Christy Moore

Among the walls and ruins
Of the horrid civic stone
I walked without a lover
For my older bones

The sun was strong in going down
It was a dreamlike day
It was there we met the trinity
And there I heard them saying

And she said bye bye Mama
Goodbye brother John
Fare thee well ye Shandon bells
Ring on, ring on

She leaned and leaned much closer
And she hugs them all goodbye
Her mother cried "don't go my love"
We all must bye and bye
A drunken tongue said "leave her off"
She'll drive us all crazy
She turned around and saw my face
And both of us was she

And she said bye bye Mama
Goodbye brother John
Fare thee well ye Shandon bells
Ring on, ring on

Up and to the limestone wall
And down the level steps
She threw herself into the stream
With a splash and no regrets
Side stroke swimming midstream
Throwing kisses to the crowd
And everything was silent
And the sky had not one cloud

And she said bye bye Mama
Goodbye brother John
Fare thee well ye Shandon bells
Ring on, ring on

We were swimming out in the sunset,
We were swimming out to sea,
Swimming down by the Opera House
The Mad Lady and me.

In nineteen hundred and eighty six
There's not much for a chippie but swinging a pick
And you can't live on love, on love alone
So you sail cross the ocean, away cross the foam

To where you're a Paddy, a Biddy or a Mick
Good for nothing but stacking a brick
Your best mate's a spade and he carries a hod
Two work horses heavily shod

Oh I'm missing you
I'd give all for the price of a flight
Oh I'm missing you
under Piccadilly's neon

Who did you murder, are you a spy?
I'm just fond of a drink helps me laugh, helps me cry
So I just drink red biddy for a permanent high
I laugh a lot less and I'll cry till I die

All ye young people now take my advice
Before crossing the ocean you'd better think twice
Cause you can't live without love, without love alone
The proof is round London in the nobody zone

Where the summer is fine, but the winter's a fridge
Wrapped up in old cardboard under Charing Cross Bridge
And I'll never go home now because of the shame
Of misfit's reflection in a shop window pane

Everybody knew, nobody said
A week ago last Tuesday
She was just fifteen years
When she reached her full therm
She went to a grotto
In just a field
In the middle of the island
To deliver herself
Her baby died
She died
A week ago last Tuesday
It was a sad slow stupid death for them both
Everybody knew, nobody said
At a grotto
In a field
In the middle of the island

It was a sad slow stupid death for them both
Everybody knew, nobody said

At the early age of thirty-eight me mother said "Go west!"
"Get up", says she, "and get a job", says I, "I'll do my best"
I pulled on me Wellingtons to march to Kiltimagh
But I took a wrong turn in Charlestown and ended up in Knock

Oh once this quiet crossroads was a place of gentle prayer
Where Catholics got indulgent once or twice a year.
You could buy a pair of rosary beads or get your candles blessed
If you had a guilty conscience you could get it off your chest.

Then came the priest from Partry, Father Horan was his name
And since he's been appointed Knock has never been the same.
"B'God" says Jem, "'tis eighty years since Mary was about"
'Tis time for another miracle." and he blew the candle out.

From Fatima to Bethlehem, from Lourdes to Kiltimagh,
There's never been a miracle like the airport up in Knock

To establish terra firma he drew up a ten year plan
And started running dances around 1961.
He built a fantabulous church, Go h-alainn, on the holy ground
And once he had a focal point he started to expand

Chip shops and Bed and Breakfasts sprung up over night.
Once a place for quiet retreats now a holy sight.
All sorts of fancy restaurants for every race and creed
Where black and white and yellow pilgrims all could get a feed

The stalls once under canvas became religious supermarts
With such a range o' godly goods, they had top twenty charts.
While the airport opposition was destroyed by James' trump card.
For centenary celebrations he got John Paul the twenty-third

From Fatima to Bethlehem, from Lourdes to Kiltimagh,
There's never been a miracle like the airport up in Knock

'We had the Blessed virgin here,' Bold Jamesie did declare,
'And Pope John Paul the twenty-third appeared just over there.'
'Now do you mean to tell me', he said in total shock,
'That I am not entitled to an airport here in Knock.'

TD's were lobbied and harassed with talk of promised votes
And people who'd been loyal for years now spoke of changing coats.
Eternal damnation was threatened on the flock
Who said it was abortive building airports up in Knock

Now everyone is happy the miracle is complete.
Father Horan's got his runway, it's eighteen thousand feet
All sorts of planes could land there, of that there's little doubt,
Handy for the George Bush to keep knock Gadaffi out.

Did NATO donate, me boys, did NATO donate the dough?
Did NATO donate, me Girls, did NATO donate the dough?
Did NATO donate the dough, the dough, did NATO donate the dough?
Eighteen thousand feet of runway is an awful long way to go.

This graveyard hides a million secrets,
And the trees know more than they can tell.
The ghosts of the saints and the scholars will haunt you,
In heaven and in hell.

Rattled by the glimmer man, the boogie man, the holy man,
And livin' in the shadows, in the shadows of a gunman.
Rattled like the coppers in your greasy till,
Rattled until time stood still.

Look over your shoulder, hear the school bell ring,
Another day of made-to-measure history.
I don't care if your heroes have wings,
Your terrible beauty has been torn.

CHORUS

Faithful departed, we fickle hearted,
As you are now so once were we.
Faithful departed, we the meek hearted,
With graces imparting bring flowers to thee.
The girls in the kips proclaim their love for you
When you stumbled in they knew you had a shilling or two.
They cursed you on Sundays and holy days of abstinence,
When you all stayed away.

When you slept there a naked bulb hid your shame,
Your shadows on the wall, they took all the blame.
The Sacred Heart's picture, compassion in his eyes,
Drowned out the river of sighs.

Let the grass grow green over the brewery tonight,
It'll never come between the darkness and the light.
There is no pain that can't be eased,
By the devil's holy water and the rosary beads.

CHORUS

You're a history book I never could write,
Poetry in paralysis, too deep to recite.
Dress yourself, bless yourself, you've won the fight,
We're gonna celebrate the night.

We'll even climb the pillar like you always meant to,
Watch the sun rise over the strand.
Close your eyes and we'll pretend,
It could somehow be the same again.
I'll bury you upright so the sun doesn't blind you.
You won't have to gaze at the rain and the stars.
Sleep and dream of chapels and bars,
And whiskey in the jar.

