A selection of Country and Folk songs written and composed by Brendan Vincent Owens
Album Title: Let The Dance Begin – you can purchase it now online right here.
Composer: Brendan Vincent Owens
Song List:
  1. Let the Dance Begin
  2. One More Love Story
  3. It Ain’t All Hunkydory
  4. A Man Named Martin
  5. It’s OK To Talk
  6. Start All Over Again
  7. Needs Must
  8. Thanks To All Those In Search And Rescue
  9. Your Wounds Will Heal With Time
  10. I Want A Real Moon
  11. I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love
  12. Everything’s So Right
  13. Daddy and Daughter Song (You’re Never Alone)


Let The Dance Begin (Download)
Words & Music by Brendan Vincent Owens – www.BVOwens.co.uk

It’s was a quiet wee town – but then that’s why I came here
And it’s central to all the Northwest.
I came up from the city because these fields are pretty
And I prefer life in the countryside best.

But it’s growin’, it’s growin, – no sign of it slowin’.
More houses, more driveways – more lawns to be mowin’.
Commuters from Derry and Omagh will buy if they can.
It’s growin’ what once was the quiet wee town of Strabane.

“Let the dance begin” – when you drive in from Lifford,
as five metal skeletons shine all alone.
Where barbed wire and soldiers once stood in your way
giants play and they dance as they welcome you home.

But it’s growin’ – it’s changin’ – the roads re-arrangin’
The builders can’t hear for the sound of the engines.
There was talk of a ‘Riverine Project’ – well that was the plan.
It’s growin’ what once was the quiet wee town of Strabane.

But a mile out of town you can still hear the sound
of the cattle and sheep on the hill.
With the sunset on fire you can’t help but admire
the lush green hills and valleys – that’s why I’m here still.

‘ Was a time you could watch all the trains to-and-frowin’
as the whistle would blow rolling down Railway Street.
Later boys did the whistlin’ – the girls they were list’nin’
outside “Katie Daly’s” – but now they all tweet.

Yes it’s growin’ – it’s louder – at night is more proud or
at least it seems busy – more youth in the crowd now
McDonalds drive-thru beside ASDA is day and night manned.
It’s growin’ what once was the quiet wee town of Strabane.

Not I’ll ever leave – but I can hardly believe
that I left my own city to live where it’s pretty,
now they’re building a city ’round me!

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One More Love Story

Words & Music by Brendan Vincent Owens www.BVOwens.co.uk

I was cold and for love I was hungry
when your love came and touched me so deep.
I was sad and alone, had made a prison of home
and so frightened to set my heart free.

I was once in a love that was precious,
but then a lie came to steal it away.
Can my heart live again? I gave so much then.
Am I ready to give it today?

It’s one more love story. Should I play my part?
In one more love story _____
Should I surrender and give you my heart?

I could see you had real good intentions.
And I was happy when you came around.
But while you felt so high with your head in the sky,
I was trying to stay on the ground.

One more love story – it hurts more and more
even thinking of the past.
And all my love stories had all sad endings.
Will this one – will this one really last?

Then in time you had really convinced me.
Yeah I was ready to love you at last.
Why should I wait and weep and let my heart sleep?
It’s no joy living in the past.

It’s one more love story and I must play my part
in one more love story, I surrender and give you my heart.
I surrender – with all of my heart

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It Ain’t All Hunkydory

Words & Music by Brendan Vincent Owens www.BVOwens.co.uk

From the time that she could talk –
always ran before she walked,
And always after someone out of reach.
And even when her daddy died,
something touched her deep inside,
because she never felt his love for real.

No it ain’t all hunkydory –
when the lovin’ only comes from you.
Hear my call – hear my story;
Gettin’ nothing back can make you blue.

Her boyfriend said he’d meet her here
said to her; “Now have no fear”.
He said their love was much too strong to break.
Well all night long she sat alone,
and later cried, when on the phone
he said their love was just a sad mistake!

No it ain’t all hunkydory –
when the lovin’ only comes from you.
Hear my call – hear my story;
Gettin’ nothing back can make you blue.

So many times it ended sad.
Lonely, feeling much too bad –
Tried to hope – but it was all a dream.
She decided to herself,
best to hide upon the shelf,
when she found out that love ain’t what it seems.

No it ain’t all hunkydory –
when the lovin’ only comes from you.
Hear my call – hear my story;
Gettin’ nothing back can make you blue.

