A powerful lament sung by Manxmen who emigrated to America in the late 19th century will be performed by a choir in the Island for the first time tonight (Sunday).
The Emigrant's Lament is based on a mother's farewell to her sons, setting sail from Liverpool to work in the coal mines of the Colorado Rockies.
The words were passed down through three generations to Keith Teare of Douglas, who researched the song's history and discovered four further verses.
A musical score's been written based on the melody Keith's father sang to him - and harmonies added.
The Lament will have its world premier when the Encore Choir perform at the Manx Homecomer's service at Crosby Methodist Church tonight.
Keith says desperation drove many men to leave their families and the Island behind:
Clip 1