We all like a Christmas song eh? As a great Cranberries fan, I’ve long wanted to do a tribute to Dolores O’Riodan. I also had a niece and nephew in Rome and Dublin this year and it lead me, in a rather haphazard path, to this lyric and then this song.

Here’s a version I concocted with the help of Art Innes. You can also download or play it on Spotify here

Christmas in Rome

A long way from home

I drown lonely inside,

My bloody pride

In this eternal city

Why the self pity?

I wish just I was back in Dublin town

–

I’m dialling you

But it’s still deja vu

Why can’t you sense that I’m blue?

But somehow, I feel you near me

It’s Christmas Day

–

It’s Christmas in Rome

Can’t you pick your phone,

Darling, sing me fa lala la

like you used to do

Somehow, I feel you near me

Call me, on Christmas Day

–

I work far from home

Here in Rome on my own

You wanted to stay

We drifted away

I play guitar for a bit

But no-one to hear it

I wish I was back in Dublin town

–

Your excuse was no flights

Hired cars were all hired

I think we’re starting the slide

But somehow, I feel you near me

on Christmas Day

(Bridge)

Sweetheart, sing me to me

Like you used to do

When you hit the chorus

It is so damn gorgeous

You sound like Dolores

Singing ‘Dreams’ to me

–

Christmas in Rome

A long way from home

I drown lonely inside,

My bloody pride

In this eternal city

Why the self pity?

I wish just I was back in Dublin town

–

But somehow, I feel you near me

on Christmas Day

–

Sweetheart, please sing me to me

Like you used to do

When you hit the chorus

It is so damn gorgeous

You sound like Dolores

Singing ‘Dreams’ to me

–

But somehow, I feel you near me

on Christmas Day

But somehow, I feel you near me

on Christmas Day

————————-

Copyright: Rod de Lisle

Comments:

“I think the song by Rod and his singer friend came out fantastic, a terrific listen. I’d be curious about the whole process of making this song.”

LyriCAL

“I have to say I’m still blown away by Rod’s CallMe On Christmas Day I thought how on earth did he get that vocal? It sounds like the guy from Deep Blue Something who sang Breakfast At Tiffany’s. It’s a Christmas song because it references Christmas without going the sentimental route. A first class lyric for sure.”

Kuya

“My favourite is Call Me On Christmas Day. How could it not be? I love Delores, and miss her too. I love Dublin, and miss it too. Great song. Really great song. Loved listening to this and maybe next year we should talk about recording this…”

Murphy Makes Noise