Colin Mulholland would like to thank: God Almighty, My Lord and savior Jesus Christ, St. Patrick, St. Calann, My amazing Wife Emily, My Father Kevin and Mother Joel, My brothers Daniel and Benjamin, My Uncle Jered, My Great Uncle Jesse, My Best Friend Andrew and his family, My Guitar Tech Collin and The Stuefen Clan, Billy East (Culture Trash) Raymond Ball (Fighting 69'th/ Captain Tom and the Hooligans/ London Celtic Punks), Colton Ramey (Spring Hollow/ BVD Mentality), My Heros Mike Ness/ Tony Iommi/ Angus Young/ Lars Frederiksen, My Influences The Real McKenzies/ Dropkick Murphys/ Rancid/ Mr. Irish Bastard/ Flogging Molly/ The Pogues/ Swingin' Utters/ The Menzingers/ The Exploited/ and if there's anyone else I missed, you know who the fuck you are! Place your name here and feel good about yourself: _______________________________
1.) Shamrock Steady
(I hated this song for years, I originally wrote it in 2015 and it was on the "Sea Shant-EP"
When I would play it live on acoustic it just never fit the mold. It never sounded right to me,
so I shelved it. When I started the process of this album I originally didn't want to put it on the album, but I had no choice because I needed an opening song. When time came to record the song I dreaded the process, I recorded the guitar, then I recorded the vocals. I always save the drums for last because it helps me to know where the hell I am at in the song. This was the last song I finished for the album, I went back and did the editing, made sure everything lined up to the best of my ability, added some organ to it, and when it was all said and done, I fell in love with it. It was a much needed, and very powerful opening song to this album. Every time I go back and listen to it I get excited all over again. Listen to the differences between this version and the original version on disc two
and you will see what I mean)
I saw the ships they're coming in,
I saw the ships they're coming in,
I saw the ships they're coming in,
I saw the ships they're coming in.
It's for the punk rock Irish,
For the one's who can't deny when I ask this:
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah!
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Are you shamrock steady tonight?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah!
Dividers, dividers, are all we'll ever see.
Dividers, dividers, are all we'll ever see.
Between, north and southern Ireland.
Dividers, are all we'll ever see.
2.) The City of Cedar Rapids
(When I wrote this song it was during a time of pure frustration for me. Violence in my hometown had skyrocketed because of the pandemic, the Great Derecho hit our city with a vengeance, and our mayor was a complete scumbag who was pouring money into the wrong places. Currently as of this writing, I am glad to say he is no longer the mayor. We are currently waiting for a shift in power which is seriously needed. The music video for the song was originally supposed to be released to the public before the election, but at the time legal and other worries about the video popped up and I decided to postpone the video's release. But relief came when I heard that Mayor Hart was voted out and fear over the video subsided. Though I still wish not to release the video as it's own entity, I include it on the third disc of this special edition. This song was my way of voicing my feelings on how I've watched this city go from a diverse place where everyone got along to a racially divided, politically driven, gang
infested shithole that our leaders used to their benefit. Instead of actually solving the problems, they relied on charities to quote unquote "raise awareness" but only fell on deaf ears as the violence continued. These deaf ears would go on to waste taxpayer money to erect new buildings, and renovate roads that have already been renovated within the last decade.)
The bodies are piling, as high as the sky.
You ain't here to live, you live here to die.
Welcome my friends to what was once my own,
No longer a safe place for you to call home.
The children go missing, while the buildings go up.
Because it's safe for the rich and the mentally corrupt.
(Chorus)
Jobs have gone missing, there's no place to work.
We're runned by the gangs and political jerks.
Money's gone missing, the vendors ain't paid.
Can't blame Kelly Clarkson or the people who came.
You know mayor Hart, can cry all he wants.
I'm sick of the bullshit and the charity walks.
The cities been talking bout the racial wars,
So they force us to stay home and lock all our doors.
(Chorus)
Unity Points no longer the name, no longer for healing
But placing the blame. Black little girl was shot in her car.
Found in a trunk, or stabbed at a bar.
