Was It For This? - Stephen Murphy

Written & Performed by Stephen Murphy.
thesleepingwarrior
My latest take on Ireland, past & present. First written and performed in March 2014. Recorded up at the cottage on Saturday, June 7th. Forgive the bold head on me, it had just hit Midge O'Clock..
I would never expect anyone to agree with these sentiments, as we're all free to make up our own minds. All thoughts are solely those of myself, and not in any way, shape, or form affiliated with anyone else nor backed by anyone financially, (more's the pity maybe!)
If you wish to support my current project with Archaic Revival, which features 'Was It For This?' set to music with Bodhrán and Harp player Rónán Ó Snodaigh, please follow this link: fundit.ie/proje....
Thanks for taking the time to watch this, and for continuing to spread the word. I'm both taken aback, and humbled by the support. I don't spend a huge amount of time online, but for everyone who watches it, shares it, or sends me a message, I might be a while in getting back to ye, but I deeply appreciate the support and well wishes, the positivity and decency of those who've been in touch have really made me realise what a beautiful little island this is.
Liatroim abu!
www.thesleepingwarrior.wordpress.com
©Stephen Murphy. All Rights Reserved.

[@saraoneill8851]

Absolutley fantastic. Sent shivers down my spine. very talented but also very true. Eire agus Doire Abu.

[@theirishway777]

Brilliant wordsmith.

[@sjswords]

The passion is palpable!

[@inisciuin3105]

Stephen James Smith Cheers for giving it your time. Only took me three months to respond to the comment, time moves slower over this side of the country!

[@sjswords]

Inis Ciuin no worries pal.

[@paradisepaddy3870]

This is the power of art right here. I am consistently looking for artists to make senses of our little back water right now. "The Pillars Of Society" will never do it. what they do is turn us into subservient sheep. Its artists that have and always will show us the righteous path. A true artist bears their mind heart and soul. This is where truth and honesty lives and breeds. Its a courageous person who will wrestle with their conscience and then have the strength of character to let the world know how they really feel. Stephen Murphy is more than an artist. He is more than a poet. He is a modern day Irish revolutionary. He hasn't been forced to take up the gun like our forefathers. He is using his own troika. Its a revolution of the heart mind and soul. He is leading the charge for justice and right. No one can argue with this passionate plea. Its a war right now through out the world. We need to concentrate on our own cabbage patch for the short term. Act locally, think globally. The war is one of words. As anyone who knows anything will tell you. the first causality of war is the truth. The war of words is between Bananlity & Bullshite and Creativity & Consciousness. WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON??!!. If your on the latter common sense will prevail. If your on the former, continue with your apathy. This does not concern you.

[@inisciuin3105]

PAradise PAddy Cheers Paddy, though as an Irishman you should know that I react poorly to high praise! Beir bua, we're in this together.

[@CAnnieMc]

As a 1972 emigrant and recent visitor back to Dublin I cannot express properly how much this poem touched me. Sad to say his opinions and frusrations are bang on!

[@inisciuin3105]

Ann Baneham-McCarthy Thanks for taking the time to watch it Ann. I'm glad, and sad, that it resonated with you. For what it's worth, it's still a beautiful island. Stephen.

[@Amuigh-Faoin-Aer]

Well said Stephen, I wish everyone in this country cared as much as you and took the time to dig out the truth as you obviously have, instead of the shite we're fed by state sponsored media, social media is the only hope for future generations as long as we keep it uncensored, great delivery of a very important message.

[@inisciuin3105]

***** Community is the only hope as far as I see it, in my eyes social media is innately anti-social, but it does help to spread the message, and without it this wouldn't have grown legs. It's a tool, and like other tools, it depends how it's used. Thanks for your kind words though, I appreciate the support and I'm glad it resonated with you. Stephen.

[@nuada123]

Excellent update of a classic poem; the poetic heritage is still alive in you my friend...

[@inisciuin3105]

Tony Treanor Thanks Tony, I appreciate that. I do what I do, some will like it, others won't. Such is the nature of life, but I'm glad it resonated with you, thanks for watching.

