking

The birds are singing in the trees This night was filled with tender words

From you to me I feel the wind is blowing through the open door

It was like a dream, when I sat there to write a letter Which can ever reach you there

I want to reach you there...

I dream myself away this night Maybe I was lying in your arms,


Another night, I'm looking out the window

A red and blue light is passing by It's not one shooting-star beside you in the sky,

A summer's breeze is blowing softly through my hair Maybe you're sitting in that plane,

With lots of stars around you shining everywhere To take you far away...

I dream myself away this night Maybe I was lying in your arms,


Monika Maid

Ingolstadt, Germany

At our favourite table in the Casa Barcelona, drinking spanish wine Listening to the cobla, watching the sardana, wandering through a beautiful night

The amaranta in your hair is so lovely it shows me you could challenge any flower's delights

And I realize, that now and forever, I am yours and you are really mine At our favourite table in the Casa Barcelona, drinking spanish wine

From the Tibidado Barcelona's a sight down the Collserola slopes to the waterside Follow down Las Ramblas past the monastery where friars knelt behind their walls

And the barefoot Augustins heard the call of the Lord in the Santa Monica bells

Chorus Now I hear you calling in the evening breezes blowing into the west off the coast

Your voice is whispering softly and it's saying that I love you most So we raise our glasses to the Barcelona bells that called those monks to prayer

And say we'll be together, forever and ever, and say we found each other there

At our favourite table in the Casa Barcelona, drinking spanish wine Like Meditació and Coqueta, the bull and giraffe, a pair together through life

Promises we make to the rhythms of life, along our boulevard we dance through the night

And I realize now and forever I am yours and you are really mine

(Chorus)

At our favourite table in the Casa Barcelona, drinking spanish wine Listening to the cobla, watching the sardana, wandering through a beautiful night

Outro Love's all around carousing

So deep into the night Barcelona bells are pealing

Calling to the moonlight Joining spirit's more than willing

To turn our voices to the sky And sing out songs of loving

As the moon is passing by

[11] Another Night (3:39)

My name is Monika Maid and I am born in Neuburg/Donau in Germany Bavaria. Around 1984, when I studied Social Work in Munich, I got in touch with one of the first albums from Chris de Burgh and bought me a box-set one year later. During the years listening to his voice and melodies and the wonderful old tales and stories a dream was growing inside of me, that I would like to see him one day. This dream came true on his Road to Freedom Tour, where he gave a concert in my town. I was fascinated from his new songs and began to search for more concerts of him until I found him in Saalem again on this tour. After I had spend so much time with his music, now getting more and more songs of him on CDs, which he had created during the years when I could not find him in person, it happened, that I began to sit down with my simple concert-guitar and words were comming into my mind, which gave a song. So the idea to create something like music out of the audience was born, something like a musical answer to him and all his wonderful lyrics, which had filled so many evenings of my life with joy.

At first I choosed my song "Another Night" for sending it to the Tribute-projekt. Imagine a woman is just sitting in a small room far, far away from Chris in another country, listening to his song "It's me" and seeing his answer to this song in his MOTL site. For a while she is reading the same book, which had him inspired him to create this song, and the wish to see him again is growing inside of her, thinking he could just sit in an aeroplane flying around the world. The song was created when Chris was in Canada on Tour.

When I walk down the road were you used to live, I see your tears in every drop of rain.

And I feel my heart burst with love to give, dry your tears no more to feel the pain.

Don’t you know that I’ll be standing by your side forever baby and I’ll be watching I’ll be proud of you.

I’m higher than an eagle in flight, see how I hunger tonight,

watching as you turn out my lights, I’m higher than an eagle in flight.

I am here, I am here for your emptiness, and you’ll see my love will never rest.

Through the years to come we’ll be alone, but together we’ll bond and make it strong.

Don’t you know that I’ll be standing by your side forever baby,

I’ll be watching I’ll be proud of you.

Cos I’m higher than an eagle in flight, see how I hunger tonight,

watching as you turn out my lights, I am higher than an eagle in flight.

[09] Summer Rain (3:49)

My name is Kateryna. I am Ukrainian student in France. I am a musician and I have been writing songs since I was 16.

I recorded this particular song because it is one of my favourite and because this one was actually inspired by Chris de Burgh's song "The Connemara Coast".

Writing songs is magical: the whole process is thrilling and absolutely fascinating. It all starts suddenly and most of the time you are not even ready for it. And it is part of its magic.

It all comes from something. A sudden inspiration from a sound, a word, a situation, a dream, a song… that makes you feel swept of your feet by a sudden wave of magical creative energy and run to your piano or to your table. This particular song (“Summer rain”) was born just like that, all of a sudden, inspired by a wonderful song by Chris de Burgh called “The Connemara Coast”. By that time my English was so poor that I couldn’t understand what exactly the song was about, but it was transmitting the feeling of harmony, purity and endlessness and for me it sounded like an eternal verity – so new and so familiar at the same time, something that I always have known somewhere deep inside me. And before I knew, I was looking for a piece of paper to capture pictures and sounds coming to my mind. To my greatest amazement five years later I found out that Chris de Burgh actually does have the song called “Summer rain” too.

Summer rain I never will forget.

Summer rain Time when we have met.

When you took my hand and when you smiled, I came into your world free and happy like a child.

And your eyes Warmed me with the light

It’s so nice In the streets tonight:

To embrace you sitting on the swing And with you not to be afraid of thunder and lightning.

Rf : Every night I ‘ll see in my dreams

You standing in the rain Bright drops and wet leaf on the swing

You calling my name The rain trickling down from your hair

And pools under feet In the rain we’ll meet anywhere,

I feel your heartbeat.

Summer rain Bright drop on you lips

Under rainbow Our tender kiss.

I’m your, you are mine, you’re in my heart, But we’ll go our separate ways when rain will stop.

Rf: (repeat) Every night I’ll see in my dreams

You standing in the rain Bright drops and wet leaf on the swing

Again and again… I’ll be waiting for you,

You’ll be waiting for me In the summer rain.

[10] Higher (3:23)

I've been writing songs since I was 17 years old. I played in bands and gigged regularly for a while, but that was all in the past. Now I just write songs and play for the entertainment of friends and family. Some of my songs can be found at http://music.download.com/edcampbell.

Chris de Burgh has always been an inspiration. His uncompromising "say what you feel" romantic style is a breath of fresh air. Also his folk feel especially the songs that come close to being in a celtic style which have had the biggest influence on me. It is incredible that all his songs have merit. That is something that can be said about very few if any other singer/songwriters.

Kateryna

Ukraine

Ed Campbell

Watten, Caithness, Scotland

inspired songs - chris de...

Documents