The Bartender Who Plays “Have I Told You Lately” Every Closing Time At A Belfast Pub

April 2, 2025

Every night at closing time in a cozy Belfast pub, the lights dimmed low, and the familiar sound of a gentle guitar filled the air. It was the signal that the end of another long day was near. The bartender, a man named Liam, had a special tradition: he would strum the opening chords of “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison. As the first notes floated through the room, the patrons would smile, tapping their feet to the rhythm. For them, it was a sweet ending to their time together, but for Liam, it was so much more.

Liam had grown up in a small house on the outskirts of Belfast, where he first discovered the power of music. His mother would often sing Van Morrison’s songs while cooking dinner, her voice filling their humble home with warmth. The music painted their lives with colors of hope and joy, even during the tough times. Unfortunately, when Liam was a teenager, his mother fell ill, and the house grew silent. Music became his refuge, a way to escape the heavy burdens that life threw at him. He learned to play the guitar and write his own songs, pouring his emotions into melodies that expressed what his heart could not say.

Years later, after many bumps along the road, Liam found himself behind the bar of a local pub. He loved the camaraderie of the place, the laughter, and the stories shared over pints of Guinness. But as the last call approached each night, he felt a deep urge to share something more. He wanted to remind everyone of the magic that music held, of how it could heal and bring people together. That’s when he decided to play “Have I Told You Lately.” Each time he strummed the first chord, he could almost see the memories in the eyes of his patrons—the first dance at a wedding, the warmth of a loved one’s embrace, the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia.

With each rendition, the pub transformed into a sanctuary. The patrons would pause their conversations, letting the soothing melody wrap around them like a warm blanket. Some would close their eyes, swaying gently, lost in their thoughts. Others would join in, voices rising together in a chorus that echoed off the walls. Liam noticed how the song sparked connections between strangers, how it lifted spirits high and brought smiles to faces that had sometimes worn frowns. It felt as if the music was binding them, reminding each one of them that love was worth celebrating, even in the smallest moments.

As the years passed, whispers of Liam’s heartfelt performances reached beyond the pub’s doors. People began to come from far and wide to experience the magic of his closing time ritual. Inspired by their reactions, he decided to pursue his dream of making music a bigger part of his life. He recorded his own version of “Have I Told You Lately” and shared it online. The feedback was overwhelming. Messages poured in from fans who were touched by his voice, which was so reminiscent of Van Morrison’s soul. Liam realized that music was his gift, a way to connect with others, just as it had connected him with his mother.

Liam’s story is a testament to resilience and the healing power of music. Through his simple act of playing a song at closing time, he not only honored his past but also forged new paths for his future. Each night, as the final notes faded into the night, he felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment. He was not just a bartender; he was a bridge to memories, emotions, and dreams. Liam learned that in sharing his heart, he could lift others and inspire them to embrace their own stories, reminding everyone that love and music are the true rhythms of life.