[@6dod]

Stephen, may this piece of genius be seen someday as the turning of a tide.

[@inisciuin3105]

Derek O'Dwyer Thanks Derek. Genius or otherwise, one piece won't turn the tide. That's up to every individual to push against, and the nature of society appears to encourage apathy - even the revolution is content to exist behind a screen.

[@6dod]

Too true! Not putting the burden of change on you. Honest! On my better days I sense an awakening, an exhaustion with pessimism and apathy, a standing up. I'll try to do my bit. Thanks for the work :)

[@josephkelly8874]

This is simply brilliant , I put it right up at the top with the poetry of Bobby Sands .

[@RichardIresonMusician]

Stephen you had me riveted to the floor when you retold this poem last night at the fracking protest in Belcoo. So much passion and energy. Utterly utterly brilliant stuff.

[@Zoom100nx]

Simply superb.. All need to see this and ask the question so eloquently asked.. congrats ..

[@inisciuin3105]

Zoom100nx All will never see it, but I am glad that those who have seem to have found it struck a chord for the most part. Thanks for watching.

[@patrickocallaghan4250]

I good frien of mi9ne, Michael Carr from Tipp sent me this and introduced me to you. Thanks to you both for a brilliant end to St Patricks Day, from an Irishman born and living in England and even accepting an MBE! Both parents from Garryowen so of course I am Irish as all my blood is. I lived for nearly 8 years in PNG and when some onswers to the question where are you from they answer in Pidgin English "Mama karim mi long ........ tasol blut bilong mi em i ......." i.e. my mother bore me in .... but my blood is from ...." Melanesian Irishness is a rum mix"""

[@aliceburke5047]

Good God man, you are fantastic. This is fantastic. Well bloody done.

[@inisciuin3105]

Alice Burke Haha. Thanks Alice, it is what it is, but thank you for saying so, I'm glad it hit the spot.

[@ggreener8009]

Poignant, beautiful and fiercely moving. Thank you, Stephen Murphy! Ye bring tears to me eyes xx

[@inisciuin3105]

GG Green Thanks GG, very kind of you to say so. Glad it moved you, we're all in the one boat, maybe that's why it's sinking! ;)

[@joheavey3473]

This is a fantastically well written piece. Poignant, true and passionate. Well done Stephen.

[@inisciuin3105]

Jo Heavey Thanks Jo, I'm glad it resonated and thank you for the kind words, much appreciated!

[@cyrildaly5984]

I love this and I am soooo happy i was on O`Connell Street today to hear you speak it live. The reaction of the crowd made the hairs on my back stand up.

[@thedeafandconfused]

This is the most brilliant spoken word I've ever heard. Thank you for your talent.

[@inisciuin3105]

thedeafandconfused Thank you for taking the time to watch it and for the kind words. Hope all is well with you & yours.

[@jamesedwardmaidment]

Thanks Stephen, great sentiments, well written and well delivered. I hope it goes viral!

[@daniellepower7758]

Your speech at the water march moved me I felt so overwhelmed by your words and passion. People like you make me so proud to be Irish. I did however laugh when you lost your voice . :) but your words inspired me to keep fighting. Thank you

[@inisciuin3105]

Thanks Anna, I picked a bad time to lose my voice alright in front of the biggest crowd I'm ever likely to perform in front of, but it was a forgiving crowd and an incredible experience! :) Here's hoping that this coming Saturday can carry the energy onwards to bring this island back to the people it belongs to!

[@fergushealy6932]

WOW. In a nutshell. Thanks for helping me not to forget!

[@inisciuin3105]

Fergus Healy Thanks Fergus. We're a very special little island, it's worth remembering and hanging on to!

[@noelgardiner]

You're a Beautiful Human being ✌️

[@ritaduffy8485]

Brilliant !! Just listened to your piece and think of my good friends who are loosing their family home very moving - well done.

[@inisciuin3105]

rita duffy I'm sorry to hear about your friends Rita. Unfortunately it's a common happenstance up and down the country, and the further up the ladder people get, the comfier the perch so they're less inclined to change it. As cliched as it is, change comes from within and it's up to us to build the communities and future that we want, nobody else will do it for us. Thanks for watching. Stephen.

