"It's not just what you're born with, it 's what you choose to be.
It's not how big your share is, it's how much you can share it.
And it's not the fights you dreamed of, but those you really fought.
It's not just what you're given... it's what you do with what you've got.'
(written by Si Kahn)
Amazing. And that was just the beginning - but a very exciting start to our second 'farewell to folk' music adventure in England. (Ironically, he's also a Scotsman - although he at least still lives in Scotland).
Dick Gaughan is, I think, the kinda bloke I want to sit down and have pints with, and talk about life. His songs are rich in pro-scottish sentiment, without being anti english: he wrote 'both sides the tweed' about the importance of England and Scotland working together. He takes the mickey out of religious fundamentalism - including those uniquely Scottish christians, the Calvinists - he sings about history and unionism and the power that one person, or many folk all pulling together, can have.
And, like Luka Bloom, and Pat McKernan, and other truly great folk artists, he is just one man with a guitar on a stage, but his singing, his playing and his chatter fill the room, and you leave feeling like you've witnessed something very special.
PS Melbournites take note - we saw him play at this amazing venue called the Limelight theatre in Aylesbury. It was just like being in Northcote - the limelight is a former school, turned into a performance space, with a little bar run by volunteers. The sense of community was awesome, and I missed you guys!
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