FINAL CHORUS

Faithful departed, look what you've started;
An underdog's wounds aren't so easy to mend.
Faithful departed, there's no broken hearted,
And no more tristesse in your world without end.

Of all the stars that ever shone
Not one does twinkle like your pale blue eyes
Like golden corn at harvest time your hair
Sailing in my boat the wind
Gently blows and fills my sail
Your sweet-scented breath is everywhere

Daylight peeping through the curtain
Of the passing night time is your smile
And the sun in the sky is like your laugh
Come back to me my Nancy
Linger for just a little while
Since you left these shores I've known no peace
Nor joy

Chorus:
No matter where I wander I'm still haunted
by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Standing by the ocean wondering where you've
gone, if you'll return again
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain

On the day in Spring when snow starts to melt
And streams to flow
With the birds I'll sing this song
Then in the while I'll wander
Down by bluebell stream where wild flowers grow
And I'll hope that lovely Nancy will return

Chorus

Lanigan's Ball

Christy Moore

In the town of Athy, one Jeremy Lanigan battered away till he hadn't a shilling.
His father died, made him a man again, left him a farm and ten acres of ground.
Myself, to be sure, got invitations for the boys and girls I might ask.
Having been asked, friends and relations danced like bees around a sweet cask.
There was lashings of drink wine for the ladies, potatoes and cake bacon and tea.
Nolans and Dolans and all the O'Gradys, courting the girls and dancing away.
While songs went round as plenty as water,
The harps that are sounded through Tara's old hall,
Biddie Grey and the rat catcher's daughter singing away at Lanigan's ball.

CHORUS

Six long months I spent in Dublin, six long months doing nothing at all,
Six long months I spent in Dublin, learning to dance for Lanigan's ball.
She stepped out, I stepped in again. I stepped out and she stepped in again.
She stepped out, I stepped in again, learning to dance for Lanigan's ball.


They were doing all kinds of nonsensical dances all around in a whirligig.
Julie and I soon banished their nonsense,
Out on the floor for a reel and a jig.
How the girls all got mad at me for they thought the ceilings would fall.
I spent six months in Brook's Academy learning to dance for Lanigan's ball.
Well the boys were merry and the girls all hearty
Dancing around in their couples and groups.
An accident happened; Terence McCarthy,
He put his boot through Miss Finnerty's hoops.
She fell down in a faint and cried, 'Holy murder!'
Called her brothers and gathered them all.
Carmody swore he'd go no further till he got revenge at Lanigan's ball.

CHORUS

Boys oh boys 'tis then there was ructions. I got a belt from Phelim Mc Hugh.
I replied to his introduction, kicked up a terrible hullabaloo.
Moloney the piper was near gettin' smothered.
They leapt on his pipes, bellows, chanter and all.
Boys and girls all got entangled and that put an end to Lanigan's ball.

CHORUS

I was lured by the rocking horse
Sweets and the bualadh bos
Fifty wild boys to a room
Sing lamh, lamh eile, the dish ran away with the spoon
Black shoes and stockings for those who say don't
Blue is the colour outside
God made the world
The snake tempted Eve and she died
Wild Christian brothers sharpening their leathers
Learn it by heart, that's the rule
All I remember is dreading September and school

CHORUS
And they made me for better or worse
The fool that I am or the wise man I'll be
And they gave me their blessings or curse
It wasn't their fault I was me ...
Not the one that you see

The priest in confession condemns my obsession
With thoughts that I do not invite
I mumble and stutter
He slams down the shutter
Goodnight - (Good night to you too, Father)
Stainless as steel
Lord, you know how I feel
Someone shoot me while my soul is clear
I don't think I'll last
But my vow to abstain was sincere
Arch-confraternity men to the fight
Raise up your banners on high
Searching for grace
Securing my place
When I die

CHORUS

Oh God, he kept a very close eye on me
Hung round my bed in the darkness, he spied on me
Caught me in the long grass so often, he died on me....

Ballrooms of romance in Salthill or Mallow
I stood like John Wayne by the wall
Lined up like cattle, we waited to do battle and fall
You can't wine and dine her in an old Morris Minor
So ask her before it's too late
I danced on girls' toes - accepted rejection as my fate
Drink was my saviour, it made me much braver
But I couldn't hold it too well
I slipped on the coach and ruined my approach as I fell

It was one fine March morning I bid New Orleans adieu
And I took the road to Jackson town, my fortune to renew.
I cursed all foreign money, no credit could I gain,
Which filled me heart with longing for the lakes of Ponchartrain.

I stepped on board of a railroad car beneath the morning sun,
I rode the rods till evening and I laid me down again.
All strangers there no friends to me till a dark girl towards me came
And I fell in love with my Creole girl by the lakes of Ponchartrain.

I said, "Me pretty Creole girl, me money here's no good,
If it weren't for the alligators, I'd sleep out in the wood."
"You're welcome here, kind stranger, from such sad thoughts refrain,
For me Mammy welcomes strangers by the lakes of Ponchartrain.

She took me into her Mammy's house, and treated me right well.
The hair upon her shoulders in jet black ringlets fell.
To try and paint her beauty, Im sure twould be in vain,
So handsome was my Creole girl by the lakes of Ponchartrain.

I asked her if she'd marry me. She said that ne'er could be
For she had got a lover and he was far at sea.
She said that she would wait for him and true she would remain
Till he'd return to his Creole girl on the lakes of Ponchartrain.

Its fare thee well, me Creole girl, I never may see you more.
I'll neer forget your kindness in the cottage by the shore
And at each social gathering, a flowing bowl I'll drain
And I'll drink a health to my Creole girl by the lakes of Ponchartrain.

don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
oh don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work
or you'll end up where you came from like the rest of us
diggin', diggin', diggin'...

and don't forget your shoes and socks and shirt and tie and all.
don't forget your shoes and socks and shirt and tie and all.
mr murphy's afraid you'll make a claim if you take a fall.
("how's it goin'" "not too bad")

and we want to go to heaven but we're always diggin' holes.
we want to go to heaven but we're always diggin' holes.
yeah we want to go to heaven but we're always diggin' holes.
well there's one thing you can say...we know where we are goin'...
("any chance of a start?" "no" "okay")

and if you want to do it...don't you do it against the wall.
if you want to do it...don't you do it against the wall.
never seen a toilet on a building site at all.
there's a shed up in the corner where they won't see you at all.
("mind your sandwiches")

enoch powell will give us a job, diggin' our way to annascaul.
enoch Powell will give us a job, diggin' our way to annascaul.
enoch Powell will give us a job, diggin' our way to annascaul.
and when we're finished diggin' there they'll close the hole and all.

now there's six thousand five hundred and fifty-nine paddies
over there in london all trying to dig their way back to annascaul
and very few of them boys is going to get back at all...
i think that's terrible.

don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
oh, don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
or you'll end up where you came from like the rest of us
diggin', diggin', diggin'...