So if you’re gonna give your heart –
If you’re lovin’ from the start,
just make sure it’s comin’ back your way.
If you’re goin’ through that gate,
think before it gets too late.
I’ve been there and this is what i say . . .

(Instrumental)

No it ain’t all hunkydory –
when the lovin’ only comes from you.
Hear my call – hear my story;
I said gettin’ nothing back can make you blue.
Yeah gettin’ nothing back can make you blue.

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A Man Named Martin

Words and Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (©2016)

I know a man named Martin –
When he paints, he puts his heart in.
Always willing to take part in –
Always ready with a smile.

And he’s handy with a banjo –
has a voice sweet as a mango
Spent some time across in Glasgow
and Ontario for a while.

And he’s happy teaching others how to paint
Pretty flowers and a cottage oh so quaint
In this pain-filled world all art is a fine reminder
“God is love” –
helps us a agree; we should be kinder.

I know a man named Martin –
learned his craft in Kindergarten.
Walls with murals he can smarten –
in his own artistic style.

And he likes to bang a beat-box –
It doubles up as a wee seat-box
Everybody says the beat rocks
and his winsome words beguile.

And he’s happy teaching others how to paint
Pretty Plumbridge hills and valleys oh so quaint
In this hate-filled world all art is a fine reminder
“God is love” –
helps us a agree; we should be kinder.

(instrumental)

But there’s even more when viewed in panorama
Not just art and music – he also does some drama!

Still he’s happy teaching others how to paint
bringing peace and love and joy without restraint
In this lonely world all art is a fine reminder
“God is love” –
helps us a agree; we should be kinder.
When this world is cruel, this song is a fine reminder;
“God is love” –
helps us a agree; we should be kinder.

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It’s OK To Talk
Words and Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (www.BVOwens.co.uk)

It’s OK to talk – It’s really good to talk.
It’s better to talk than to hide behind a grin.
It’s OK to cry – It can be really good to cry.
Yes it’s better to cry than to hold it all in.

How’s it worked out for you so far,
saying nothing to anyone?
Is your heart rising up?
Or constricted and strained?
If you only talk to yourself
can you really find answers –
while your dark thoughts are twisted,
in turmoil, and in pain?

So it’s OK to talk – It’s really good to talk.
Step out of that treadmill – that prison within.
It’s OK to try – though it’s really hard to try.
It’s better to try than give up and give in.

Some thoughts are destructive. The rot can build up.
No one sees on the outside the damage within.
Silent sadness is poison you need to throw up.
Better talk to release it – Better outside than in.

I know all you want now is relief from the pain,
and you may not see how you can cope with the strain.
It may not seem like it now but things will soon change.
Each day sunrise returns but it’s never the same!

Yes it’s OK to talk – It’s really good to talk.
Release all that poison that’s under your skin.
It’s OK to try – though it’s really hard to try.
But it’s better to try than give up and give in.
It’s better to try than give up . . .
Don’t give up – don’t give in.
Yes it’s OK to talk – It’s really good to talk
ooh ooh ooh.

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Start All Over Again

Words & Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (©1987)

Have you ever met someone and got off on the wrong foot?
If it was a movie that’s when you would have said “cut”
You’re sinking in your sorrow and thinking maybe you should
just start all over again.

It’s just like a morning you wake up with a sore head.
You’ve been sleeping all night but your not feeling rested.
You got out the wrong side, so back you go to your bed
to start all over again.

Well it’s the same old thing in a love situation,
I never seem to get it right.
Just like the times I’d argue and talk without thinkin’,
when i really ought to hold you tight.
So if you’re sad and heart and feeling you’re driftin’,
just go back to the start, you’re heart you’ll be liftin’.
You should step back then take a deep breath and hold it…..
And start all over again.
Just start all over again.

There’s not one that fell in love and got it right the first time.
If at first you don’t succeed then better joy the next time.
There’s a way to make your day so you can see the sunshine,
just start all over again.

Well it’s the same old thing in a love situation
I never seem to get it right
Just like the times I’d argue and talk without thinkin’
When i really ought to hold you tight
So if you’re sad and heart and feeling you’re driftin’
Just go back to the start, you’re heart you’ll be liftin’
You should step back then take a deep breath and hold it…..
And start all over again.