(Bridge)
You know, I can still remember when I could
Walk down the street, and everyone you met was
Eager to greet. It didn't matter if you were black
Or white. You did what you could because you knew
It was right. But now everyone is eager to fight.
Eager to tell you "You're Privileged and white!"
But this is my city, and I'm taking it back.
So take all your bullshit and hit the tracks!
3.) Southpaw Benny
(I wrote this song in dedication to my brother Ben, at the time he was still in high school and onone occasion something happened where he got so pissed off that he punched window glass and cracked it. Now this wouldn't seem like a big deal, but the glass he cracked was that 1/2" thick bullet proof glass they put around the frame of classroom doors. When I heard this I was absolutely amazed! I had just started watching Boxing and the Rocky films at the time (hence the samples) so I felt inspired to write about this event as if it were a boxing match. My brother is a southpaw (left handed) and he punched it with his weakest arm. That's Irish tough!)
Keep on guard when you hear the bell,
For when he comes you're in Irish hell.
Don't talk shit, you won't get hit.
He's the choseen few, he's living proof.
Fighters come and fighters go but,
A champion never a tale to woe.
Hear the bell, it's time to go for
Southpaw Benny (woah-oh)
(Chorus)
You're hitting with your left,
But you stick'em from the right.
Those gloves are coming off,
They're waiting for a fight.
The passion and the anger,
They don't have a clue.
For it's their plight of the Irish might
That's the strength to pull you through. GO!
(Chorus)
Hitting with your left,
But you stick'em from the right.
Those gloves are coming off,
They're waiting for a fight.
The passion and the anger,
They don't have a clue.
For it's their plight of the Irish might
That's the strength to pull you through. GO!
4.) St. Patrick's Bell
(The name Mulholland is Anglicized from Irish Gaelic, the original form being O'Maolchallan. O meaning "The male descendant of" and Maolchallan meaning "Devotees of Saint Calann". Maol literally means bald, which in those days, a way of showing devotion to God or a saint was to shave the top of your head bald. Now, why is this important? It's important because Saint Calann was one of St. Patrick's right hand men. Calann learned all he knew from Patrick, which he would later use to teach my family. Because of this, my family was given one of the most noblest of duties. When Patrick died he was buried in his tomb with three items particular items: A gospel, a goblet, and a bell. This bell was personally given to disciples he had chosen to run the churches he had founded. Sixty years after his burial, one of his followers Colum Cille went back to his tomb and removed these items in hopes to preserve the legacy of Patrick. It was Cille who presented the bell to my family.
This song is about that.)
Gathering along down by the seaside.
For a church with Irish hands we'll build with pride.
Brick by brick, stone by stone.
Throughout the valley that old bell will ring alone.
(Pre)
For generations we held onto you with loving hands.
(Chorus)
For we the keepers of the bell,
Followers of Callan wish you well.
Will of God St. Patrick speaks,
Throughout the ages.
(Chorus)
For we the keepers of the bell,
Followers of Callan wish you well.
Will of God St. Patrick speaks,
Throughout the ages.
For we the keepers of the bell,
Followers of Callan wish you well.
Will of God St. Patrick speaks,
Throughout the ages.
5.) Irish Lullaby
(This song is just a basic cover of an old Irish American standard originally composed by a gentleman named James Royce Shannon. I personally love this version, just like "Shamrock Steady" I feel this song was done better justice once I turned it over to electric. This version kind of has an early Social Distortion vibe to it. The most popular version of this song was done by Bing Crosby)
Over in Killarney, many years ago.
My mother sang this to me in tones
So sweet and low. Just a little ditty
In her good old Irish way, I'd give the world
Just to hear her say...
(Chorus)
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Hush now don't you cry.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
It's an Irish lullaby.
Over in Killarney, many years ago.
My mother sang this to me in tones
So sweet and low. Just a little ditty
In her good old Irish way, I'd give the world
Just to hear her say...
(Chorus)
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Hush now don't you cry.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
It's an Irish lullaby.
(Chorus)
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Hush now don't you cry.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
Too ra loo ra lee.