As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
"I'm innocent", a voice was heard to say
"My frame-up is almost completed.
My people all look the other way. "

Seven years ago his torture started
A forced confession he was made to sign.
Young Irish men specially trained and chosen
Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line.

Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming
Even prison doctors could see
His injuries were not self-inflicted
Those who tipped the scales did not agree.

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?

Deprived of human rights by his own people
Sickened by injustice he jumped bail,
In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome
Till his co-accused were both released from jail.

He came back expecting to get justice
Special Branch took him from the plane
For five years we've deprived him of his freedom
The guilty jeer the innocent again.

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?

The people versus Kelly was the title
Of the farce we staged at his appeal.
Puppets in well rehearsed collusion,
I often wonder how these men must feel.

As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
Through concrete and steel a whisper came
"My frame-up is almost completed.
I'm innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name. "

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?

The time has come to part, my love,
I must go away
I leave you now, my darling girl,
No longer can I stay.

My heart like yours is breaking
Together we'll prove strong
The road I take will show the world
The suffering that goes on.

The gentle clasp that holds my hand
Must loosen and let go
Please help me through the door
Though instinct tells you no.

Our vow it is eternal
And will bring you dreadful pain
But if our demands aren't recognised
Don't call me back again.

How their sorrow touched us all
In those final days
When it was the time she held the door
And touched his sallow face.

The flame he lit by leaving
Is still burning strong
By the lights it's plain to see
The suffering still goes on.

The time has come to part, my love
I must go away
I leave you now, my darling girl,
No longer can I stay.

[Am] Born in the middle of the afternoon
In a [D] horsedrawn carriage on the [G] old A-[Am]-5
[Am] The big twelve wheeler shook my bed,
You [D] can't stay [Am] here the po-[D]-liceman [Em] said.

CHORUS
You'd [Am] better get [G] born in [D] some place [Em] else.
So [Am] move along [Em] get along
[Am] move along [Em] get along,
[F] Go [G] Move [Am] Shift!

Born in the common by a building site
Where the ground was rutted by the trail of wheels
The local Christian said to me,
"You'll lower the price of property."

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

Born at potato picking time
In a noble tent in a tatie field.
The farmer said, "The work's all done
It's time that you was moving on."

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

Born at the back of a hawthorn hedge
Where the black hole frost lay on the ground.
No eastern kings came bearing gifts.
Instead the order came to shift.

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

The eastern sky was full of stars
And one shone brighter than the rest
The wise men came so stern and strict
And brought the orders to evict

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

Wagon, tent or trailer born,
Last month, last year or in far off days.
Born here or a thousand miles away
There?s always men nearby who'll say

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

The sleeve notes from 'Live at the Point"
has two extra verses (added by Christy)

Six in the morning out in Inchicore
The guards came through the wagon door.
John Maughan was arrested in the cold
A travelling boy just ten years old.

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

Mary Joyce was living at the side of the road
No halting place and no fixed abode.
The vigilantes came to the Darndale site
And they shot her son in the middle of the night.

You'd better get born in some place else.
So move along, get along, Move along, get along,
Go! Move! Shift!

The winter it has passed
And the summer's come at last
The small birds are singing in the trees
And their little hearts are glad
Ah, but mine is very sad
Since my true love is far away from me

And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For it's there I'll finds tidings of my dear

The rose upon the briar
By the water's running clear
Brings joy to the linnet and the bee
And their little hearts are blessed
But mine can know no rest
Since my true love is far away from me

A livery I'll wear
And I'll comb back my hair
And in velvet so green I will appear
And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For its there I'll find tidings of my dear

All you who are in love
Aye and cannot it remove
I pity the pain that you endure
For experience lets me know
That your hearts are filled with woe
It's a woe that no mortal can cure

Who are they to decide what we should hear?
Who are they to decide what we should see?
What do they think we can't comprehend here?
What do they fear that our reaction might be, might be?

Section 31 on the TV
Section 31 on the radio
Section 31 is like a blindfold
Section 31 makes me feel cold, feel cold.

The pounding of the footsteps in the early morning light,
Another family waking to an awful deadly fright.
There's a body on the pavement with a bullet to the jaw,
A thirteen-year-old victim of plastic bullet law.

The silence in my ears, the darkness in my eyes,
Heightens the fear, deafens the cries.
Of another brother taken in another act of hate.
A family preparing for another dreadful wait.

Section 31 on the TV
Section 31 on the radio
Section 31 is like a blindfold
Section 31 makes me feel cold, feel cold.

When apples still grow in November
When Blossoms still bloom from each tree
When leaves are still green in December
It's then that our land will be free
I wander her hills and her valleys
And still through my sorrow I see
A land that has never known freedom
And only her rivers run free

I drink to the death of her manhood
Those men who'd rather have died
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage
To bring back their rights were denied
Oh where are you now when we need you
What burns where the flame used to be
Are ye gone like the snows of last winter
And will only our rivers run free?