[@irishbrother5303]

Just came across this,Very Good Man,Fair Play Truth is Truth,Even Uncomfortable Truth is still Truth

[@MarnieRua742]

Only just found this and so glad I did, it's completely brilliant. Thank you Stephen it's soooo nice to meet you

[@mcglynnpeter]

Bloody brilliant. Thank you for taking the time to craft this.

[@inisciuin3105]

Peter McGlynn Thanks Peter. You're welcome I suppose. It's what I do with what I was given, and it is what it is. It won't be to everyone's liking, but nothing is. I'm glad it resonated with you. Stephen.

[@10908070605040302]

Well done on Saturday, Nation can hold its head high

[@gfunkunit7644]

Wow, this gave me the cold chills. A brilliant and impassioned piece of poetic creative expression!

[@inisciuin3105]

Gfunk Unit That's a lovely compliment, thanks for that. Glad it hit the spot. Stephen.

[@xavieroluain9212]

Michigan shirt, eh? That's my home :) Amazing words, brother. I hope to sing songs with as much effect. You are a gift to humanity.

[@inisciuin3105]

Xavier Ó Luain Not so sure if I'm a gift or a curse but I do what I do & I'm glad it resonates. Cheers for the message & feel free to spread the word - the more people it might affect that it reaches the better. My wife's from Michigan, just outside Detroit. We were actually over there for Christmas, had a phenomenal gig in The Drunken Retort in Grand Rapids, amazing crowd. They've started doing one in Detroit now too. You should check them out if you're close to either, great crowd & sound people. Tell Fable & Foster I sent you down & they'll look after you alright! Cheers for the message, much appreciated.

[@xavieroluain9212]

Finally got this message. Living in Colorado now. I am from Detroit, Harperwoods to be exact. Don't have much internet access as of late but I hope all is well. The world is falling apart so let us fall together.

[@carolannwilsonbennett1096]

Bloody brillent. Well said

[@anneburke7637]

Your work is brilliant, thank you for it

[@fanceclancy]

The ending gave the heart strings a snap!

[@sherrycarmer6682]

Simply incredible! Felt this in my heart. Thank you.

[@inisciuin3105]

Sherry Carmer Thank you Sherry, I'm glad it struck a chord.

[@MollyMoon369]

love the poem, cheers for sharin your message.....Peace :)

[@seannloughlin]

This is incredible! Words of wisdom

[@k1981dog1]

Murph, this is absolutely brilliant. Although I believe that most of the anger is fuelled by the tenacious North Leitrim midges!!

[@inisciuin3105]

Dominic Kerrigan I was going to record it on Mullies pitch, but the midges had imposed their traditional curfew when we landed.

[@funkmasterpie88]

This is the best poem I've ever. heard. brought a tear to my eye

[@inisciuin3105]

funkmasterpie88 I'm happy you think so, though there are many great poems to find out in the world! I'm glad it hit the spot though, thanks for watching. Stephen.

[@fionaclerkin-hancox5217]

so emotional, thank-you Stephen, you have expressed the thoughts and emotions of people through verse....

[@ziearmo]

Great material and performance!!

[@inisciuin3105]

Barry Grace Thanks Barry!

[@BobSoperJr]

Beautiful searing spoken words of truth

[@kneeharp]

Brilliantly written and delivered. Well done. An Irish Shane Koyczan

[@inisciuin3105]

Brid McGinley High praise indeed, not sure I'm at that level yet, or if I'll ever be, but thank you for giving it your time Brid!

[@ReactionShot]

That was gorgeous. Brilliant. And most importantly...Correct.

[@inisciuin3105]

ReactionShot Thanks. Such is the balance that's often overlooked. It's a difficult craft to hone at the best of times. I'm likely insane for trying to give my life to the art, but sure we all do what we do in our own ways. Thanks for watching. Stephen.

