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Album Lyrics

Here you'll find lyrics for all songs on my albums to date including traditional folk songs that appear on the relative albums.

Unholy Wood
Here Beneath The Sun
The Curious Tide
The Forest Dark
michael-john azzopardi (Self-Titled)
Room

Room

Breath

The sun it kissed my brow today
Even the mirror made me look okay
Got this melody spinning around inside my head
I'll ride the carousel before I forgetPenning words that don't mean too much
I try to reach and can almost touch
One of those feelings you just can't explain
Soaked me to the bone like pouring rainToday for a moment I feel alive
Busy bee buzzing around without a hive
Anything's possible I almost believe
I'm high on just the breath that I breathe

I Spy

Tell me what you want me to see
Be my eyes see for me
Tell me what I'm supposed to find
I might be lazy but I'm not blindIf seeing's believing
What do you see when you look at yourself?
If seeing's believing
Do you believe, believe in yourself?I spy with my little eye
Something beginning with why
I spy with my little eye
Won't you tell me why?Some things you just know for certain
I tried my best but it's not working
To understand what's on your mind
You won't tell me you've got your pride
foolish prideIf seeing's believing
What do you see when you look at yourself?
If seeing's believing
Do you believe, believe in yourself?I spy with my little eye
Something beginning with why
I spy with my little eye
Won't you tell me why?When're you going to open your eyes?
You are you and I am I
And who are you to criticise?
To speak of truth living a lieIf seeing's believing
What do you see when you look at yourself?
If seeing's believing
You've got to believe, believe in yourselfI spy with my little eye
Something beginning with why
I spy with my little eye
Something beginning with why
I spy with my little eye
won't you tell me why?

Nowhere

I'd like to be on my own
Tell them there's no-one home
Tell them to come tomorrow
Say the same when tomorrow comesI'm going nowhere fast
I'm going nowhere slow
I'm going nowhere at all
'cause that's where I like to goMy mind is like a room
I keep the windows closed
Your world is like a tomb
It's damp and dark and cold
Sometimes I come outside
But I never stay very long
I hide between the lines
and speak my mind through the songI'm going nowhere fast
I'm going nowhere slow
I'm going nowhere at all
'cause that's where I like to goAll I have I have borrowed
Very few things are my own
To this life I always owe
Life to mind blood to stone
I watch the candle flames
I watch the wax as it flows
Even though my life's been tamed
It gives such a warm bright glowI'm going nowhere fast
I'm going nowhere slow
I'm going nowhere at all
'cause that's where I like to goHear the clock on the wall
It's hands move so slow
Some race them then they fall
And live their lives wondering where it goesI'm going nowhere fast
I'm going nowhere slow
I'm going nowhere at all
'cause that's where I like to go

Taking The You Out Of Us

Taking the you out of us
What's the point?
Making good your holy vowel
Awaiting an angel to anointWhY Oh yoU don't see the need
To prolong the crucifixion
Laying blame on the powers that be
Martyrdom born of fictionYou thank me for my constancy
But I'm not fueled by sacrifice
And still you criticise my blood's consistency
But I never claimed to be ChristYes I'd love to hate you
Just as much as I hate this loving
Because once I thought you my saviour
But now you've become my nothing
my nothingTaking the you out of us
Can you tell me what is left?
Are you Mary and I Judas?
What sin should I confess?
What a mess

Bells Of St Andrew's

Today the sun is sleeping
The clouds they are weeping
Washing the colours to grey
Under the bells of St Andrew's
An old man in yesternews
Silently sleeping the day awayWell it's too late for praying
That's what they're saying
Go on fool just get away
But that's just the problem
There's too much promise
To say it's all a waste anywayWell today I'm not worried
Today I'm in no hurry
Guess I'll just let me escape
Well life's an illusion
Someone else's confusion
But that's okay I'll take the blameSeasons keep turning
I'm too dumb for learning
Keep on making the same old mistakes
Well I've lost my direction
Can't make a connection
Everything seems so vagueToday the sun is sleeping
The clouds they are weeping
But they won't wash the smile from my face
Under the bells of St Andrew's
An old man in yesternews
Silently passes away

Cafe Song #1 (Catch Of The Day)

