Imelda May has revealed the touching tribute she paid to her mother with the title of her poetry book.
The beloved Dublin singer appeared on the Today Show with Maura and Daithi to talk about the collection of poems, explaining that the title was given to her by her mother Madge who passed away in November aged 94.
"My mam always said, if we were in a hurry, she’d hand us a wet flannel, and say 'quick, have a lick and a promise'," she revealed to the hosts.
The singer went on to explain the extra meaning behind the title, saying that she loved the "sensual connotation" of the title.
She said: "I thought that’s what poetry is - you can have a quick dip into poetry, but you don’t have to commit to a full book.
"That’s the joy of our culture. It’s part of the family.
"I wanted to put in where it came from and where it’s going. And my love of poetry came from my dad and literature. It’s ingrained in our family."
A Lick And A Promise has proven popular and is temporarily out of stock in bookshops.
The singer joked: "I think that my publishers underestimated the Irish public!"
Following her mother's passing, Imelda posted a heartfelt tribute to the 'supreme queen' on Facebook and Instagram.
She wrote in a statement: "She drifted gently in her sleep and took her last breath, in her own bed with her beloved husband Tony by her side.
"We couldn’t have wished for better. She deserved all. The effects of her fierce strength, infinite compassion, generosity, determination, quick wit, humour, vibrancy, sharp mind and deep spirit will outlive her and endure.
"Our matriarch, our supreme queen, has gone to the awaiting ancestors. The sorrow is deep our hearts are hurting but gratitude is abundant and love all consuming."
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