(Instrumental)

Well it’s the same old thing in a love situation
I never seem to get it right
Just like the times I’d argue and talk without thinkin’
When i really ought to hold you tight
So if you’re sad and heart and feeling you’re driftin’
Just go back to the start, you’re heart you’ll be liftin’
You should step back then take a deep breath and hold it…..
And start all over again.
Just start all over again.

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Needs Must
(Brendan Vincent Owens ~ ©1999)

As I need my food for hunger and my drink to quench my thirst
The air I breathe, my songs to sing, I need your love the worst.
As I need my sleep to slumber, to rest and work and play
I need, but with a passion, to be by your side each day.

What good is it for me to see, hear, touch, taste and smell
Without your face, voice, hands and lips and scent I know so well?

As I need my dreams to wonder, to soar up as a dove,
To save my soul when I’m falling fast, I hold on to your love

As the lightning comes with thunder, and the dawn awakes with dew
So deep within, you’re part of me. I was surely born for you.

What good is it for me to see, hear, touch, taste and smell
Without your face, voice, hands and lips and scent I know so well?

What good is it for me to see, hear, touch, taste and smell
Without your face, voice, hands and lips and scent I know so well?

So come softly sweet and warm my love
Let me feel your smiling face
I need your tender words, your laugh,
Your love and warm embrace.

I need your tender words, your laugh,
Your love and warm embrace.

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Thanks to all those in Search And Rescue

Words & Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (www.BVOwens.co.uk)

Sometimes even those once strong with hearts of joy most every day,
may feel weak, they fall and stumble; in the dark they lose their way.
If that was you or one of yours I’m sure you’d like an out-stretched hand
Friends to rescue you with kindness, raise you up so you can stand.

Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue
We have friends to light the way
They will struggle and get through –
we can live another day
Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue
We have help – we’re not alone
Like the strong and Tall Fescue
our hope and courage now has grown.

We need a team of workers – not just willing but ready
They’re kind and trained to give support to those who feel unsteady.
They will brave the rocks and rivers night or day in weather bleak
Volunteers who give their time to help search out and save the weak

Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue we have friends to light the way
They will struggle and get through – we can face another day
Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue we have help – we’re not alone
Like the strong and Tall Fescue our hope and courage now has grown

Hold on! – Stay strong!
You should hold on! – Help is on the way!

(Instrumental)

Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue
We have friends to light the way
They will struggle and get through –
we can face another day
Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue
We have help – we’re not alone
Like the strong and Tall Fescue
our hope and courage now has grown

Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue –
if we don’t support them we might lose them.
Thanks to all those in Search and Rescue –
Let’s pray we never have to use them!

Composer's Note:
"Tall Fescue" is the name of a particular type of grass. This grass is a very persistent grass. It is very winter hardy and can be grown successfully on a wide range of soils.
While it is a high protein sustenance for livestock, "Tall Fescue" is also sown specifically to prevent devastating soil erosion.
In a similar way, hope and courage provide sustenance and are essential to preventing the devastating erosion of the human spirit; our will to carry on. Just knowing there is a dedicated team working hard in the rescue can provide such courage..
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Your Wounds Will Heal With Time

Words and Music by Brendan Vincent Owens (www.bvowens.co.uk)

You hear all the sad lines in every love song
And even the sunshine; sometimes it too can make you cry.
Your heart should be healing but it’s taking so long
You still have that feeling and you wonder why . . .

Just when you think there’s an end to the pain,
you’re heart is aching again
But don’t worry; your wounds will heal with time.

You think it’s the first time a heart has been broken
And yours is the only love that’s been left to die

Just when you think you’re finally sane,
you’re heart is aching again
But don’t worry; your wounds will heal with time.

Yes I’ve been there too and all I can say is . .
Let God help you through – meanwhile keep the faith.

When you’ve been mistreated – used like a token
You feel you’ve been cheated, but in the by and by . . .
Soon there’ll be an end to the pain,
you will be happy again.
So don’t worry; your wounds will heal with time.

Soon there’ll be an end to the pain,
you will be happy again.
So don’t worry; your wounds will heal with time.

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I Want A Real Moon

Words & Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (www.bvowens.co.uk)

Just like a moth around a flame at night, I was absolutely wrong
and I was dying in the process while I wrote it down in song
Still, I’d keep coming back for the burning, if I didn’t wake real soon
and learn; to navigate, it’s going to take a real moon.

I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.

We had a talk about our feelings and she was absolutely right
and soon the time had slipped away and so her day became our night
Upon the rocks the ship can be wrecked
and your heart will be marooned
Unless within your sight is the guiding light of a real moon.

