SINGLE REVIEW: MARIA BYRNE - MY MOTHER'S DAUGHTER

One of the undoubted good news stories of C2C 2025 was that of Maria Byrne returning after a ten year absence to grace the festival one more. The story did not end there though, as later in the year on a writing trip to Nashville last summer, she worked with Rodney Crowell, T Bone Burnett, Vince Gill and Mike Campbell at a songwriting retreat where one of the songs to emerge was "My Mother's Daughter".

Produced by the lady of the moment Alyssa Bonagura, there are distinctive touches of both Ireland and Nashville in the opening, in a tune that will pay tribute to her own Mother, and quite possibly everyones Mother, as she includes little reminiscences that seem universally true. It also lays bare that you eventually take their best bits and utilise them in your own parental journey.

"I am my Mother's daughter, and i can't live without the tea

It keeps me up at night, but I would rather miss the sleep

Than give up the chance to see the light of life surrounding me"

As each verse passes by the volume seems to rise slightly as Maria fills us with little homespun revelations.

"I wear my heart upon my sleeve,

I bake a thousand cakes a day

I live for my children

For their children too"

With the news seemingly ever gloomy as each day passes, this is a little beacon of light that puts a little warmth in your heart. There's even a little section where Maria breaks out of singing the tune and makes a spoken confession much like someone at their first AA meeting - as she proudly announces

"I am my Mother's Daughter,

And I track flights internationally

Can't use a remote but I know when and where you'll be!"

With additional warm backing vocals from multi talented musician and producer Kealan Kenny, this surely provides a most fitting tribute.