Could I help you? yes certainly
The waitress taking my order questioningly repeats my every word
As if what I've said is totally absurd or I have wax in my throat
Cappuccinos with synthetic froth
High heeled ladies in brightly coloured frocks
Department store bags bearing names more important
than their contents areImage is expensive here, lack of detrimental
This social clime is so ordered nearly regimental
Like little plastic soldiers running from the sun
Dwelling in glass caves where the latest fashions are hung
To some this must be impressive
at least to the gullible and naive
To me it's all a bit too obsessive all this glitter and this sheenYou can sell anything here you can determine the norm
If my looks were novel you'd probably find me hanging in a store
This waitress is ever so obliging perhaps she wants a tip
she's an attractive lady but I wonder if she knows I can see her slip?
Everything is random, selective yet lacking choice
This waitress has a European arrogance in her voiceWell, behind me two ladies conversing
One says making money perhaps that's not what it's all about
I'm surprised her question exists it's not even worth the doubt
Sometimes I can imagine the rules and the schools which brought them here
It's the difference between the spoiled and the impoverished
who could never afford to buy from the school canteen
some had uniforms pressed, starched almost tailored one set for every day
some wore mix and match and their clothes did not grow with theyEvery store has a sale Fifty percent off the
one hundred percent marked up price
I swear you could sell an apple
convincing them it was a vanilla slice
Nothing is free everything is exclusive
until you see someone dressed the same as you
We all need acceptance this is true
but fishing with bait called pretence
catches only fish that are out to bite you
out to bite you

Beast

The man in the moon the girl and the spoon
Carousels of witches on brooms
Spinning spinning spinning shadows and dreams
Your dull eyes once sparkled back moonbeamsOne two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runsSilver snakes on black web lace
Stories written on lines of face
Blood red roses wilt in the vase
Well take my hand let's dance on MarsOne two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runsAgeing children ringing the rose
Candle flames and wax tears flow
Pink papered walls and nursery rhymes
Will mother come sing you a lullaby?One two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runsThe man with the spoon says lick the bowl
You're no longer frightened of growing old
These thankless misgivings on which you feast
Take a look in the mirror and see the beastOne two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runs

Potbelly Penguins

Potbelly penguins perform posingly
Parading perfection in social amnesty
Inebriated and drooling with slurred come-ons
To fine feathered mannequins in sequins at the promA fat frog on grog with a fuming fag
Complains this party's a real drag
I've been to better he boasts and he brags
I only came out because my wife's such a nagA furry feline with finely painted claws
Preying on perverts she could gnash in her jaws
She knows they're watching but pretends to ignore
And sighs all these pussies and wimps are making me boredFickle and fancy the fashionable freak
With a mouthful of fables he comes fore to speak
To adoring eyes and drooling ears
With about as much content as the heads on their beers

Between Tides

High tide I came in on the last wave
High tide either cowardly or brave
And I mind the things that you say
I've tried excuses all in vain
Decide are we friend or are we foe
Too tired just to let it all flowWe sail around searching for common ground
but I swear it'd be easier to drown
We're lost that's what I've found
But I know it will all come back around
Between tidesLow tide we've drifted out again
Low tide don't you think we're in for rain?
So polite trying our best not to offend
But sometimes it gets so hard to pretend
I lied saying you mean that much to me
Only came back 'cause I was feeling lonelyWe sail around searching for common ground
but I swear it'd be easier to drown
We're lost that's what I've found
But I know it will all come back around
Between tides

Child

Spare a penny for the beggar
A bandaid for the pain
Dress according to the weather
Take an umbrella for the rain
Drink when you are thirsty
Eat when you are starved
Clean yourself if you're dirty
But what if you can't
Heaven knowsThat I'm just a child
Waiting to take form
And I don't want to die
Never being bornThe moon is not the sun
And the sun is not the moon
So before you sing your song
You'd best learn the tune
Before you learn to run
You'd best learn how to walk
And before you learn to fly
You'd best learn how to fall
This I knowThat I'm just a child
Waiting to take form
And I don't want to die
Never being bornLately I've been blind
To the most obvious things
It seems I need to be reminded of The living
We only take for granted things
Because we know we can
Never mind who you are
If I don't know who I am
I understandThat I'm just a child
Waiting to take form
And I don't want to die
Never being born