[@rorywebelevate]

Nice one Stephen.. Think I was a year ahead of you in Manorhamilton and I just saw this in my little apartment in Seoul.(Somewhere you would be familiar with yourself). The setting for the video and the piece itself was very striking and a great reminder of the good and not so good side of where we come from. So congrats and keep fighting the good fight!

[@inisciuin3105]

Rory Mc Manus Thanks Rory. It's a small world, and a smaller apartment!! I can't say I miss Seoul, I was drawn back here because I think the island's worth fighting for, but maybe I'm naive. Hope the kimchi is treating you well!

[@stephenmoran2611]

saw you in Liberty Hall last night. Fantastic stuff. looking forward to the album.

[@FDMajella]

Beautiful, Stephen. You did a moving rendition at the anti-fracking demo at Belcoo last Monday. It was lovely to meet you yesterday at Belcoo again. A fine young Irish man.

[@inisciuin3105]

Majella Mccarron Cheers Majella, apologies for not getting back to your email, life's been fairly full on these days, not enough hours in the day.. Hope all is well with you & yours. Stephen.

[@MsMoyaT]

Well done Stephen.... I first heard you in the library in Manor.... and now I'm hoping to hear you on The Late Late!!!

[@inisciuin3105]

MsMoyaT Haha! That's funny Moya. Apologies for the slow reply, but I doubt I'll be on the latelate, RTE aren't overly fond of people who upset the applecart.

[@gavodagrowler]

Fantastic work, Stephen...loving it! Hopefully we can topple this government and build something better for all of us....BELIEVE!

[@inisciuin3105]

***** There's no point cutting the head off the snake when the belly of the beast remains untouched. Change yes, but know what you're changing it to, we all know what's wrong, the hard part is to find what's right.

[@edwardmaguire821]

can someone please let me know who and where he is. is there anyone knows him? id like to say personally how brilliant this young man truly is.

[@inisciuin3105]

Edward, thanks for your kind words. Stephen lives in northwest Ireland, but has and still is performing all around the country and UK. If you'd like to contact him, his email is listed in the details of the video, he also has a book of his poetry for sale online at [www.thesleepingwarrior.wordpress.com/publications] the piece you heard 'Was it For This?' Can be found in the book, 'The Sleeping Warrior'. Again, thanks for the kind words... He's really blow away by the response the video has generated. Thanks for liking and please continue to share it! Slán.

[@edwardmaguire821]

thank you for your reply, yes i would really like to make contact and see the real Stephen and get to know what he's like, if the personality of this young man is anything like poem he reads i see him really going places in his life and would like to be one of many to help him get there. i'l be sure to endorse anymore videos he may put up. again thank you for your quick and lengthy response yours sincerely Edward Maguire

[@theirishway777]

Inis Ciuin Thank you for sharing this man's work, and for the links. It's always such a pleasure to come across some of Ireland's talented writers and poets, I think we should give them all more credit for their skill.

[@inisciuin3105]

Edward Maguire Apologies for the slow reply, having a baby this summer meant this whole thing was secondary! Thanks for the kind words, it's been a bit of a whirlwind the past few months but all the support is appreciated! Beir bua! Stephen.

[@inisciuin3105]

The Irish Way Many thanks for watching and for sharing, there's a stigma about the artist that we thrive in poverty, a stigma that suggests that we need to dedicate ourselves to another career and 'do that arty thing' as a hobby, but in reality the art is who we are, and when it resonates with people it makes it worthwhile. If it resonated and put food on the table, well, that's the dream. Go n-eiri leatsa, Stephen.

[@TheSinead1977]

Such passion evokes huge goosebumps! Feicin brilliant.

[@inisciuin3105]

TheSinead1977 Thanks for watching!

[@davogrynne]

Fantastic!

[@inisciuin3105]

Davog Rynne Cheers Davog, thanks for watching.

[@JimMcGue]

Excellent!

[@Concernedcitizen4]

Any new stuff Stephen? This is brilliant.

[@annemariereilly6860]

really amazing seeing you perform at LINGO last night - I was moved. (that said I have to know where you got your Michigan t-shirt seen here - that's where I'm from!) Keep on keeping on with the fantastic poems!!

