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Eternity Near

by TRÚ

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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Limited Edition 12" Vinyl of our brand new album 'Eternity Near'.

    Pressed on 180g classic black complete with lyric booklet.

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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 11 TRÚ releases available on Bandcamp and save 20%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Eternity Near, Long Black Veil, Plyve Kacha (The Duckling Swims), No Fixed Abode, The Ballad of Ellie Hanley / An Cailín Bán, Bonny Portmore, Jenny Black's Hill, Sadly, the Blackbird Calls, and 3 more. , and , .

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  • Limited Edition Compact Disc
    Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Complete with insert

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1.
Long Black Veil Ten years ago, on a cold dark night There was someone killed by the town hall light There were few at the scene, but they all did agree That the man who ran looked a lot like me The judge said, "Son, what's your alibi? If you were some place else, then you don't have to die." But I said not a word, though it meant my life For I lay in the arms of my best friend's wife She walks these hills in a long black veil She visits my grave when the night winds wail Nobody knows, nobody sees Nobody knows but me The scaffold was high and Eternity Near She stood in the crowd but she did not shed a tear And sometimes at night when the cold winds moan She visits my grave and weeps over my bones She walks these hills in a long black veil She visits my grave when the night winds wail Nobody knows, nobody sees Nobody knows but me
2.
The Ballad of Billy Jones [Kearney/Mormecha/Trouton] When the moon is bright, I saddle up and I rove out Going to my boy over hills and overnight Once we were in love but it was shame that made him run and hide Now I'm on the run, three years on This dawn looks bright Wake up, Billy Jones, straighten up Look me right in the eye I lost them for a while but they'll be here by morning light My pockets filled with gold and a revolver resting on my thumb I love you, Billy Jones, and I beg - I beg you to come I knew you at twenty-two I thought that you knew too I'd risk it all just kissing you, my Billy Jones A dream of New Orleans Sent us speeding in a railroad stack Southbound on the track I steal a smile - My Billy is back The mountainside was home but we were hunted, driven out by the pack They said our love was wrong Well, so long - we ain't coming back I knew you at twenty-two I thought that you knew too I'd risk it all just kissing you, Left alone at twenty-three Or should I say that you left me? You couldn't face the beatings or the secret of a feeling Well, sticks and stones won't beat us, My Billy Jones
3.
dTigeas a Damhsa dTigeas a damhsa, dtigeas a damhsa dom? dTigeas a damhsa damhsa damhsa, dtigeas a damhsa dom? Goirm i gcónaí gcónaí, goirm i gcónaí dom Goirm i gcónaí gcónaí gcónaí, maidin De Luain a b'fhearr. Buachaill aniar aniar, buachaill aniar a b'fhearr Buachaill aniar aniar aniar, is cailín ó Shliabh na bPeann Buachaill maith suiste suiste, buachaill maith suiste a b'fhearr Buachaill maith suiste suiste suiste, is cailín deas tuirne leann // Can they come a-dancing, Can they come a-dancing with me? Laugh always, always laugh for me Laugh always, Monday morning is best A boy from the West, a boy from the West is best A boy from the West, and a girl from Sliabh na bPeann A fine lad threshing, a fine lad threshing is best A fine lad threshing, and a nice girl spinning clothes
4.
Selkie Song (Young O’Kane) A shadow rose from out the sea Cradling a newborn, (in search for a lady) To nurse the babe for seven years, Til he returns from whence he came Though this wee boy's heart beat cold A local girl raised him as her own Around his neck, he wore a chain of gold He swam away at seven years old Young O'Kane feeling the sea's pull strong Young O'Kane singing the Selkie song To a gunner then, the girl was wed Autumn colours seeping in (bleeding red) October moon, all full of gin He held his gun against his chin At Young O'Kane, he took his aim The golden chain he blew it free She said, "What have you done? He was my son" "I hunt the people of the sea." Young O'Kane, feeling the sea's pull strong Young O’Kane, (and you know by the name) singing the selkie song
5.
Is Fada Liom Uaim Í Is fada liom uaim í Ar uaigneas gach baile a mbíonn sí Is le gach ógánach suairc a ghluaisfeadh in aice na dí A Mhalaidh, a chéadsearc, ná tréig thusa mise go brách Is go bhfuil in do dhiaidh gach aon lá fá mhallaigh na n-ard Is fada liom uaim í Dá dtigtheása anuas ar chuairt fá bharra na gcraobh Le goirm na gcuach go ngluaisfinn leatsa mar mhnaoi Is fada liom uaim í Béilin meala mar na rósaí, súil mhódhmhar ghorm gan chlaon Is i gcoillídh ag buain chnónna, sé mo bhrón gan Malaidh agus mé // I miss her in the loneliness of every place she used to be. Like every decent fellow who is drawn to the drink Molly, my true love, never abandon me I will follow you everyday despite the curses from on high. If you would descend from above to visit me beneath, At the cuckoo's call, I would leave with you as if you were a woman A little honeyed mouth like roses, Eyes of blue without guile And in the woods gathering nuts, Full of sorrow without Molly close to me
6.
A Red, Red Rose My love is like a red, red rose Newly sprung in June; My love is like a melody sweetly played in tune You're so fair, my lovely lass So deep in love am I I will love thee still, my dear, Until the seas run dry Fare thee well, my only love! Fare thee well awhile! I will come again, my love, Though it ten thousand miles You're so fair, my lovely lass So deep in love am I I will love thee still, my dear, Until the seas run dry And the rocks melt with the sunlight My love is like a red, red rose
7.
Seán Bháin 02:29