How sweet is life but we're crying
How mellow the wine but it's dry
How fragrant the rose but it's dying
How gentle the breeze but it sighs
What good is in youth when it's aging
What joy is in eyes that can't see
When there's sorrow in sunshine and flowers
And still only our rivers run free

In the City of Chicago
As the evening shadows fall
There are people dreaming
Of the hills of Donegal

1847 was the year it all began
Deadly pains of hunger drove a million from the land
They journeyed not for glory
Their motive wasn't greed
A voyage of survival across the stormy sea

To the City of Chicago
As the evening shadows fall
There are people dreaming
Of the hills of Donegal

Some of them knew fortune
Some of them knew fame
More of them knew hardship
And died upon the plain
They spread throughout the nation
They rode the railroad cars
Brought their songs ant music to ease their lonely hearts

To the City of Chicago
As the evening shadows fall
There are people dreaming
Of the hills of Donegal

Em
INTRO: Fingerpick [Em-C-D-Em]

[Em]True you ride the finest horse [C] I've ever seen
[D]Standing sixteen one or two with [Em]eyes wild and green
You ride the horse so well [C] hands light to the touch
[D]I could ne---ver go with you no matter how I [Em]wanted to

CHORUS
[Em]Ride on, [C] see you,
[D]I could ne---ver go with you no matter how I [Em]wanted to

When you ride into the night without a trace behind
Run your claw along my gut, one last time
I turn to face an empty space, where once you used to lie
And look for a spark that lights the dark
Through a teardrop in my eye

Chorus

Ten years before I saw the light of morning
A comradeship of heroes was laid
From every corner of the world came sailing
The Fifth International Brigade

They came to stand beside the Spanish people
To try and stem the rising fascist tide
Franco's allies were the powerful and wealthy
Frank Ryan's men came from the other side

Even the olives were bleeding
As the battle for Madrid it thundered on
Truth and love against the force of evil
Brotherhood against the fascist clan

Viva la Quinta Brigada
"No Pasaran", the pledge that made them fight
"Adelante" is the cry around the hillside
Let us all remember them tonight

Bob Hilliard was a Church of Ireland pastor
Form Killarney across the Pyrenees he came
From Derry came a brave young Christian Brother
Side by side they fought and died in Spain

Tommy Woods age seventeen died in Cordoba
With Na Fianna he learned to hold his gun
From Dublin to the Villa del Rio
Where he fought and died beneath the blazing sun

Viva la Quinta Brigada
"No Pasaran", the pledge that made them fight
"Adelante" is the cry around the hillside
Let us all remember them tonight

Many Irishmen heard the call of Franco
Joined Hitler and Mussolini too
Propaganda from the pulpit and newspapers
Helped O'Duffy to enlist his crew

The word came from Maynooth, "support the Nazis"
The men of cloth failed again
When the Bishops blessed the Blueshirts in Dun Laoghaire
As they sailed beneath the swastika to Spain

Viva la Quinta Brigada
"No Pasaran", the pledge that made them fight
"Adelante" is the cry around the hillside
Let us all remember them tonight

This song is a tribute to Frank Ryan
Kit Conway and Dinny Coady too
Peter Daly, Charlie Regan and Hugh Bonar
Though many died I can but name a few

Danny Boyle, Blaser-Brown and Charlie Donnelly
Liam Tumilson and Jim Straney from the Falls
Jack Nalty, Tommy Patton and Frank Conroy
Jim Foley, Tony Fox and Dick O'Neill

Viva la Quinta Brigada
"No Pasaran", the pledge that made them fight
"Adelante" is the cry around the hillside
Let us all remember them tonight

How's it goin' there everybody,
From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork and Glenamaddy.
Here we are in the County Clare
It's a long, long way from here to there.
There's the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher,
the Tulla and the Kilfenora,
Miko Russell, Doctor Bill,
Willy Clancy, Noel Hill.
Flutes and fiddles everywhere.
If it's music you want,
You should go to Clare.

CHORUS

Oh, Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoonvarna!

Everybody needs a break,
Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
Some head off to exotic places,
Others go to the Galway Races.
Mattie goes to the South of France,
Jim to the dogs, Peter to the dance.
A cousin of mine goes potholing,
A cousin of heres loves Joe Dolan.
Summer comes around each year,
We go there and they come here.
Some jet off to ... Frijiliana,
But I always go to Lisdoonvarna.

CHORUS

I always leave on a Thursday night,
With me tent and me groundsheet rolled up tight.
I like to hit Lisdoon,
In around Friday afternoon.
This gives me time to get me tent up and my gear together,
I don't need to worry about the weather.
Ramble in for a pint of stout,
you'd never know who'd be hangin' about!
There's a Dutchman playing a mandolin,
And a German looking for Liam Og O'Floinn.
And there's Adam, Bono and Garrett Fitzgerald,
Gettin' their photos taken for the Sunday World.
Finbarr, Charlie and Jim Hand,
And they drinkin' pints to bate the band.
( why would'nt they for Jasus sake are'nt they getting it for nothing)

CHORUS

The multitudes, they flocked in throngs
To hear the music and the songs.
Motorbikes and Hi-ace vans,
With bottles - barrels - flagons - cans.
Mighty craic. Loads of frolics,
Pioneers and alcoholics,
PLAC, SPUC and the FCA,
Free Nicky Kelly and the IRA.
Hairy chests and milk-white thighs,
mickey dodgers in disguise.
Mc Graths, O'Briens, Pippins, Coxs,
Massage parlours in horse boxes.
There's amhrans, bodhrans, amadans,
Arab sheiks, Hindu Sikhs, Jesus freaks,
RTE are makin' tapes, takin' breaks and throwin' shapes.
This is heaven, this is hell.
Who cares? Who can tell?
(Anyone for the last few Choc Ices, now?)

CHORUS

A 747 for Jackson Browne,
They had to build a special runway just to get him down.
Before the Chieftains could start to play,
Seven creamy pints came out on a tray.
Shergar was ridden by Lord Lucan,
Sean Cannon did the backstage cookin'.
Clannad were playin' "Harry's Game",
Christy was singin' "Nancy Spain".
Mary O'Hara and Brush Shields,
Together singin' "The Four Green Fields".
Van the Man and Emmy Lou,
Moving Hearts and Planxty too!

CHORUS

Everybody needs a break,
Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
Sean Doherty goes to the Rose of Tralee,
Oliver J. Flanagan goes swimming in the Holy Sea.
But I like the music and the open air,
So every Summer I go to Clare.
Coz Woodstock, Knock nor the Feast of Cana,
Can hold a match to Lisdoonvarna.

CHORUS

"Look at the dying soldier", I heard someone whisper, then i saw the blood come through my shirt.
Am i going to die here? I don't wanna die here! Someone come and pick me from the dirt.

(Refrain)
I don't belong here, i don't wanna die here, Oh no!
I don't belong here, don't let me die here, Oh no!

My hands are gettin' colder, My thoughts are growing weaker, this must be the way it is.
Stop the shootin', don't ya see i'm dying? Someone come and say a prayer.

