Musical Tribute

After Ryan's death, one of his friends, Jimmy Whiffen, wrote a song in Ryan's memory called "The Whistler".

The Whistler

Lyrics and Music (c) 2005 Jimmy Whiffen

Inspired by Rose Charnell
Visit Jimmy's website at www.jimmywhiffen.com

Listen to the original version (mp3 format)

Lyrics

1. You can hear him comin', from down east in Marystown,
In the wind there rings a joyful whistlin' sound,
Our faces would light up, when he burst in through the door,
As he starts with a rowdy tune we all jump to the floor, -and he roars-

Chorus

Get off the chairs, grab a pint, and play a tune for me
Clap your hands, and stamp your feet, and I'll whistle A tune for ye

2. He whistled and he played like descendents of old,
St. Paddy would be proud of our Erin's son so bold
Told fables and stories about good times with the b'ys
A Newfoundland party and his mother's Irish eyes -and he sings-

Chorus

3. He's travelled far and wide, now he's home in Marystown
Singing with me mother, father and all that crowd
He'll play for them a tune and he's sure to rip her up
He's whistlin' with the angels having a pint from a silver cup -and he cries -

Chorus (slow)

Whistle Chorus

Learn how to play this song by downloading the lyrics and guitar cords here.