Seán Bháin A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé Nach deas a d'fhás an coiricín? Nach deas d'fhás an círín? Nach deas a d'fhás an coiricín Ar Chaitlín Ní Ghríofa? A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Is tabhair sa gcoca féir mé Shiúil mise Sasana An Fhrainc uilig trí chéile Is ní fhaca mé aon siobaire Ba dheise ná do chírín A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Is tabhair sa gcoca féir mé A Mháire, má tá tú ag scarúint uaim Mo mhíle slán go deo leat Nach deas mar chuirfinn fataí dhuit? Níos fearr ná bhainfinn móin dhuit? A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Is tabhair sa gcoca féir mé Nach olc an t-am a d'imigh tú? 'S an fómhar ann go díreach Is gan éinne ar an mbaile seo Ná bean óg le thú chaoineadh A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Is tabhair sa gcoca féir mé Is cuma liom cá rachaidh tú Is cuma liom cá mbíonn tú Is cuma liom cá rachaidh tú Ach thú beith ann san oíche A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Is tabhair sa gcoca féir mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm 'S a Sheáin Bháin, bréag mé A Sheáin Bháin, beir orm Nár phóg tú aréir mé? // Fair Seán, catch me Fair Seán, lie to me Isn't it nice how the rooster's crest grows? Isn't it nice how the hen's crest grows? Isn't it nice how the rooster's crest grows For Kathleen Griffin? I walked to England and all over France And I never saw anyone With a nicer crest Mary, if you're leaving me A thousand farewells from me to you Wouldn't I sow your potatoes well? And cut your turf even better? Wasn't it a bad time for you to leave? On the cusp of autumn With no one in this town No young woman to weep for you I don't care where you go I don't care where you are I don't care where you go As long as you're here by nightfall Fair Seán, catch me Fair Seán, lie to me Fair Seán, catch me Did you not kiss me last night? Translation: D. Kearney
8.
Two Sisters 03:30
Two Sisters There were two sisters side by side Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day There were two sisters side by side The boys are bound for me There were two sisters side by side The eldest one for Johnny cried I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me Johnny bought the youngest a gay gold ring Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day Johnny bought the youngest a gay gold ring The boys are bound for me Johnny bought the youngest a gay gold ring He never bought the eldest a single thing I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me As they went a-walking by the foamy brim Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day As they went a-walking by the foamy brim The boys are bound for me As they went a-walking by the foamy brim The eldest pushed the youngest in I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me Sister, oh sister, give me your hand Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day Sister, oh sister, give me your hand The boys are bound for me Sister, oh sister, give me your hand You can have my Johnny and all his land Sister, I'll not give you my hand But I'll still take Johnny and all his land I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me The youngest drifted down to the Miller's dam Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day The youngest drifted down to the Miller's dam The boys are bound for me The youngest drifted down to the Miller's dam A harper spied her from the land I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me He made a harp out of her breast bone Sing aye-dum, sing aye-day He made a harp out of her breast bone The boys are bound for me He made a harp out of her breast bone Its song would melt a heart of stone I'll be true unto my love If he'll be true to me
9.
Lovely Molly 03:31
Lovely Molly I go where I please Like early autumn leaves On a sunshine breeze. Who do I see Sitting by the stream? The girl of my dreams Ah, I wouldn't believe If I had not seen such beauty She spoke softly: "Won't you come with me To live by the sea?" She read my mind, Showed me a life so fine; Sunsets with wine My love was blind Ah, I wouldn't believe If I had not seen such beauty Ah, the blue in her eyes Disguised Molly's lies Slowly, the sun sets on me and Lovely Molly My ship sails high on the horizon line It leaves me behind; I'm at her whim 'cause I never learned to swim! Now she's with him What a sin! Ah, I wouldn't believe If I had not seen such beauty Ah, the blue in her eyes Disguised Molly's lies Slowly, the sun sets on me and Lovely Molly Behind every queen shines a guillotine
10.
Aphrodite 02:16
Aphrodite I want you to stay but a bird in a cage always flies away You asked me to change while snow on the range caps the hills in the cold Just to thaw in summer's glow How strange that you asked me to change Your name was in Greek Your voice sings the song of a god when you speak But I bid you goodbye A creature with eyes ripped blind could see why As you return beneath the tide, I bid you goodbye
11.
Wild Mountain Thyme Oh the summertime is coming And the trees are sweetly blooming And the wild mountain thyme Blows around the blooming heather Will ye go, Lassie go? And we'll all go together To pluck wild mountain thyme From around the blooming heather I will build my love a tower Neath yon' pure crystal fountain And on it I will leave All the flowers of the mountain Will ye go, Lassie go? And we'll all go together To pluck wild mountain thyme From around the blooming heather Will ye go, Lassie, will ye go? And if my true love won’t come with me Then I’m sure to find another To pluck wild mountain thyme From around the blooming heather Will ye go, Lassie go? And we'll all go together To pluck wild mountain thyme From around the blooming heather Will ye go, Lassie, will ye go?
12.
Úirchill an Chreagáin Ag úirchill a’ Chreagáin sea chodail mé aréir faoi bhrón, Is le héirí na maidne tháinig ainnir fá mo dhéin le póig, Bhí gríosghruaidh ghartha aici agus loinnir ina céibh mar ór, ‘S gurbh é íocshláinte an domhain a bheith ag amharc ar a’ ríon óig. A fhial fhir charthanaigh ná caitear thusa i néaltaibh bróin, Ach éirigh go tapaigh agus astraigh liom siar sa ród, Go tír dheas na meala nach bhfuair Gallaibh intí réim go fóill, Is gheobhair aoibhneas ar hallaí do do mhealladh le siansan ceoil. The poet: By the graveyard of Creggan I slept last night in grief; At daybreak a fair maid came towards me with a kiss; Her rosy cheeks were glowing and her hair a golden sheen; A healing balm for everyone to gaze on this young queen. Fairywoman: ‘Kind nobleman do not languish here in clouds of grief forlorn But rise up quickly and come with me west along the road, To the sweet land of honey where the stranger has no hold, And in the halls you will delight, being enticed by strains of song.