[@inisciuin3105]

Thanks Anne Marie, glad you enjoyed it, I was a bit dazzled/blinded by the lights to be honest, but it was a great evening & by all accounts the rest of the weekend was brilliant! My wife is from Lake Orion, just north of Detroit, & the t-shirt was a gift from her aunt, it's kinda mad how many people have asked about it, Michigan seems to crop up in daily life much more than any other state!

[@kalleryan]

Great poem. Important poem

[@inisciuin3105]

Kalle Ryan Cheers Kalle. Thanks for watching.

[@SOUTHAMPTONAFA]

Wow, incredible

[@inisciuin3105]

pat muldowney Thanks Pat, much appreciated!

[@dromodd]

Great stuff, well done

[@inisfallen10]

some detail....fantastic

[@inisciuin3105]

inisfallen10 Thank you. If it's worth doing it's worth doing right, or at least that's the hope. Probably took the guts of three months to write start to finish, but it's a rich heritage to trace!

[@pmmmurphy]

Amazing, that was fantastic.

[@inisciuin3105]

Pauline Murphy Thanks for watching Pauline and for taking the time to comment!

[@peterhammond5199]

Wow! That's special.

[@inisciuin3105]

Peter Hammond Thank you Peter.

[@jimbobeire]

Brilliant sutff. Well done.

[@inisciuin3105]

jimbobeire Thanks jimbob!

[@SteJDM]

Well done Ste

[@RonanConnolly]

Amazing words!

[@inisciuin3105]

Ronan Connolly Cheers Ronan, thanks for watching!

[@cormaclally2183]

Brilliant dude.

[@inisciuin3105]

cormac lally Cheers Cormac.

[@archaicrevival7878]

Telling it like it is...beir bua brother!

[@inisciuin3105]

Archaic Revival Cheers chief, will buzz ya after the weekend, found out Eriu's in the back of the old cow 5 days a week..!

[@Wispade]

You are my new favourite

[@MrFlav18]

Excellent!! Very well done dude!!!

[@inisciuin3105]

Adrian F Cheers Adrian, apologies for the slow reply, fairly full on these days! Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@rojay82]

On the button!

[@inisciuin3105]

rojay82 Thanks for watching and helping to spread the word!

[@rojay82]

My pleasure.......

[@markmurray9631]

For this brilliant

[@inisciuin3105]

Mark Murray Cheers Mark!

[@Rua_Rise]

Brilliant

[@inisciuin3105]

Gavin Harte Thanks for watching Gavin!

[@dogskull79]

Out-fucking-standing

[@inisciuin3105]

dogskull79 Cheers!

[@aoifenicsheain]

Class.

[@inisciuin3105]

Aoife Nic Sheain Cheers Aoife, thanks for taking the time to watch it.

[@RayHeffernan]

Powerful stuff, Stephen, here's hoping the call is heard.

[@inisciuin3105]

Ray Heffernan Cheers Ray, thanks for watching.

[@eoghanbeag]

Holy shite, amazing.

[@inisciuin3105]

eoghanbeag Thanks for watching Eoghan!

[@eireannach1665]

Seriously we have Leo... a green Tory... While men like this still inhabit this island?! 5 years on, this still moves me to tears. Míle grá a Stiofáin!

[@joclueless84]

That was beautiful

[@inisciuin3105]

joclueless84 Thank you for giving it your time, I appreciate it.

[@Junioreen1904]

Ireland has a new prophet, if people will listen.

[@inisciuin3105]

Chris Fogarty Thanks Chris, I don't do well with high praise but thanks for giving it your time.

[@alanbreen9640]

Inspiring

[@johnkirk8718]

Bravo

[@inisciuin3105]

john kirk Thanks John, appreciated!

[@crazyismynickname]

holy shit, this is good

[@inisciuin3105]

puddingtastic Thanks. 'tis what it is, but it's nice when it resonates with folk!

[@ThePatchs]

Good man fair fucking play :) keep her up

[@inisciuin3105]

Paddy Hughes Cheers Paddy!

