Song title: The Best of Life
Music by: E. Jackson / C. Jackson
Lyrics by: E. Jackson / C. Jackson
Artist: Lamph
Hi. I am Eoin Jackson. Together with my sister Clodagh, we’ve been writing music under the name “Lamph” since we were both in our teens. Our first release as a ‘pop group’ was a 4-track EP with lead songs “Here I Am (Again)” and “Dream Away”. That was in 1996! Since then, we’ve done a few bits and pieces… including the occasional flirtation with ESC – mostly submitting songs for consideration by Linda Martin and her esteemed judging panels. These days we upload videos to YouTube and sometimes try to self-release them.
Although myself and Clodagh always share credit on the songs we write, the lion’s share of the writing is done by one or the other of us. Last year we participated in HCSC for the first time with “Be Free” which was one of Clodagh’s. This year we’ve sent “The Best of Life”, which is one of mine, and has a special meaning for me. It was written way back when I was 18, and trying to get my head around being obsessed by a handsome boy at my school (called Wayne)… Trying to wrestle with that powerful feeling, when everyone around me, and all I had been exposed to, were resolute that being gay was bad; that the feelings consuming me were sinful, and that “giving in” to them could only lead to social stigma and a bleak future. (Remember, we are talking about the staunchly catholic Ireland of the early 1990s. When I first fell for this lad, homosexuality was still against the law… but it got decriminalized literally a month or two before this song was written… perhaps I should have read that as a good omen for our prospects?)
Anyhow, the song has always been a favourite of mine (and of my Dad). It was never performed at Lamph gigs. We sang it every so often, acoustically at family gatherings… but not until this Summer did we consider the enormity of trying to produce it. HCSC will be the first time it has been heard outside of my family and friends. I hope ye like it.
The Best of Life
Chorus 1
So? You are beautiful.
Fleeting passion’s not all this life brings.
But to say that it is for the rest of your life,
Would be wrong.
Verse 1
When I’m groping in the darkness, and everything’s surreal,
Find a lie; make it right for me.
I know it’s hard to cling onto it, and just as hard to let go.
I have tried, I’ve failed, I’ll succeed.
Just to feel your touch of electricity,
Lose it all, leave it all behind.
(I saw the vision of romantically based dreams fall through.)
Chorus 2
So? You are beautiful.
Fleeting passion’s not all this life brings.
But to say that it is for the rest of your life,
Is to say that you are leaving the best of life behind.
It’s so hard to give up the one you love.
Verse 2
(I saw the vision of romantically based dreams fall through,
fall through, fall through!)
I want nothing more than to touch you,
And I have wanted it ever since I first saw you.
I want nothing more than to touch you,
And I have wanted it ever since I first saw you.
I want nothing more than to touch you,
And I have wanted it ever since I first saw you.
I want nothing more than to touch you,
But I know it’s not worth the pain.
(I have seen the vision of your dreams falling through.)
Chorus 3
[Repeat of Chorus 2]
Verse 3
I want nothing more than to touch you.
Chorus 4
So? You are beautiful.
Fleeting passion’s not all this life brings.
But to say that it is for the rest of your life…