Earlier this week an old college friend sent me a link for a Christmas song he wrote. "Over The Rooftops" is written by Frank Foley and performed by "The Allstars".
Ever since I first listened, I have been humming it in my head, singing it to the kids, and driving everyone crazy with my out of tune version of this catchy tune.
Warning! If you press play and listen, you'll be lilting this song long after Santa Claus has returned to the North Pole.
Trim, County Meath
The scenes in the video are of Frank's hometown, Trim, Co. Meath. Trim castle looks magical in the snow of 2010.
"Over the rooftops Santa Claus is riding,
Just a star to guide him,
Hoping all the children are asleep."
Every year I am certain Santa's sleigh turns over the castle ramparts to veer towards the rooftops of the town.
"Over the castle, down along the river,
Santa gives a shiver,
It's cold up in the sky on Christmas Eve."
Castle imagery is inspired by Trim Castle and its proximity to the River Boyne.
This ancient ruin, surrounding wall, Barbican gate and moat, sit on a commanding rise above the town. Built in the 12th century, by Hugh de Lacy, it is the largest surviving Norman keep in Ireland.
Scenes from the movie Braveheart were filmed here. Entrance to the castle is by guided tour. The surrounding castle grounds are spectacular.
Flood lights, reflecting on the castle walls, are magical. At Christmas time this magic is all around:
"And the Christmas lights bring magic to the night,
And the magic fills the air."
Hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and Blessings)
Irish American Mom
Here are some more posts you might like to explore to learn about how to celebrate Christmas, Irish style....
Christmas Pantomimes - An Irish Cultural Tradition
- Soul of Skellig - The Poetry of Anne Herridge
- Sean Feeny's Northern Soul - CD Review And Giveaway
- The Rose As A Symbol Of Ireland
- Top Ten Irish Rock Bands
- The Parting Glass By The UCD Choral Scholars
- The Old Woman Of The Roads
- Proud To Be Irish By Piano Man Tom
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- To Ireland's Far-Flung Exiles - A Poem By Irish American Mom
- I'm Coming Home - A Song For Christmas by The Jigsaw Jam and Keith O'Brien
- Dublin Sunrise
- If I Were A Lady .... I'd Wear A Hat
Don Suttlehan
Dear Mairead,
Great Website - enjoyed the great photos and recipes - now I have to have the " woman" to mix up a batch for Christmas. Wishing you great success and a Merry Christmas. Looking forward to any new posts.
Don Suttlehan ( Debbie's dad )
Irish American Mom
So glad you like my website and Irish recipes. Have a wonderful Christmas and come back and visit whenever you get a spare moment.
Sharon Sherrill
Love the rooftop Christmas song! Do you know if it's available on line somewhere? I'd like to add it to my Christmas list on my iPod! Thanks.
Irish American Mom
Sharon - I'll send a message to my college friend who wrote the song and let you know when he gets back with me. Take care and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
frank foley
Hi Mairead /Sharon...The song was released as a charity single in 2007 and I've been trying to find out if it's still available on download. The only place I can find it is on a site called payloadz.com.....which, in my opinion, is an honest but offputting company name! It's ridiculously expensive ($6.48) but I think some proceeds still go to the charity. With any encouragement I'll happily call round and sing it to you over Christmas....or New Year....or whenever! If you google it you might find it on a different site. I'll keep trying to see if it's still out there somewhere in cyberspace and let you know. Glad you like it, Happy Christmas, Frank
frank foley
.....or if you send me your email address I can probably send it to you and you can pay €2 to your favourite charity and we'll all be happy!
Irish American Mom
Thanks Frank - Since e-mails aren't published in this comment section, if Sharon gives me permission, I'll send you her e-mail.
Mairéad
Sharon Sherrill
Happy Christmas, Mom! I can't stop singing this song. Please give Frank my email and I'll donate $15 to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. http://www.wildlifecenter.org. They save the lives of injured wild animals and return them to the wild without human imprinting. And they have a cool webcam! Thanks!
Irish American Mom
Happy Christmas to you too, Sharon. "Over The Rooftoops" really is a catchy song. Once I hear it I just can't stop singing it too. I often think a major artist would love to record it, because it has such a happy ring to it, just perfect for the holidays. I'll pass your e-mail on to Frank, and thanks so much for making a contribution to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. What a great charity!
Thanks again.
Mairéad