about

Recording their second album in a time of global sickness, war and personal struggles, TRÚ has drawn on old wisdom to deal with the realities of death and love. On this record, the trio sings of timeless folk characters in hand-picked traditional songs and original compositions inspired from the worlds of sean nós, Scots poetry and Americana ballads.

"Eternity Near" follows the critical success of their debut 2021 album ("No Fixed Abode"), which was nominated for Best Album at Northern Ireland Music Prize, ranked in MOJO's Top 10 Folk Albums of the year, and was playlisted on BBC Introducing. The trio's sophomore offering further explores the intersection between traditional folk material, original songwriting styles and contemporary production techniques.

Produced against the backdrop of recent break-ups, family ill-health and bereavement, "Eternity Near" became a source of healing and catharsis for the band over the past 18 months. The record is bookended by two voices from beyond the grave (one an adulterer, the other a spéirbhean/spirit). We also witness the shooting of a selkie and listen to a ribcage harp from one of the oldest murder ballads in the English tradition. We hear songs of forbidden and unrequited love and encounter the archetypal temptress - Molly/Malaidh - in two different tracks.

Perhaps a response to the pandemic and global conflict and in light of recent private challenges for Mormecha, Trouton and Kearney, this album ignores the finality of death to peer beyond. In accessing the afterlife, the supernatural, and the overwhelm of love, these folk songs deal with immortality. Indeed, they may be the closest we will ever get to eternity.

credits

released September 8, 2023

Dónal Kearney vocals/flute/whistle
Zachary Trouton vocals/guitars
Michael Mormecha vocals/percussion

Produced and Performed by TRÚ
Mixed and Mastered by Michael Mormecha
Front Cover by Neil Gillespie
Back Cover by Zach Trouton
Layout by Gareth Graham
Photography by Lloyd Dunn

© ℗ TRÚ 2023

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TRÚ

The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians in ancient Ulster. They were revered throughout Ireland, some believing their songs and stories came to them from the future. Others maintained that the trú were possessed by spirits during performance. As such, they were considered gatekeepers to the Otherworld.

New album 'Eternity Near' out September 8th.
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