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Araby

by Hibsen

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about

Araby is based on the short story of the same name from James Joyce’s Dubliners and forms part of an album of 15 songs written and inspired by each of the stories in Dubliners and which will be released later this year. Araby tells the story of a young boy who longs for the attention of his friend’s sister. Through vivid lyrics and haunting music, it follows Joyce’s storyline … capturing the boy’s turmoil as he grapples with adolescent unrequited love, the elation he feels when the girl finally speaks to him, his vow to buy her a gift from the visiting Araby Bazaar and ultimately his despair and disillusionment when he arrives at the bazaar too late to buy anything.

The song was conceived in November 2020 when Gráinne Hunt and Jim Murphy, who comprise Hibsen, were paired together at an online song-writing workshop. Despite the challenges of not having met before and of collaborating remotely, Gráinne and Jim clicked immediately and within a couple of days they had written Araby. They subsequently formed Hibsen and will be releasing further material in 2023. Araby was produced by Alex Borwick at Black Mountain Recording Studios and in addition to Gráinne (vocals) and Jim (guitar), the recording features the string quartet Musici, which was founded by Beth McNinch.

lyrics

Araby by Hibsen

[Chorus]
Araby oh Araby
From faraway your mysteries
Am I too late to see your gifts? For all the leaves have died

Growing up with simple needs Yet tinged with curiosity
A schoolboy on a sombre street Until the shadows woke his dreams

[Chorus]

Besotted eyes watched from afar Would that he could speak with her A flood of tears confused his heart Her image filled his every thought

[Chorus]

Lost for words, he followed her A silent friend who wanted more One day she spoke, a spell she wove Could Araby win him true love?

[Chorus]

With Eastern guards in solid gold A temple silent, darkness holds Delayed by life and stories told He gazed alone through empty cold

[Chorus]

A scorned young man returned at night Burned by anger and desire
Slipped away through feeble light For now his noble quest denied

[Chorus]

Araby oh Araby
Exotic tales from across the seas Will you be there if I return
Tomorrow at the dawn

credits

released March 3, 2023
Written by Jim Murphy and Gráinne Hunt
Produced by Alex Borwick at Black Mountain Recording Studios

Vocals: Grainne Hunt
Guitar: Jim Murphy
String quartet: Musici

String arrangement: Cormac Curran

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Hibsen Dublin, Ireland

Hibsen are an Irish contemporary folk music ensemble formed by folk artists Gráinne Hunt and Jim Murphy. They released their debut album 'The Stern Task of Living' on 26th May 2023. The album was inspired by the book of short stories 'Dubliners' by James Joyce. Each of the 15 songs on the album is named after the short story on which it is based. ... more

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