Too ra loo ra loo ra,
It's an Irish lullaby.
6.) Straight Edge Pub Song
(Just a clever little song I wrote about my life as an Irish American straight edge punk rocker in the local music scene. I use to be called the "Cool Straight Edge Guy" because I'd show up to bars simply to watch music and I never judged anybody for their drinking. In fact I think I am the only straight edger to have actually purchase beers for people, hence the
"I'll pay for a round out of Irish respect" line.)
You don't need a drink just to have a good time,
Just sit in the barroom and turn down the Wine.
The boys understand your need for a straight living,
They're backing you up they're your crew til you die.
For many a years of heard many a tale,
Of true Irish pub songs, and they're lacking to tell.
The love and inclusion of those who partake,
In the life of the sober and they're wishing well.
Chorus:
From Ian MacKaye to the boys up in Boston,
Punk rock and Straight Edge are a sign of the times.
I'll pay for a round out of Irish respect,
But I'm here for the music it won't let me down.
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
(Skinheads Unite!)
Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!
(Punks not dead, you little fuck!)
7.) Irish Bastard
(This was the first song I ever wrote as Mulholland. It's composition dates back to December of 2014 and was orginally from the "Mulholland" EP which was released December 14'th 2014 and was originally titled "Ye' Bastards" then was later retitled simply "Bastards")
The state of Northern Ireland is going up in flames,
And almost half the fucking world is just about the same.
I live amongst this shitty world so who am I to say?
But if we're only born to die I might as well complain, NO!
The only Irishman to never drink a drop,
Amongst my Gaelic brothers they think I'm off my rock.
No single drop of whiskey to say it hit the spot,
All I need is my family, my heritage to rock, GO!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, yeah!
8.) Celtic Traveler
(When I wrote this song I had no Idea that it sounded too much like the previous song. But it would work out later when I would perform them live because I just made them into a medley and nobody ever noticed. This song was originally from the "Sea Shant-EP" and was titled "Irish American In Scottish Canada", then later retitled to "Foreigner". I dedicate this song to
all of my friends in the great white north!)
I sailed from one land, landed in another.
I took a little trip so I could discover a home.
I sailed from one land, landed in another.
I took a little trip so I could discover a home.
A home, a home, a home.
(Chorus)
Irish American, traveling to foreign lands.
Scottish Canadians, welcome you as their friends.
I sailed from one land, landed in another.
I took a little trip so I could discover a home.
I sailed from one land, landed in another.
I took a little trip so I could discover a home.
A home, a home, a home.
(Chorus)
Irish American, traveling to foreign lands.
Scottish Canadians, welcome you as their friends.
Nova Scotia!
9.) Children of the Soil
(One of the more poetic songs I wrote, at the time of composing the song I was delving more deeperinto my research on Irish American history and had fallen in love with pictures of the working class Irishfrom the 1920's. The original cover for the virtual 7" included Irish children picking and carrying bags of potatoes out of a field. This picture was the actual inspiration for the song, the rest that fell into place was purely working class romanticism.)
Children of the soil working night and day,
Working off the debts of the bills we have to pay.
Father builds the city, while mother works the streets.
We're not here by decision but rich people's politics.
I work with a Sickle, my mother's maiden name.
My father was an Irishman, my mother Dutch/ The same.
I may be half and half but to this I'll say,
My home land is an Irish land but in America I'll stay.
It's been ten years, since the flogging.
And I'm wishing, and recalling.
How I'm missing, all and all the memories.
The memories (x5)
Yeah!
10.) Laytown Lad
(Named after the town in Northern Ireland, it is most notably known for it's race track and the vast amount of coastline. Known as a water town it's main purpose is for importing and exporting goods. When I originally wrote the song I had no love songs in my set, I think I accidently took the opening, middle and ending riff from one of Reid Anderson's (Faces Turned Ashen) bass lines from their first album. This song will always hold a place in my heart because Punk Rawk Kelly (Dirty Reggae Punx, Green Jelly) told me at one of the shows we did together that this was one of his favorites.)