Sleeping In A Dream

Dreamed I was dreaming
Dreamed I was asleep
I woke to find me sleeping
I was sleeping in a dreamSeeing more than we'd choose to see
I looked at you as you looked at me
Anger you said it empowers me
Makes me whole makes me one
But that's just your impression
I'm not sure it makes much sense at allOnce you cut fresh flowers for me
Knowing full well beauty made me envious
Read aloud my poetry
To remind me of my emptinessToday I was watching the world pass by upside down
In the reflections that the rain had made on the ground
Viewing it all from this perspective
Wasting my time simply reflecting
On all the anger I could not release
And all those feelings that would never ceaseDreamed I was dreaming
Dreamed I was asleep
I woke to find me sleeping
I was sleeping in a dreamWell....drinking dry the spirit let me fill your cup
Let's toast the passing day before the sun comes up
I'm not concerned with the passing I'm not drawn to what might be
For everything comes without asking and in like fashion it leaves
Hush and you may hear a silent screaming of sighs
And though your eyes are tearing soon they will be dry
I can feel it coming you can feel it in the air
What's the point of running it will follow you everywhere
I don't really look like that do I? this can't be me
Do we all see the same things Through our eyes what do we see?
Who put my nose on crooked?
Who put these lines upon my face?
Who could be so stupid my features to misplace?Dreamed I was dreaming
Dreamed I was asleep
I woke to find me sleeping
I was sleeping in a dream

All Out Of Words

All out of words or just out of thoughts
Bottomless words overflowing in drought
Come tide I shall stand expectant at the shore
So I may wade and bathe in the wounds of inner warWhat draws me to verse of saddening ode
Craving lament that is fashioned in stone
Such a benevolent sculpture erected alone
To lay monumental witness to this hallow-less homeOf temperance I was born under weight of humility
Of restrained virtue and unthinking civilityIs all that one sacrifices for stature given in vain?
When in the end decaying flesh is all that will remain
And as for the memories as etched upon stone
So too shall we our lives be carried whilst there be bone
So mark well your existence plot well your course
For there are much greater gifts one can leave
Other than remorse
Other than remorse

Sir Pent's Lament

It just doesn't seem to make much sense anymore
To base my life on what I choose to ignore
Ignorance like a worm in apple eats to the core
Feeding itself on the flesh of inner warSeed of day bloomed to bear fruit
From a tree of knowledge I once took root
Shaken by winds of change I fell
To gain remnants of the knowledge I dispelledThere is a serpent that lives down deep inside of me
That seduces and entices me into believing that I am as Eve
Adam waging pitiful war not to concede
The Serpent keeping score if only we understood we are all threeCome members of my past that led me here
And bear witness to your ignorance that clothed me in this fear
Fearing chance to remove these masks
That you may see me as I am
If I removed them in seeing my face would you just laughLike a jack-in-the-box my anger is suppressed
Anger now stored from all the tears the hinges are rusted tight
Can't you see I'm suffocating I just want to break through
I just want you to see I'm as good and as bad as you
As good and as bad as you

michael-john azzopardi (Self-Titled)

Beast

The man in the moon
The girl and the spoon
Carousels of witches on brooms
Spinning spinning spinning Shadows and dreams
Your dull eyes once sparkled back moonbeamsOne two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runsAging children ringing the rose
Candle flames and wax tears flow
Pink papered walls and nursery rhymes
Will mother come sing you a lullaby?One two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runsThe man with the spoon
says lick the bowl
You're no longer frightened of growing old
These thankless misgivings on which you feast
Take a look in the mirror and see the beastOne two three four five six ten
Ready or not it's coming again
Fee fi fo fum
I smell the blood as it runs

Twa Corbies

As I was walking all alane
I heard twa corbies making a mane
The tane unto the t'other did say-o
Where shall we gang and dine today-o
Where shall we gang and dine todayIn behint yon auld fail dyke
I wot there lies a new slain Knight
And naebody kens that he lies there-o
But his hawk and his hound and his lady fair-o
His hawk and his hound and his lady fairHis hound is to the hunting gane
His hawk to fetch the wild-fowl hame
His lady's ta'en another mate-o
So we my mak our dinner sweet-o
So we may mak our dinner sweetYe'll sit on his white hause-bane
And I'll pick out his bonny blue een
Wi' ae lock o' his gowden hair-o
We'll theek our nest when it grows bare-o
We'll theek our nest when it grows bareMony a one for him maks mane
But nane sall ken where he is gane
O'er his white banes when they are bare-o
The wind sall blaw for evermair-o
The wind sall blaw for evermair

