Many years ago I used to play the guitar and sing [sort of].

I have a very good friend Brian, and he was a great guitarist, but more importantly – he could sing, and he knew all the words.

So we used to play together as a sort of Simon and Garfunkle type setup.

This was back in the days when folk singing and the like was going through a revival period, so we were very popular. We got invited to all the parties. Also, in those days, pubs liked musicians to wander in because we would get a session going and bring the people in. We usually got free drink which was a little bit of a bonus.

I remember one time we called into a pub in West Cork for lunch.

We placed our order and asked if we could play a quiet tune while we were waiting. The owner of the place said she didn't mind, as the place was empty anyway. So we struck up and played a bit of our repertoire. Next thing, we realised that she was standing behind a doorway listening to us.

"Are ye saying around here, lads?" says she.

We said we were camping and hadn't picked a spot for the night yet.

"Would ye like to pitch your tent in the garden and sing here tonight?" says she. "There'll be a pint in it for ye".

So we came back that evening and started playing. It was a great session. We packed the place. And we got free drinks for the night.

Three Gardai [police] came in at closing time. There was a mass panic as all the tourists dashed for the door, but the locals whispered to us to stay where we were.

Sure enough, the Gardai had a pint each, wished us all good luck, and left, closing the door firmly behind them.

A couple of hours and pints later, we realised it was lashing rain and we hadn't pitched the tent.

"Don't worry lads" says she. "We have a spare room upstairs ye can use, but ye'll have a bit of supper first"

So we had a lovely supper, a grand nights sleep and a lovely breakfast. And she wouldn't take a penny for it.

You don't get much of that treatment these days.

I don't see that much of Brian these days, which is very sad. But we live in different counties so we don't get together that often.

I got an e-mail from him the other day and he attached a song he has written to commemorate those days.

I like it. It brings back great memories.

I'd like to share it with you.

Please note that this song is copyright ©Brian King.

He is talking about bringing out a CD. So write back to me and tell me what you think.

Should he do it?

Would you buy it?

I know I will.