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Mike Silver - Dove and the Dolphin

from Mike Silver - Alchemy by MIKE SILVER

/

about

A Yorkshireman by birth, John Maughan moved to Cornwall in 1972. He and I became acquainted in the early 90’s. John is a fine singer. In order to keep a promise made to his friend Morgie, who was battling cancer John began busking in Boscastle by the harbour, to raise (initially) £1000.00 for the hospice where Morgie was a patient. When Morgie lost his fight John felt compelled to continue busking and since then has raised a five figure sum for the hospice. One man, his clear distinctive voice, and a fascinating and eclectic repertoire.

On a day during September 2002, John had just ended his first performance of Eric Bogle’s, “Safe in the Harbour” and he discovered David and Sue Halpin standing in front of him. They had been captured by his performance and wanted to know about the song, its roots and who wrote it etc., a ten minute chat and an exchange of email addresses.

In January of 2003 David emailed John saying that he was financing a mercy ship to Gaza to deliver aid; food, medicines, wool and clothing to refugees there. David invited John to join the voyage because he was sure that his songs would boost morale and lift the whole party’s spirits. Upon arrival, the ship was directed to Haifa in Israel where only after paying tax, almost equivalent to the value of its cargo was it allowed into Gaza. John spent ten days helping to distribute the aid and visited and sang in many schools and refugee camps. The experience completely changed his political perspective.

My song, DOVE AND THE DOLPHIN, which I in turn felt compelled to write but simply could not ‘find my way’ into; is really just a kind of vehicle to tell this story. In truth it would not have been written if Julie my wife, had not coined the phrase, “They’re taking aid not taking sides!” The ship was called M.V. Barbara and the name of David Halpin’s charity was Dove and the Dolphin

lyrics

Dove and the Dolphin

© Faymusic Publishing Written and composed by Mike Silver

We have battled Neptune’s forces to set foot on this land
And all we’re trying to do is lend a helping hand
We follow no guru we seek no acolytes
We’re trying to take away the darkness
Maybe spread a little light

There are no politicians who drive us from behind
No lawyers or bankers we’re not deaf and we’re not blind
If you seek our discredit you may lose out in the end
Our hearts are built on love and hope

We sail out of the north its there we will return
We bring music from the heart their welfare’s our concern
The dove and the dolphin our symbol our sign
We expect and we ask nothing
We’re taking aid not taking sides

If you question what we do you must question yourselves
We’re only following our hearts ‘cos someone cried for help
We have nothing to gain but the joy of a smile
And the absence of fear in the eye of a child

We sail out of the…

And so here we are our footsteps on the quay
Will they echo in your minds enough to set you free
From the ties that bind your souls to a war locked in the past
Will you never let go and find inner peace at last

We sail out of the…

Piano, lead voice on 3rd verse and harmonies; Johnny Coppin
Backing vocals: Nancy March, Lynne Reynolds, Julie Boreham and Roger Nicholls
Acc guitar: Mike

credits

from Mike Silver - Alchemy, released March 26, 2019

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Folkstock Records UK

Boutique label releasing handpicked singer songwriters from the Folkstock fold.
Most engineering, mixing and mastering by Lauren Deakin Davies.
Except Bright Season by Bright Season - released 31st May 2014
The F Spot by Friends of Folkstock - release date 17th May 2014
Passing the Baton - Swarb and Folkstock friends - 5th April 2014
Debut EP release from Kelly Oliver on 26.11.13. Far From Home ... more

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