I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.

Just take the good and then forget about the bad
You’ll be far more sane to know that everyone is mad.

I want to ask someone directions – just to be absolutely sure
or at least relieve the symptoms if for now there is no cure.
And if it’s true “No man’s an Island”;
Well then I’ve run too far too soon.
No artificial light will guide me right –
I need a real moon.

I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.
I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.

(Instrumental)

I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.
I want a real moon – I want a real moon
If it’s not too late to navigate – I want a real moon.

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I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love (Duet)

Words & Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (www.BVOwens.co.uk)

Can a man be so happy – and yet be so afraid
Every day is adventure – and a man can be made
or lose all love he tries to save.

Do I really deserve you – girl you’re so good for me
I will always stay close to you – how can I make you see
while locked in your arms I still feel free.

I don’t want to use your love – that’s my greatest fear
But I don’t want to lose your love – and drown in my tears
I’ve lost so much of a tender a touch – I could lose you.

Like the days and the seasons – I will always remain
‘Though I don’t have a reason – I keep seeing the rain
while the sun keeps on shining my heart’s in pain

I don’t want to use your love – that’s my greatest fear
But I don’t want to lose your love – and drown in my tears
I’ve lost so much of a tender a touch – I could lose you.

I don’t want to use your love – that’s my greatest fear
But I don’t want to lose your love – and drown in my tears
I’ve lost so much of a tender a touch – I could lose you.

Ooh you know I love you love you baby
You – you’re so good for me –  good for me
Ooh don’t you know I love you love you baby
You’re so good for me
You’re so good for me

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Everything’s So Right

Words & Music by Brendan Vincent Owens

Reelin’ and rollin’ we don’t need consolin’
’cause right now – everything’s so right
Feelin’ like dancin’ – our senses enhancin’
Yeah right now – everything’s so right.

And we know –
there is no one that could steal our joy tonight
It’s so deep in our soul
It’s a happiness locked up good and tight
It’s a truth that we know –
There was a time we could never feel this good
It’s a glorious day –
And we won’t throw it away

Feeling exited – our heart’s so delighted
’cause right now – everything’s so right
Our heart’s feeling lifted – with peace we are gifted
So right now – everything’s so right

And we know –
there is no one that could steal our joy tonight
It’s so deep in our soul
It’s a happiness locked up good and tight
It’s a truth that we know –
There was a time we could never feel this good
It’s a glorious day –
And we won’t throw it away

Our hearts are healing good –
blissful and pleasing –
Could dance on the ceiling tonight.
Can’t stop revealing joy –
it’s such appealing joy.
So good just feelin’ so right!

(Instrumental)

It’s a glorious day –
and we won’t throw it away.
Hey – yeah yeah yeah yeah

Reelin’ and rollin’ we don’t need consolin’
’cause right now – everything’s so right
Skippin’ and jumpin’ – our hearts wont stop thumpin’
’cause right now – everything’s so right
Yeah right now – everything’s so right
‘ Said right now – everything’s so right

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Daddy and Daughter Song (You’re Never Alone)
Words & Music By Brendan Vincent Owens (www.BVOwens.co.uk)
(Daddy sings)

If ever I am not around
I want you to know how much I care
This song can be your comfort sound
so you can dream and feel as though I’m still there.

And when you hear me sing this song,
you’ll soon recall my warm embrace
How I held you tight in our squishy hug,
and rubbed my cheek on your smiling face.

No you’re never lone when you hear my song
These notes will hold the memory of my love
No you’re never alone even if I’m away
Sing this song until I’m home with you some day

(Daughter Sings)
If ever I am not around,
I want you to know I miss you Daddy
This song will be your comfort sound
to remember how I would kiss you Daddy
And how we played ‘can’t catch me’
with my teddies talking in my bed
How you prayed at night, and then sang me to sleep,
and you planted sweet dreams in my head.

No you’re never alone when you hear my song
These words will hold the memory of my love
No you’re never alone even if I’m away
Sing this song until I’m home with you some day

(Daddy & Daughter together)
So while we can, let’s make some memories,
so we can recall them if need be.
If we have to part, these words and melody
will hold us close as we sing in harmony.

– – Instrumental – –

No you’re never alone when you hear my song
These words will hold the memory of my love
No you’re never alone even if I’m away
Sing this song until I’m home with you some day
This is our song.

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