How Are Things in Glocca Morra
Michael Feinstein Lyrics


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I hear a bird, Londonderry bird,
It well may be he's bringing me a cheering word.
I hear a breeze, a River Shanon breeze,
It well may be it's followed me across the seas.
Then tell me please

How are things in Glocca Morra?
Is that little brook still leaping there?
Does it still run down to Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry and Kildare?

How are things in Glocca Mora?
Is that willow tree still weeping there?
Does that lassie with the twinklin' eye
Come smilin' by and does she walk away,

Sad and dreamy there not to see me there?
So I ask each weepin' willow and each brook along the way,




And each lass that comes a-sighin' too ra lay
How are things in Glocca Morra this fine day?

Overall Meaning

In Michael Feinstein's song "How Are Things in Glocca Morra," the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the singer wonders about the current state of a place called Glocca Morra. The song begins with the sound of a bird, possibly a symbol of hope or a messenger bringing good news. This sets the stage for the singer's yearning for updates from a distant place.


Glocca Morra is depicted as a serene and picturesque location, with the mention of a brook and the River Shanon breeze. The brook is described as leaping, suggesting its lively and whimsical nature. The singer wonders if the brook still flows, running down to Donny Cove and passing through places like Killybegs, Kilkerry, and Kildare. These references invite us to imagine a tranquil landscape with flowing water and scenic destinations.


The lyrics then shift to focus on a particular person in Glocca Morra, described as a lassie with twinkling eyes. The singer wonders if she still exists and if she passes by with a smile, only to walk away sadly and dreamily when she doesn't see him there. This suggests a romantic connection or a missed opportunity for the singer, intensifying the emotions of longing and longing for companionship.


Throughout the song, the singer repeatedly asks the weeping willows, the brooks, and the lassies along the way about the state of Glocca Morra and its current atmosphere. This repetition emphasizes the singer's desire for information and their emotional attachment to this distant place. Each question becomes a plea for reassurance or a wistful hope to find solace in the knowledge that things are well in Glocca Morra.


In conclusion, "How Are Things in Glocca Morra" is a poignant song that explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and romantic yearning. Through the singer's inquiries about a distant place, the lyrics convey a sense of attachment to and curiosity about the state of Glocca Morra. The imagery of nature, such as the bird, the brook, and the willow tree, enhances the song's atmosphere, portraying a peaceful and idyllic location. Ultimately, the song speaks to the universal human longing for connection and a sense of belonging, even when physically separated from a beloved place or person.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Burton Lane, Edgar Yipsel Harburg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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