(Refrain)

My eye's are closin', i see someone comin', he turns his back and runs away.
They stop shootin', it started rainin', This must be the way.

(Refrain)

I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.

(Instrumental)

In 1803 we sailed out to sea
Out from the sweet town of Derry.
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown
And the marks of our feckles we carried
In the rusty iron chains we cried for our wanes
Our good women we left there in sorrow
As the main sails unfurled, our curses we hurled
At the English and the thoughts of tomorrow

At the mouth of the Foyle, bid farwell to the soil
As down below decks we were lying.
O'Docherty's scream woke him out of a dream
By a vision of bold Robert dying.
The sun burned cruel and we dished out the gruel
Dan O'Connor was down with the fever
Sixty rebels today bound for botany bay
How many would reach there this evening?

Refrain: Oh....oh, I wish I was back home in Derry.
Oh....oh, I wish I was back home in Derry.

I cursed them to hell, as our bow fought the swell
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelight
Wild horses rode high as the devil passed by
Taking souls into Hades by twilight
Five weeks out to sea we were now 43
We buried our comrades each morning
And in our own slime, we were lost in the time
Endless night without dawning

1x Refrain

Van diemens land is a hell for a man
To end out his whole life in slavery
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law
Neither wind nor rain care for bravery
Twenty years have gone by and I've ended my bond
My comrades' ghosts walk behind me
A rebel I came and I'm still the same
On a cold winters night you will find me.

2x refrain

The least we can do, is make the world a better place
Not just for the few, but for the human race
To end wars and quarrels, make John Lennon's dream come true
To build a new set of morals, It's the least we can do.

Show some love and compassion, when people are feeling low
Make it not just a fashion, that may come and go
Bring an end to oppression, 'cos it imprisons the truth
And be free with expression, It's the least we can do.

So follow his rainbow, deep into the evening sun
And pray that its colours, will blend together as one
Seek and we may find, the dream he loved to pursue
A peace for all mankind, it's the least we can do.

I want to reach out over the lough
And feel your hand across the water
Walk with you along an unapproved road
Not looking over my shoulder
I want to see
I want to hear
To understand your fears
But we're north and south of the river

I've been doing it wrong
all of my life
This holy town has turned me over
A young man running from what he didn't understand
As the wind from the lough just blew colder and colder

There was a badness that had its way
But love was not lost
it just got mislaid
North and south of the river

Can we stop playing these old tattoos?
Darling I don't have the answer
I want to meet you where you are
I don't need you to surrender
There is no feeling so alone
as when the one you're hurting is your own
North and south of the river

Some high ground is not worth taking
Some connections are not worth making
There's an old church bell no longer ringing
And some old songs not worth singing

North and south of the river
North and south of the river

How's it going there everybody?
You're very welcome to this evening's cabaret
I want to thank you for the trouble you're after taking
To come and hear me play
I know the effort that you make and all the trouble that you have to take
When you decide you're gonna go and see a show
Your wife says Oh not Christy Moore, we've seen him loads of times before
And we're going to miss Gay Byrne on the Late Late Show

Well there's people here upon my word from every corner of the world
Portarlington Portlaoise and Tullamore
From Two Mile House and Poulaphouca
From Blacktrench Cutbush and Boolea
Such a crowd I've never seen before

Well you are welcome welcome everyone
Special branch you're on the run
Fine Gael, Fianna Fail or Sinn Fein
When the elections are all over
We'll all be pushing up clover
And everyone in the graveyard votes the same

My belly thought my throat was cut
And all the restaurants were shut as I was driving out through Kinnegad
So I drove on to Mother Hubbard's where I saw a swarm of truckers
And I said to myself this place doesn't look too bad
In came a 40ft lorry leaking lines of slurry
And the king of the road jumped down and he said to me
Hey John, don't I know your face
Are you Paddy Reilly or Brendan Grace?
Are you Mary Black or Freddy White says he

Wait til I tell you what happened to me today
I was coming up the dual carriageway
Half a mile the far side on Naas
The Irish Army, they were all over the place
So I pulled in and rolled my window down
The saighdiuiri they surrounded my car I thought it was the third world war
Some of the boys were throwin Shi'ite shapes
I said brigadier general what appears to be the trouble
He said "Don't forget your shovel"
Have you any auld autographs or tapes?
I do.. what about the leb?

For all of our languages we can't communicate
For all of our native tongues we're all natives here
Sons of their fathers' dream the same dream
The sound of forbidden words becomes a scream
Voices in anger, victims of history
Plundered and set aside, grow fat on swallowed pride

With promises of paradise and gifts of beads and knives
Missionaries and pioneers are soldiers in disguise
Saviours and Conquerers, they make us wait
Like fishers of men they wave their truth like bait
But with the touch of a stranger's hand innocence turns to shame
The spirit that dwelt within now sleeps out in the rain

For all of our languages we can't communicate,
For all of our native tongues, we're all natives here
The scars of the past are slow to disappear
The cries of the dead are always in our ears
And only the very safe can talk about wrong and right
Of those who are forced to choose, some will choose to fight

It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank
An old man said, "Son, I won't see another one"
And then he sang a song, a rare old mountain tune
I turned my eyes away, and I thought about you

I got on a lucky one, came in at 18/1
I've got a feeling this year's for me and you
So Happy Christmas, I love you baby
There's going to be good times
When all our dreams come true.

They've got cars big as bars
They've got rivers of gold
But the wind blows right through you
It's no place for the old
When I first took your hand on a cold Christmas Eve
I told you that Broadway was waiting for me.

You were handsome and pretty, queen of New York city
When the band finished playing, the crowd howled for more
Sinatra was swinging, and the crowd they were singing
We kissed on the corner and danced round the floor.

And the boys from the New York police choir were singin' Galway Bay
And the bells were ringin' out on Christmas Day

I could have been someone and so could anyone
I took my dreams from you when I first met you
I kept them with me, babe, and put them with my own
I can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you.

You're a bum you're a punk you're an aul hoor on junk
Lyin' there on the drip nearly dead in the bed
You scumbag you maggot you cheap lousy faggot
Happy Christmas me arse, I would rather be dead...

