We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ballad of the Swift River Valley

by Paul Kearnan

/

about

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS

Friday May 3rd - SQ Root Roslindale with Carla Ryder Band

Friday June 21st - The Burren Somerville - World Wide Music Day

This song is inspired by and dedicated to the people of the Swift River Valley in Massachusetts who lost their homes and hometowns. No longer on the map, Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott lie beneath the Quabbin Reservoir, built for Boston's water supply. Residents of the valley held a Farewell Ball in 1938. Auld Lang Syne was the last song played. Visit and support the Swift River Valley Historical Society in New Salem, MA.

lyrics

College boys in state cars raced by us standing still
up to the Commission on the highest hill
Those engineers buttoned up in white dress shirts,
Surveyed every boundary line and studied the dirt.
400 billion gallons could fill the city’s cup,
if they held back the Swift River and let the valley flood

Curley’s thugs kept moving in, til they outnumbered us
most never held a tool before they stepped off the bus
woodpeckers, sunburned, smoking cigarettes
cut down everything that grows, now there’s nothing left
There was a time the Rabbit Line offered a way out,
From Athol to Springfield the tracks have been torn out

Oh my darling dance with me tonight
You don’t dress up in the country less the reasons right
As rising water waits patiently outside
Take my hand

Cellar holes mark the spot where family homes once stood,
before they were hauled away and sold for nails and wood
Headstones like broken teeth lie scattered all around
They’re saying all the old bones were moved to higher ground
Drilling sounds echo round the valley day and night,
Preacher said, “Let’s not forget, we must be kind.”

The bells are ringing out in Town Hall tonight
Old men are holding handkerchiefs
with muffled sobs and cries
McEnelly’s Orchestra is playing Auld Lang Syne
as we say goodbye

credits

released February 6, 2024
Written by Paul Kearnan
Music and Production by Andy Santospago
Piano, Hammond Organ, Pump Organ- Phil Aiken
Drums - Andy Plaisted
All Other Instruments - Andy Santospago
Vocals - Paul Kearnan
Additional Vocals - Jen Kearney and Tom Robertson

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Paul Kearnan image

Paul Kearnan Boston, Massachusetts

Paul Kearnan is co-founder of a Boston band called The Splendid Nobodies. The Boston Herald noted their “punchy hooks, nifty choruses, and great songwriting,” while Miles of Music applauded songs ranging from "powerhouse numbers packed with catchy hooks and classic pop charm to acoustic musings full of hip rural and ragged charm.” ... more

contact / help

Contact Paul Kearnan

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Paul Kearnan, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now