Search icon

Music

08th Nov 2020

JOE’s Song Of The Day #873 – Faraway Martin ‘The Lights Turn On’

Eric Lalor

The first single from the debut EP from Faraway Martin.

Mayo man, Faraway Martin lives in Qatar, far away from here. We’re still not 100% sure if that’s how he got the name, but that’s neither here nor there. He’s there and we’re here.

What matter is that Martin is a gifted Irish artist set to release his debut EP once the pandemic passes, and this is a live recording of the very first song from it.

It’s a thing of beauty.

Recorded in Ballinrobe Library, a 200-year-old former church building full of character and outstanding acoustics, the song sees Faraway Martin joined by his bandmates – James Conway (Guitar), Luke O’Malley (Keys) and Gerry Heneghan (Drums), as well as the new addition of strings, a first for the songwriter. Dervilla Hynes (Cello) and Eibhlin Gallagher (Violin) also contribute. 

The song represents the different stages of a couple’s life together, with a poignant ending from the penultimate line ‘the lights turn off’.

Martin says of the song: I love playing this song live. It’s the type of song that really engages the listener. When I look up after singing the last line of the song, there are often a few tears in the room. I love making that connection with the people.”

So there you have it, this fellah likes making people cry.

We jest, of course, this is a beautiful song expertly performed by all and one which would make a welcome addition to the domestic airwaves, it’s so radio-friendly.

Clip via Faraway Martin

You can check out Faraway Martin online and on social via the channels below.

If you would like to submit a song for consideration for Song of the Day, please send an email with details and with ‘Song of the Day’ in the subject line to [email protected].