Forty Shades of Green
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
I close my eyes and picture
The emerald of the sea
From the fishin' boats at Dingle
To the shores at Dunehea.
I miss the river Shannon
And the folks at Skibbereen
The meadows and the moorlands
And their forty shades of green.
But most of all
I miss a girl in Tipperary town
And most of all I miss her charms
And hair so long and brown.
I long again to see and do
The things we've done and seen
Where the breeze is sweet as Shalimar
And there's forty shades of green.
I wish that I could spend an hour
At Dublin's churning surf
I long to watch the farmers
Drain the bogs and spade the turf.
To see again the thatching
Of the straw the women clean
I'd walk from Cork to Larne to see
Those forty shades of green.
But most of all
I miss a girl in Tipperary town
And most of all I miss her charms
And hair so long and brown.
I long again to see and do
The things we've done and seen
Where the breeze is sweet as Shalimar
And there's forty shades of green...
About Forty Shades of Green
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a vibrant gospel-infused rhythm on "Forty Shades of Green," a track that exemplifies their signature blend of Southern soul and church music. Recorded for the 1993 Bear Family compilation *The Three Bells*, the song showcases the group's ability to weave complex harmonies with driving, upbeat instrumentation. Brown's distinctive vocal delivery anchors the arrangement, transforming what could be a standard doo-wop tune into a spirited celebration of joy and community. The recording sits comfortably within the broader canon of 1950s and 60s gospel and R&B, reflecting an era where such music served both congregational and secular audiences. While the specific lyrical themes of the track remain rooted in traditional religious imagery, the musical execution prioritizes groove and emotional resonance. This piece stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Jim Ed Brown's work, capturing a moment where gospel roots met the polished production values of the mid-20th century.