And the boys from the New York police choir were singin' Galway Bay
And the bells were ringin' out on Christmas Day

I dreamt a dream the other night I couldn't sleep a wink
The rats were tryin' to count the sheep and I was off the drink
There were footsteps in the parlour and voices on the stairs
I was climbin' up the walls and movin' round the chairs.
I looked out from under the blanket up at the fireplace.
The Pope and John F. Kennedy were starin' in me face.*
Suddenly it dawned at me I was getting the old D.T.s
When the Child o' Prague began to dance around the mantlepiece.

CHORUS
Goodbye to the Port and Brandy, to the Vodka and the Stag,
To the Schmiddick and the Harpic, the bottled draught and keg.
As I sat lookin' up the Guinness ad I could never figure out
How your man stayed up on the surfboard after 14 pints of stout.

Well I swore upon the bible I'd never touch a drop.
My heart was palpitatin' I was sure 'twas going to stop,
Thinkin' I was dyin' I gave my soul to God to keep.
A tenner to St. Anthony to help me get some sleep.
I fell into an awful nightmare - got a dreadful shock.
When I dreamt there was no Duty-free at the airport down in Knock.
George Seawright was sayin' the rosary and SPUC were on the pill.**
Frank Patterson was gargled and he singin' Spancil Hill.

CHORUS

I dreamt that Mr. Haughey had recaptured Crossmaglen
Then Garret got re-elected and gave it back again.
Dick Spring and Roger Casement were on board the Marita-Ann
As she sailed into Fenit they were singin' Banna Strand.
I dreamt Archbishop McNamara was on Spike Island for 3 nights
Havin' been arrested for supportin' Traveller's rights.
I dreamt that Ruairi Quinn was smokin' marijuana in the Dail
Barry Desmond handin' Frenchies out to scuts in Fianna Fail.

CHORUS

I dreamt of Nell McCafferty and Mary Kenny too
The things that we got up to, but I'm not tellin' you.
I dreamt I was in a jacuzzi along with Alice Glenn
'twas then I knew I'd never ever, ever drink again.

CHORUS

Black is the colour of my true love's hair
Her lips are like some roses fair
She has the sweetest smile and the gentlest hands
And I love the ground whereon she stands.

I love my love and well she knows;
I love the ground whereon she goes
I wish the day it soon would come
When she and I could be as one.

I go the Clyde and I mourn and weep
For satisfied I never can be
I write her a letter, just a few short lines
And suffer death a thousand times.

Black is the colour of my true love's hair
Her lips are like some roses fair
She has the sweetest smile and the gentlest hands
And I love the ground whereon she stands.

In nineteen hundred and eighty six
There's not much for a chippie but swinging a pick
And you can't live on love, on love alone
So you sail cross the ocean, away cross the foam

To where you're a Paddy, a Biddy or a Mick
Good for nothing but stacking a brick
Your best mate's a spade and he carries a hod
Two work horses heavily shod

Oh I'm missing you
I'd give all for the price of a flight
Oh I'm missing you
under Piccadilly's neon

Who did you murder, are you a spy?
I'm just fond of a drink helps me laugh, helps me cry
So I just drink red biddy for a permanent high
I laugh a lot less and I'll cry till I die

All ye young people now take my advice
Before crossing the ocean you'd better think twice
Cause you can't live without love, without love alone
The proof is round London in the nobody zone

Where the summer is fine, but the winter's a fridge
Wrapped up in old cardboard under Charing Cross Bridge
And I'll never go home now because of the shame
Of misfit's reflection in a shop window pane

Em
INTRO: Fingerpick [Em-C-D-Em]

[Em]True you ride the finest horse [C] I've ever seen
[D]Standing sixteen one or two with [Em]eyes wild and green
You ride the horse so well [C] hands light to the touch
[D]I could ne---ver go with you no matter how I [Em]wanted to

CHORUS
[Em]Ride on, [C] see you,
[D]I could ne---ver go with you no matter how I [Em]wanted to

When you ride into the night without a trace behind
Run your claw along my gut, one last time
I turn to face an empty space, where once you used to lie
And look for a spark that lights the dark
Through a teardrop in my eye

Chorus

It was in the year of '88 in the lovely month of June
When the gadflies were swarming and dogs howling at the moon
With rosary beads and sandwiches for Stuttgart we began
Joxer packed his German phrasebook and jumpleads for the van.

Some of the lads had never been away from home before
'Twas the first time Whacker put his foot outside of Inchicore
Before we left for Europe we knew we'd need a plan
So we all agreed that Joxer was the man to drive the van.

In Germany the autobahn, 'twas like the Long Mile Road
There was every make of car and van all carrying the full load
Ford Transits and Hiaces and an old Bedford from Tralee
With the engine overheating from longhauling duty free.

There was fans from Ballygermot, Ballybough and Ballymun
On the journey of a lifetime, and the crack was ninety-one
Joxer met a German's daughter on the banks of the river Rhine
And he told her she'd be welcome in Ballyfermot any time.

As soon as we found Stuttgart we got the wagons in a ring
Sean Og got out the banjo and Peter played the mandolin
There was fans there from everywhere attracted by the sound
At the first Fleadh Ceoil in Europe, and Joxer passed the flagon round.

But the session it ended when we'd finished all the stout
The air mattresses inflated and the sleeping bags rolled out
As one by one we fell asleep Joxer had a dream
He dreamt himself and Jack Charlton sat down to pick the team.

Joxer dreamt they both agreed on Packie Bonner straightaway
And that Moran, Whelan and McGrath were certainly to play
But tempers they began to rise and patience wearing thin
Jack wanted Cascarino but Joxer wanted Quinn.

The dream turned into a nightmare, Joxer stuck the head on Jack
Who wanted to bring Johnny Giles and Eamon Dunphy back
The cock crew in the morning, it crew both loud and shrill
Joxer woke up in his sleeping bag many miles from Arbour Hill.

The next morning none of the experts gave us the slightest chance
They said the English team would lead us on a merry dance
With their Union Jacks all them English fans for victory they were set
Until Ray Houghton got the ball and he stuck it in the net.

What happened next is history, brought tears to many eyes
That day will be the highlight of many people's lives
Joxer climbed right over the top and the last time he was seen
Was arm in arm with Jack Charlton singing, Revenge for Skibereen.

Now Whacker's back in Inchicore, he's living with his mam
And Jack Charlton has been proclaimed an honorary Irishman
Do you remember that German's daughter on the banks of the river Rhine
Well, didn't she show up in Ballyfermot last week and ...

