One of the first songs Martin wrote, for the brother of his friend Willie McCue who's brother Joe committed suicide when they were age ten, Joe was only nineteen yo and a wonderful athlete as was Willie, the song is about a meeting Martin had with Joe aged 10 which was burned into his memory, only a few days before Joe left the earth, Martin carried this for 4 years then wrote the song but never shared the song till the age of 30 when he teamed up with Jose Guillan and Graham Shipcote Anderson to form The Toerags
lyrics
The Sad Tale Of Joe McCue
Joe would sit up on the step
His sadness hid he needed help
Depression damped the sun that shone
His fragile life would soon be gone
Dowsed himself to free his heart
And sacrificed himself to God
Well Im full of woe for brother blue
How one so young could fall so soon
But he'd free now as Im telling true
This sad tale of Joe McCue
Nineteen years a work of art
His face a beauty silent heart
This stunning athlete ran the wind
Stayed a virgin never sinned
His sister Rosie, William too
Saw his torment yes they knew
But never dreamed the deed he'd do
Their pained and tortured brother blue
But he's free now as Im telling true
This sad tale of Joe McCue
One afternoon it got too much
In adolesence lost his touch
Walked a mile in pain and sorrow
Opting there'd be no tomorrow
Drank the petrol dowsed his corpse
Lit the match of nature's force
Another angel leaves this land
Way on up to father's loving hand
But he's free now as Im telling true
This sad tale of Joe McCue
credits
from Cuttin' Wax (Rare Rockin' 78s),
released December 3, 2020
Martin Stephenson: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar
Jose Guillan: Lead Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
John Caverner Sr: Double Bass, Backing Vocals
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Sad Tale Of Joe McCue (take one)”
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