Book excerpt: In the 'Song of My People ' internationally acclaimed liturgical composer Liam Lawton tells the story behind his music. For the past 10 years he has been drawing inspiration from the rich and beautiful heritage of his native land, never tiring of discovering connections between people, landscape and spirituality, one constantly influencing the other. Song of My People tells the story of what has inspired him to compose. He explores what it is about the native Irish tradition that has created some of the most beautiful and lyrical melodies despite knowing times of great strife and struggle. This is not an academic study but rather a compelling look into the world that has shaped Liam Lawton s music, from the early Christian settlers in Ireland, to the stories of Famine days to the contemporary world of Irish music.