Strawboy is a project by Ireland-based songwriter and producer Ciarán O’Rourke. It’s folk but not as you know it, drawing inspiration from untold history as well as classic Greek literature. His latest piece is called Lady Lucia.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Hugo Winder-Lind and Nina Winder-Lind
Lady Lucia tells the story of Lucia Joyce, daughter of the famed James Joyce. An initial bright start to life and a dream of being a dancer ended in tragedy when she was committed after a schizophrenia diagnosis. In the song, Ciarán imagines an alternative history where Lucia’s dance dreams became true, though her mental health issues never went away. The story is reflected beautifully in Ciarán’s musical approach, which brings elements of electro pop, jazz and psychedelic experimentation together wonderfully, as well as his poetic lyrics.
The track is the first single from Strawboy’s upcoming album Ithica Regained which is set for release in Spring next year. The album is loosely inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and promises plenty more storytelling. You can give Lady Lucia a listen below.
And for more thoughtful tracks with a story to tell, be sure to follow our Decomposition playlist on Spotify.
