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From the Plain of the Yew Tree – The Lifetime Journey of a County Mayo Musician
by John Hoban
Format: Paperback
Publication date: 20th August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-907179-87-7
Price: €15.00
This is the story of County Mayo singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and teacher John Hoban. From the Plain of the Yew Tree takes the reader on a journey through music and time across the five continents. The author invites us to join him on his rambles through Ireland, London, Australia, America and many other places, meeting, listening to, and playing with every kind of ‘musicianer’.
Poets, artists, writers, mystics and people from every walk of life are travelling on this mystery train with John Hoban as he unravels his life memories and explores his deep relationship of trust and belief in music. Music has been his guide and his constant companion through good times, bad times and other times. Music has been survival itself for John. This tale presents us with the tapestry of a life lived through music, providing us with a rare insight into the life of a modern-day Troubadour.
This is a unique tale told in an unmistakeably West of Ireland voice.
A story told with humour, sensitivity and devotion.
“Meeting Johnny Hoban is always like a good fleadh cheoil for me. I look forward to lingering with him upon ‘the plain of the yew tree’. He is a pillar in my life. Nelson would only be in the ha’penny place. Take me home to Mayo Johnny Hoban…”
Christy Moore
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
(John Hoban)
There’s just no way to say all that I feel,
for you, in this song.
Then again this love makes us both feel as one, so real,
so incredibly true.
Time passing by leaves a tear in the eye,
as I sit here at home missing you.
I’m so glad that I lived, glad that I felt,
every single second loving you.
We know what it’s like to love and be loved,
in this life, that’s as good as it gets.
It’s real hard to let go,
but as always you show that our love
is as good as it gets.
Now you’ve moved on, your spirit is free,
like an eagle to shine and to soar.
Of course, I miss madly a thousand things about you,
your presence standing at my door.
Now we’re together for ever and ever,
hearts heal with timeless wonder.
Each day I keep finding deeper reminders,
of loving you, a ghrá, precious you.
Notes on the song:
Written in Mount Melleray, a Cistercian abbey in Waterford, Ireland, 2008. A friend’s husband passed away and I wanted to write a song from her perspective, but it could also be the other way around. Eternal love.
