The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #26070 Message #3318868
Posted By: GUEST,Joe Moran
07-Mar-12 - 04:26 PM
Thread Name: Scottish Emigrant Songs
Subject: Lyr Add: THE MOUNTAINS AND THE SKY
I notice that there are some recurring images in these various songs ... but that's only to be expected.
I rather like this one.
THE MOUNTAINS AND THE SKY
1. When the ship sailed from the harbour we were in the cargo hold,
and we could not see the mountains and the sky,
And I envied those who stood and watched the coastline fade from view,
and got a chance to say one last goodbye
2. Oh, they say that we are steerage class but that's no class at all,
but beggars can't be choosers this I know,
And the choice we faced was simple or so it seemed to me,
We could stay and starve or pack our things and go
Chorus: And I'll take out my fiddle, and I will draw my bow,
and I will play the old tunes, and they will warm my soul
And they shall be my refuge, my shelter from life's storms,
and anywhere I play these tunes, that place shall be my home
3. Nova Scotia, that's new Scotland, and there's comfort in that name,
but I wonder what awaits us in that place
A land where we can prosper, or a struggle to survive,
but I keep my spirits high for Mary's sake
4. And I think about the good times, the gatherings and fairs,
the nights filled with laughter and with song
The dance where I met Mary, and the friends we left behind,
who stood by us when hard times came along. CHORUS
5. And I think of new beginnings, and all the days to come,
and the baby fast asleep in Mary's arms
And I hope he has a good life, and I hope his days are long,
and I hope the Lord will keep him safe from harm
6. And my thoughts turn to Mary and I thank the one above
for placing that woman at my side
And I feel a weight lift from me and I know deep down inside,
there will be other mountains, other skies. CHORUS