Peg Kelly and Mary Sexton share a passion for music and song. This wonderful video shows Mary interviewing Peg about a song called In Shame, Love in Shame, Peg then sings the beautiful song.
The song was written by by Sean McCarthy. Recorded by Peggy Sweeney and by Red Hurley originally. Recorded in the 1960’s by Olive Bayle. The song is about having a baby and not being married, which was a big deal in Ireland up until recently. It is believed to be a true story.
The original lyrics:
They whisper their stories and they glance with the eye,
They look over my shoulder when I pass them by,
My father and mother they treat me the same,
Hear the Nightingale crying in shame love in shame.Cling to me tight love hold my hand,
The road it is long love, and harsh is the land,
That’s the cross we must carry for having no name,
Hear the Nightingale crys now in shame love in shame.I have wings on my feet and of love I have dreamed,
The moon and the stars, oh how friendly they seemed,
The touch of his hand in the soft summer rain,
But the Nightingale crys now in shame love in shame.Once in the starlight when he held me close,
Down by the green meadows, where grew the wild rose,
The wind sang of love, oh how soft it’s refrain,
Hear the Nightingale crying in shame love in shame.Now hush little darling we soon will be there,
A blanket of love will surround you with care,
No vile tongues will whisper you will never feel pain,
Hear the Nightingale crying in shame love in shame.How mute are the birds now, my bonny young boy,
How deep is the river, how silent your cry,
Let the water baptise you, then we’ll both hear a name,
Hear the Nightingale sing, there’s no shame, there’s no shame.
