Eileen Murphy

Pianist

I’d never done something out of charactor. I decided, for once, I was going to do something totally spontaneous

I have one tattoo, on my shoulder, and I got it done at what was probably the worst time of my life, when Mike and I were splitting up. All my life I have played straight and by the rules. I had never done anything unexpected or out of character and then, that day, I decided, for once, I was going to do something totally spontaneous.

I didn’t go into deep thought about it, it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. I wanted to make a gesture towards a new way of living, and that was it. I chose two musical notes, A and G, from The Way We Were. It’s a song I used to play on the piano and sing, and it means something to all of my family. My son and daughters said they would come with me. My daughter drew out the notes, and we all went into town together. The girl in the tattoo parlour took one look and laughed and said, ‘ What’s this, a family outing?’

That was a very memorable day. It was a bit of fun, although it was a sad time for all of us. It brought a bit of laughter into our lives. I was delighted with myself, and then I forgot all about it. I only remember it now when I’m wearing something that reveals the tattoo and someone else comments. At one stage I went to a plastic surgeon I know to talk about getting it removed. He said, ‘I think it’s very sexy, I wouldn’t get rid of it.’ So I didn’t. I don’t regret it at all; there is a story behind it. I wouldn’t be bothered getting another, though; that was my swansong.