Of all the stars that ever shone
Not one does twinkle like your pale blue eyes
Like golden corn at harvest time your hair
Sailing in my boat the wind
Gently blows and fills my sail
Your sweet-scented breath is everywhere

Daylight peeping through the curtain
Of the passing night time is your smile
And the sun in the sky is like your laugh
Come back to me my Nancy
Linger for just a little while
Since you left these shores I've known no peace
Nor joy

Chorus:
No matter where I wander I'm still haunted
by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Standing by the ocean wondering where you've
gone, if you'll return again
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain

On the day in Spring when snow starts to melt
And streams to flow
With the birds I'll sing this song
Then in the while I'll wander
Down by bluebell stream where wild flowers grow
And I'll hope that lovely Nancy will return

Chorus

This is the day the fisherman likes
And so do I
When the rain puts a shine on the chestnut spikes
Hear the curlews cry
The nightingale sings her best
We'll drink a pint in hamiltons rest
And the girl I love wore a muslin dress
The fisherman dream of the sun in the west
And so do I
And so do I

Now I can see
Since the girl I love dearly
Has cast her loving spell on me

This is the day the cuckoo likes
And so do I
When the hills fall down in different shapes
And the swallows fly
To a hidden beach where boats can't go
Mountain rivers overflow
I hear the squealin' of the seagulls
As off home they go
And so do I
And so do I

Now I can see
Since the girl I love dearly
Has cast her loving spell on me

I'll cross the seven oceans
Forever more I'll wander
'Till she has cast her loving spell on me

This is the day the fisherman likes
And so do I
When the rain puts a shine on the chestnut spikes
Hear the curlews cry
The nightingale sings her best
We'll drink a pint in hamiltons rest
And the girl I love wore a muslin dress
The fishermen dream of the sum in the west
And so do I
And so do I

And so do I
And so do I

The good ship Granma lies at anchor in the harbour
Waiting for the evening tide to rise and bring high water.
Bound for Cuba she must go across the Gulf of
Mexico and The Caribbean Ocean
She's carrying a human cargo 83 good companeros
Each one burning with determination to be free

CHORUS

Against Batista, The Fidelistas, courage was their armour As they fought at Fidel's side with Che Guevara.

Five days out from Mexico these Companeros
Landed on the Cuban beach Los Colarados
Fidel said this year will see our country and our people free Or else we will be martyrs
We've only guns enough for 20 the enemy has arms a plenty
Meet him and defeat him and he'll keep us well supplied

Chorus

Five weeks later in the Canyon De La Rio
Fidels army was reduced to 18 Companeros
Hungry, weak and unafraid, learning revolutions trade in the high Sierra Maestre
Where the mountain winds did blow bearing seeds to sprout and sow
New crops in Cuban soil that marked the death of slavery

Chorus

Companeros, tu valaderos
Courage was their armour as they fought at Fidel's side with Che Guevara

They made their way across the peak of El Torquino
Joined by bands of volunteers and the men from Santiago
They faced Batista's tanks and trains,drove them back across the plains,from the high Sierra Maestre
They drove the gangsters from Los Vios straight across the Cordileros
Santa Barbra fell to Che Guevara and was free.
The fire lit on that Cuban beach by Fidel Castro
Still shines all the way to Terra del Fuego
Sparks are blown upon the breeze, people rise from off their knees when they see the night is burning.
It blazes up in Venezuela, Bolivia and Guatamala
Lights the road that we must go in order to be free.....

There was a woman and she lived on her own,
Slaved on her own and skivvied on her own,
She'd two little boys and two little girls --
She lived all alone with her husband.

He was a hunk of a man
A chunk of a man and a drunk of a man,
A hunk of a drunken skunk of a man
Such a boozy, bruising, bully of a husband.

For when he'd come home drunk at night,
He'd thrash her black and thrash her white;
Thrashed her to within an inch of her life,
And snored all night like a big drunken husband.

One night she gathered her tears all round her shame
Covered up the bruise and cried with the pain,
You'll not do that ever again,
I'll not live anymore with a drunk of a husband.

And that night as he lay drunk in bed,
The strangest thought came to her head,
She took the needle and the thread,
And went straight in to her sleeping husband.

She started to stitch with a girlish thrill
With a woman's eye and a seamstress' skill,
She bibbed and tucked with an iron will,
A she stitched all round her sleeping husband.

The top sheet, the bottom sheet, too,
The blanket stitched to the mattress through,
She bibbed and tucked the whole night through
Waiting for the dawn and her husband.

Solo (hyup!)

He awoke with a pain in his head,
He found that he could not move in bed,
Sweet God in Heaven, have I lost me legs!
She just sat and smiled at her husband.

In her hand she held the frying pan
With a flutter in her heart she flew at him;
He could not move he cried, God damn!
Don't you swear at me ya dirty husband."

She beat him black, she beat him blue,
With the frying pan and the colander too,
With the rolling pin a stroke or two
Such a battered and repenting husband.

"If you ever come home drunk again,
I'll stitch you up and sew you in,
Then I'll pack my bag and I'll be gone,
I'll not live with a drunk of a husband."

Isn't it true what a wife can do
With a needle, thread and a stitch or two?
He's wiped his slate and his boozin's through
She don't live anymore with a drunken husband.


recorded by Mike Waterson, Martin Carthy, Max Hole
filename( STICTIME
BR

In the cold of the evening, they used to gather.
Neath the stars in the meadow, circled near the old oak tree.

At the times appointed.. by the seasons..
of the earth, and the phases of the moon.

In the center, often stood a woman,
equal with the others, respected for her worth.

One of the many.. we call the witches,
the healers, the teachers, of the wisdom of the earth.

And the people grew in the knowledge she gave them,
herbs to heal their bodies, smells to make their spirits whole.

Hear them chanting healing incantations,
calling for the wise ones, celebrating in dance and song...

(...Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali... Inanna... repeat x2)

There were those that came to power, through domination.
They were bonded in their worship of a dead man on a cross.

They sought control of the common people,
by demanding allegiance to the church of Rome.

And the Pope, he commenced the inquisition,
As a war against the women, whose powers they feared.

In this holocaust, in this age of evil,
Nine million European women, they died.

And the tale is told, of those who by the hundreds,
holding hands together, chose their deaths in the sea.

