With a portfolio of heartfelt originals and an unmistakable Celtic charm, former Celtic Thunder star Keith Harkin has never shied away from blending intimacy with artistry. And his performance of September Sessions — filmed on a windswept beach with nothing but a small piano and the open sea — is a shimmering testament to his emotional depth and songwriting prowess.
At first glance, Harkin looks adrift and somber, a man lost in thought against the endless horizon. But the moment the first notes of September Sessions rise, the performance transforms — filling the scene with warmth, nostalgia, and the kind of comfort only Harkin can deliver.
The original track, written by Harkin and accompanied on piano by Sam Swallow, captures a sense of longing and healing. In the opening verse, Harkin sets the tone with striking imagery:
“September sessions runnin’ through my mind
You know what it is that I can’t find
I’m sittin’ here so sad, alone
Nothin’ else but water, feels like home.”
As the chorus swells, his voice rides the rhythm of the tide:
“Salt water runnin’ through my veins
With my friend, Dody, here
Oh, and the rain falls soft on my skin
And the pain washes away like nothin’.”
It’s a moment where Harkin doesn’t just sing about home — he embodies it. The salt air, the piano’s delicate tones, and his soaring vocal all merge into something deeply human and relatable.
A Song That Resonates
Fans have flooded the video’s comments with praise, calling it one of Harkin’s most moving works. “One of your songs that I love the most and that I always listen to willingly. Thanks Keith 💚,” one admirer shared, while another called it “pure talent… I could listen to Keith sing all day.”
Others noted the raw intimacy of the setting. “That little piano really made me laugh. I LOVE the song. Thank you,” one listener wrote, highlighting how even the stripped-back visuals added to the song’s charm.
The Story Behind “September Sessions”
September Sessions is part of Harkin’s solo career catalog and reflects his deep connection to nature and the ocean. Directed by Chad Faust, the video paints a portrait of vulnerability — a musician alone with his thoughts, yet surrounded by the eternal presence of sea and sky.
Much like Kelly Clarkson’s reimaginings of pop ballads, Harkin’s ability to make a moment feel both personal and universal is what continues to set him apart. For longtime fans of Celtic Thunder, the performance is a reminder of his vocal gift, while for new listeners, it is an entry point into the soulful world of Keith Harkin’s artistry.
From the moment the first lyric escapes into the salty breeze to the final note fading into the surf, September Sessions is a reminder that music can turn even sadness into a sense of home.