[@TheRealMcDook]

Our country getting worse by the minute it seems with this #irishwater debacle #right2water - we need you Stephen

[@rosemarymccarron3887]

It was the catholic faith that sustained the Irish under the rule of the crown for 800 years. Dont forget it.

[@athonwydoherty1165]

Filíocht den scoth mo chara!

[@Apostate-51]

Great poem with one line that seems to be miss the point a bit. Around 3.30 minutes in there's a reference to how our water could be free - our water infrastructure has never been 'free' - it has always been paid for through general taxation and that's how it should continue to be. Those (FF, FG and 'Labour') overseeing the gifting of OUR resource to the friends of the IMF (the wholesale THEFT of OUR water) use sleight-of-hand soundbites like 'you can't have something for nothing' or 'people can't expect to get their water for free'. These are distractions to take our attention away from the fact that we already pay for it. Clean water is a Human Right but we should avoid referring to water infrastructure as being 'free' as it plays into to the water THIEVES' hands. Still, the poet's heart is in the right place.

[@inisciuin3105]

Caoimhin O' Bruadha - De Burgh Thanks Caoimhin. Maybe I'm naive, but I see a future for this island where the cost for clean water is covered under an energy independent island that works for the people as opposed to against them. The line you refer to doesn't aim to miss the point, but instead to look towards an alternative future, one that we're on the direct opposite road from. Groups such as spirit of Ireland, though perhaps utopian, are an interesting idea based initiative that could see us thriving if the resources that we have available (all renewable) are utilised for the benefit of all. Otherwise, you're right, but the world is very broken, and we are in the optimum position, geographically as a perfectly positioned island, to be the future if we so choose to be. Anyway, i get your point and forgive my optimism, it isn't like me. Stephen.

[@peneleapai]

Stiofán Ó Cá bhfuil tú a chara ? Hope to meet again soon. Be touring in your corner of the oileán before long (you're warned!). *Thinkin of you and sending some grá mór álà East Clare duit!*

[@Gallery1111]

Disagree with a lot but admire the writing

[@PaddyMancPaddyManc]

excellent, call to tinneys in derry and I'll pay you in pints

[@inisciuin3105]

Fiontan Ó Comáin Cheers Fiontan, I might just move up there if it's a lifetime's supply! Thanks for watching, Stephen.

[@DonnieTheDunesMan]

Is that Matcha tea powder spread on the shed there? Be gob it is.

[@inisciuin3105]

Donnie Dunesman I only put it there for the video, then the midges ate the shed!

[@happygoluckyscamp]

Oh for fuck sake.

[@nedohamilli]

Heaney was only a pretender compared to this young focaltinker

[@nedohamilli]

keep Yeats out of it ,he's another of " the bunch"

[@inisciuin3105]

edmund hamill Thanks Edmund, though I wouldn't get too carried away I appreciate the support! Stephen.

[@nedohamilli]

don't be stealing my word focaltinker,now won't ye not !! or i'll be putt'n a curse on ye that'll torment ye from here to your last breath, if you use it you must acredit me with it's invention. no poem of mine ever put butter on bread , or bread on a tray , hardly have we what would give us crusts for tae

[@nedohamilli]

couldn afford corrugate here,never mind the green to deck it with.don't know if it's Antarctic or Arctic could be Africa isn't he like one of them boys would be building houses in shanty towns, sure where does he get the time to be constructing verse

[@oisinolochlainn4437]

go hiontach ar fad

[@TheMegahusky]

Perfect

[@frankmurphy8786]

Fantastic!

[@collette124]

Amazing and wonderful

[@carolannwilsonbennett1096]

Bloody brillent. Well said

[@inisciuin3105]

Carol Ann Wilsonbennett Thanks for giving it your time Carol Ann, I'm glad it struck a chord.

[@carolannwilsonbennett1096]

very well said and more need to face the facts. not the shite we r bottle fed.

[@inisciuin3105]

Feel free to share it with them if you know anyone needing that dose! As long as we keep exporting our people, generation after generation, the cycle will keep repeating. Thanks again.

[@carolannwilsonbennett1096]

I will share it. one day we will rebuild the country.