Eight Bells - Ricky Warwick

The river called my people here

With faith and hope I dream

Built this as an outpost

Just to hear the eagle scream

I watched it rise and touch my sky

That mask the very sun

I listen to the doubters

That claimed it can’t be done

I’ve nothing more to give to you

My body tired and sore

My fists are broke and bloody

From punching bedroom doors

For I told you we’d have better days

Wrapped up against the cold

When hunger roared from deep inside

And hatred blocked our own

I spent all my golden years

Trying to wear this thorny crown

Seems I’m rearranging deck chairs now

On a ship that’s going down

On a ship that’s going down

I don’t know who I tried to fool

It surely wasn’t you

The crying when your heart was weak

Told me every lie was true

These papers in a pocket

Of the coat your Father wore

We have one last chance at anything

Far away from Erin Shore

I spent all my golden years

Trying to wear this thorny crown

Seems I’m rearranging deck chairs now

On a ship that’s going down

On a ship that going down

Don’t let go

Don’t let go

Hold on and carry us on

Don’t let go

Don’t let go

Hold on and carry us on

The ancient kings and towns of Yore

Crossed Ireland in a day but our roads stretched

Out for ever when we chose to run away

For no more than a minute

As the ropes slipped off the quay

I tasted our tomorrow

In the stillness of the sea

I spent all my golden years

Trying to wear this thorny crown

Seems I’m rearranging deck chairs now

On a ship that’s going down

On a ship that’s going down

Don’t let go

Don’t let go

Hold on and carry us on

Don’t let go

Don’t let go

Just hold on and carry us on

No don’t let go

Don’t let go

Hold on and carry us on