Staring at the green grass, wishing it was me that,
Didn't miss the ship sailing back to home.
Stand in Boston harbor, waiting for the hour,
When somebody keen gets me off this wharf.
Should have, Could have, would of.
Didn't, hadn't done it.
Anger filled regret filling up my heart.
I had a revelation, a thought retaliation,
I'll never see the lass holding on my heart.
(Chorus)
I'm a Laytown lad, and I've drifted far from course,
And I'll scream thy name, til I'm nearly next to hoarse.
No scruples to have, no decadence just scars.
I'll be waiting there, til I am in her arms.
(Chorus)
I'm a Laytown lad, and I've drifted far from course,
And I'll scream thy name, til I'm nearly next to hoarse.
No scruples to have, no decadence just scars.
I'll be waiting there, til I am in her arms.
I'm a Laytown lad, and I've drifted back to course,
And I'll scream thy name, til I'm nearly next to hoarse.
No scruples to have, no decadence just scars.
She's been waiting there, now I am in her arms.
Disc Two and three Booklet Info:
1.) Economy (Originally from "Mulholland" LP OK! FISH? Music)
2.) Shamrock Steady (Originally from "Sea Shant-EP" OK! FISH? Music)
3.) Born a Free Man (Forever a Slave) (Originally from "Mulholland" LP OK! FISH? Music)
4.) Southpaw Benny (Originally from "Mulholland" LP OK! FISH? Music)
5.) Irish Lullaby (Originally from "Sea Shant-EP" OK! FISH? Music)
6.) Molly Malone (Originally from "MULHOLLAND EP")
7.) Irish Bastard (Originally from "Sea Shant-EP" OK! FISH? Music)
8.) Celtic Traveler (Originally from "Sea Shant-EP" OK! FISH? Music)
9.) Children of the Soil (Originally from "Mulholland" LP OK! FISH? Music)
10.) Laytown Lad (Originally from "Mulholland" LP OK! FISH? Music)
Top Left: "MULHOLLAND EP"
Top Right: "Sea Shant-EP"
Bottom Left: "Mulholland LP"
Bottom Right: "Wars I've Waged LP" (No longer available)
DVD:
(All content directed, edited, and produced by: Colin Mulholland)
1.) Tuning Up with Mulholland
2.) Acoustic Set
3.) "The City of Cedar Rapids" Music Video
(Sources for music video:
UnityPoint Health- Cedar Rapids, Footage of UnityPoint Hospital
PrimoMedia-
Chris Biela, Beautiful Night time drone footage
KCRG
TV-9, News articles and tv footage
The
Cedar Rapids Gazette, News articles
The
New York Times and The New Yorker: Attack at the Capitol footage
Fox
News: Trump/ Biden Presidential debate
Little House Kidnapping clip courtesy of NBC, and Michael Landon.
Metro Studios, Cedar Rapids Flood of 2008 footage
Obey, eyeball artwork
"The General" Buster Keaton clip, Buster Keaton/ United Artists
Facebook Police Reports, Cedar Rapids Police Department
Matt Stone/ Trey Parker/ Comedy Central, Kenny Mooning Camera.
Other stuff, including bar fight footage, Mall fight footage and street fight footage you can easily find on YouTube.
This album was released on December 10'th 2021, the day of my 30'th Birthday.
This album was recorded between August 22, and November 7 of 2022.
Filming for videos took place between October 16 and December 8'th 2022.
All Songs Composed, Performed, Recorded, Produced, and Mixed by: Colin Mulholland except "Irish Lullaby" by James Royce Shannon. "Rocky Theme" sample composed by Bill Conti. "Rocky" sample appears courtesy of Chartoff-Winkler Productions, United Artists, and Sylvester Stallone. Electric Bagpipes and Banjo also composed and performed by Colin Mulholland. Spotify Release: Billy East for Culture Trash. All audio and visual samples appear under fair use: ( https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/ ) Any names or likeness appear strictly by coincidence. All content by artist is not monetized, therefore no money has been made by creator from the publishing of this content or samples used. All opinions are strictly that of the creator and in no way are they meant to influence anyone.
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