While chanting the praises of the Mother Goddess,
a refusal of betrayal, women were dying to be free.

(...Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali... Inanna... repeat x2)

Now the earth is a witch, and we still burn her.
Stripping her down with mining, and the poison of our wars.

Still to us, the earth is a healer, a teacher, and a mother.
A weaver of a web of light, that keeps us all alive.

She gives us the vision to see through the chaos.
She gives us the courage, it is our will to survive.

(Repeat Goddess chant x4)

I dreamt a dream the other night I couldn't sleep a wink
The rats were tryin' to count the sheep and I was off the drink
There were footsteps in the parlour and voices on the stairs
I was climbin' up the walls and movin' round the chairs.
I looked out from under the blanket up at the fireplace.
The Pope and John F. Kennedy were starin' in me face.*
Suddenly it dawned at me I was getting the old D.T.s
When the Child o' Prague began to dance around the mantlepiece.

CHORUS
Goodbye to the Port and Brandy, to the Vodka and the Stag,
To the Schmiddick and the Harpic, the bottled draught and keg.
As I sat lookin' up the Guinness ad I could never figure out
How your man stayed up on the surfboard after 14 pints of stout.

Well I swore upon the bible I'd never touch a drop.
My heart was palpitatin' I was sure 'twas going to stop,
Thinkin' I was dyin' I gave my soul to God to keep.
A tenner to St. Anthony to help me get some sleep.
I fell into an awful nightmare - got a dreadful shock.
When I dreamt there was no Duty-free at the airport down in Knock.
George Seawright was sayin' the rosary and SPUC were on the pill.**
Frank Patterson was gargled and he singin' Spancil Hill.

CHORUS

I dreamt that Mr. Haughey had recaptured Crossmaglen
Then Garret got re-elected and gave it back again.
Dick Spring and Roger Casement were on board the Marita-Ann
As she sailed into Fenit they were singin' Banna Strand.
I dreamt Archbishop McNamara was on Spike Island for 3 nights
Havin' been arrested for supportin' Traveller's rights.
I dreamt that Ruairi Quinn was smokin' marijuana in the Dail
Barry Desmond handin' Frenchies out to scuts in Fianna Fail.

CHORUS

I dreamt of Nell McCafferty and Mary Kenny too
The things that we got up to, but I'm not tellin' you.
I dreamt I was in a jacuzzi along with Alice Glenn
'twas then I knew I'd never ever, ever drink again.

CHORUS

I'm an ordinary man, nothing special nothing grand
I've had to work for everything I own
I never asked for a lot, I was happy with what I got
Enough to keep my family and my home

Now they say that times are hard and they've handed me my cards
They say there's not the work to go around
And when the whistle blows, the gates will finally close
Tonight they're going to shut this factory down
Then they'll tear it d-o-w-n

I never missed a day nor went on strike for better pay
For twenty years I served them best I could
Now with a handshake and a cheque it seems so easy to forget
Loyalty through the bad times and through good
The owner says he's sad to see that things have got so bad
but the captains of industry won't let him lose
He still drives a car and smokes his cigar
And still he takes his family on a cruise, he'll never lose

Well it seems to me such a cruel irony
He's richer now then he ever was before
Now my cheque is spent and I can't afford the rent
There's one law for the rich, one for the poor
Every day I've tried to salvage some of my pride
To find some work so's I might pay my way
Oh but everywhere I go, the answer's always no
There's no work for anyone here today, no work today

Break - 1st four lines

And so condemned I stand just an ordinary man
Like thousands beside me in the queue
I watch my darling wife trying to make the best of life
And God knows what the kids are going to do
Now that we are faced with this human waste
A generation cast aside
And as long as I live, I never will forgive
You've stripped me of my dignity and pride, you've stripped me bare
You've stripped me bare, You've stripped me bare

As I was walking home one evenin'
I know this takes some believin'
I met a group of creatures
With the strangest lookin' features

A poor old dove and a worm in the weed
And a fine old pigeon, yes indeed
A daddy longlegs jumpet sprite
As he danced to the reel in the flickering light
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
And the daddy longlegs jumpet sprite
As he danced to the reel in the flickering light

On his thin and wispy spindles
He was deft and he was nimble
His eyes were scientific
And his dancing was terrific

And the rats and worms they made a din
And the nettles in the corners took it in
"Oh God" says I, "Tonight's the night"
"We'll dance to the reel in the flickering light"
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
"Oh God" says I "tonight's the night
We'll dance to the reel in the flickering light"

Then he looked at me directly
With a gaze that could dissect me
Then he asked me in a whisper
"Have you got any sisters?"

"Oh God almighty" says I to him
"What sort of a man d'you think I am?
I've only one she's not your type
She wouldn't dance the reel in the flickering light"
So round we go, heel to the toe
"I've only one she's not your type
She wouldn't dance a reel in the flickering light"

Says he:
"Does she come from another planet?
Does she got a bee in her bonnet?
Does she do her daily duties
You never know we might be suited"

And the rats and the worms began in to laugh
And some of them started shufflin' off
We're goin' to have some fun tonight
Getting ready for the reel in the flickering light
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
We're goin' to have some fun tonight
Getting ready for the reel in the flickering light

I could see he had no scruples
When I looked into his pupils
They were purple or magenta
Like a statue during lent

I said "I'll get her right away"
"Good man" says he "now don't delay"
We're going to have some fun tonight
And he flicked his legs in the flickering light.
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
We're goin' to have some fun tonight
And he flicked his legs in the flickering light.

Then up stepped a red carnation
and they gave her an ovation
She was warm and enchatin'
As she slowly started dancin'

And the wise old pigeon peeled his eye.
And the nettles and the weeds began to sigh.
Daddy longlegs said "my-oh-my
Are we ready for the reel in the flickering light?"
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
Daddy longlegs said "my-oh-my
Are we ready for the reel in the flickering light?"

She was gentle, she was charmin'
And I heard him call her "darlin'
He was graceful as a whisper
On his delicate legs of silver

And the rats and worms were still as mice
And the poor old pigeon said "That's nice"
As shimmering there, ah, the lovely bride
As they danced to the reel in the flickering light
Oh round we go, heel to the toe
As shimmering there, ah, the lovely bride
As they danced to the reel in the flickering light

Oh round we go, heel to the toe
As shimmering there, ah, the lovely bride
As they danced to the reel in the flickering light