1980 Merasheen Reunion “Doreen’s Song”

by Gerald Pearson

Oh early one summers morning about two weeks ago
A letter came addressed to me, which I did read you know
It said some folks were planning to have a reunion this year
On the island we call Merasheen, sure I just had to be there.

Just a few short years have passed and gone since we all left to stay
And settled down in our new homes, some so far away.
Many of those who were with us then won’t be here with us this year
We’ll think of them in fond memories and wish they could be here.

There’s Wilson’s, Pearson’s and Ennis’, Hann’s and Connors’ too
Walsh’s, Fulford’s, Pomroy’s, now just to name a few
They’ve come for a celebration, boy the likes you’ve never seen
They’re guzzling beer by the dory load today on Merasheen.

So Johnny set that old tent up and George you lend a hand
“Doreen”, put the taters on, the fish is in the pan
Look there’s the door, here comes two more, it’s Aunt Kay and Josephine.
Sure we’ll rant and roar from shore to shore this weekend on Merasheen.

You will find some folks picking berries or lying on the grass
Or sitting on the Graveyard Hill attending Sunday’s Mass
Or maybe down in the landwash boiling mussels in a can
They’re doing things they love to do here on their native land.

So keep your bonfires burning bright and everybody sing
Getting together like this with friends is such a wonderful thing
Pass the booze, forget your blues, enjoy life while you can
For the day will come when everyone will be leaving here again.

So lift your glasses high my friends, let the toasts go merrily around
And when you’re troubled by life’s little woes don’t let them get you down
Remember the good times that you’ve had, don’t dwell on what might have been
And in verse and song praise it loud and long, the Island of Merasheen.

It’s all too soon the time has come when we must say good-bye
To the friends we’ve met and can’t forget and try hard not to cry
But promise each other to return again to those meadows oh so green
Where we loved to play in our childhood days on the Island of Merasheen.

So Johnny take that old tent down and George you lend a hand
“Doreen” wash the dishes up, here’s another dirty pan
We’ve got to make sure when we leave this place that everything is nice and clean
And come next year you may find us all here, back home in Merasheen.