Traditional Scottish

Bells Of St Andrew's

Today the sun is sleeping
The clouds they are weeping
Washing the colours to grey
Under the bells of St Andrew’s
An old man in yesternews
Silently sleeping the day awayWell it’s too late for praying
Now that’s what they’re saying
Go on fool just get away
But that’s just the problem
You see there’s too much promise
To say it’s all a waste anywayWell today I’m not worried
Today I’m in no hurry
Guess I’ll just let me escape
Well life’s an illusion
Someone else's confusion
But that’s okay I’ll take the blameWell seasons keep turning
I’m too dumb for learning
Keep on making the same old mistakes
I’ve lost my direction
Can’t make a connection
Everything seems so vagueToday the sun is sleeping
The clouds they are weeping
But they won’t wash the smile from my face
Under the bells of St Andrew’s
An old man in yesternews
Silently passes away

Lord Randall

O where have you been, Lord Randal, my son?
O where have you been, my handsome young man?
I've been with my sweetheart, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downAnd what did she give you, Lord Randal, my son?
And what did she give you, my handsome young man?
Eels boiled in brew, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downWhat's become of your bloodhounds, Lord Randal, my son?
What's become of your bloodhounds, my handsome young man?
O they swelled and died, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downO I fear you are poisoned, Lord Randal, my son
O I fear you are poisoned, my handsome young man
O yes, I am poisoned, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downWhat will you leave your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What will you leave your brother, my handsome young man?
My horse and the saddle, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downWhat will you leave your sister, Lord Randal, my son?
What will you leave your sister, my handsome young man?
My gold box and rings, mother make my bed soon
For I'm sick to the heart and I fain would lie downWhat will you leave your true love, Lord Randal, my son?
What will you leave your true love, my handsome young man?
The tow and the halter to hang on yon tree
And let her hang there for the poisoning of me

Lyrics Traditional English. Music © Michael J Azzopardi

The Little Drummer

One fine summer's morning both gallant and gay
Twenty four ladies went out out on the quay
And a regiment of soldiers to soon pass them by
A drummer and one of them soon caught his eyeHe went to his comrade and to him did say
Twenty four ladies I saw yesterday
and one of them ladies she has my heart one
And if she denies me then I'm surely undoneGo up to this lady and tell her your mind
Tell he she's wounded your poor heart inside
Go and tell her she's wounded your poor heart full sore
And if she denies you what can she do moreSo early next morning this young man arose
Dressed himself up in a fine suit of clothes
With a watch in his pocket and a cane in his hand
Saluting the ladies he walked down the strandHe went up to her and he said pardon me
Pardon me lady for making so free
My fine honoured lady you have my heart won
And if you deny me I'm surely undoneBe off little drummer now what do you mean
For I'm the lord's daughter of Ballykisteen
I'm the lord's daughter that's honoured you see
Be off little drummer you're making to freeSo he put on his hat and he bade her farewell
He said I'll send my soul down to heaven or hell
For with this long pistol that hangs by my side
I'll put an end to my own dreary lifeCome back little drummer and don't take a till
I do not want to be guilty of sin
To be guilty of innocent blood for to spill
Come back little drummer I'm here at your willAnd we'll hire a car and to Bansha we'll go
And there we'll be married in spite of our foes
For what can they say when it's over and done?
But I fell in love with the roll of your drum

Traditional Irish

Peter

Peter comes 'round like a wheel that keeps spinning
He points to the palm of his hand
He says here is the life, the life I've been given
And here is the one I had plannedHe comes around, face to the ground
But when he smiles it's like sun through a cloud
Peter, the winter will lead you homePeter was born the last of three children
In a house you would hardly call home
Father said be thankful for the life you've been given
And remember it's only on loanHe comes around, face to the ground
But when he smiles it's like sun through a cloud
Peter, the winter will lead you homeHe will sigh for you
If you're in pain he'll cry for you
Tell you weakness is strong
He would die for you
Make your bed he'll lie for you
Make you feel you belongPeter says life has little to do with living
I get by the best that I can
Peter says love has little to do with giving
I take whatever love that I canHe comes around, face to the ground
But when he smiles it's like sun through a cloud
Peter, the winter will lead you home

Meet Me

Meet me in the morning
Meet me by the way
Meet me as the sun it shines down once again
And I shall take you with me
To places you've not been
Oh trust in your heaven
And all the stars in my dreamsMeet me in the daylight
Meet me by the way
Meet me as the sun it shines down once again
And I shall take you with me
To places you've not been
Oh trust in your heaven
And all the stars in my dreamsMeet me in the evening
Meet me by the way
Meet me as the cheshire moon smiles once again
And I shall take you with me
To places you've not been
Oh trust in my heaven
And all the stars in my dreams

The Forest Dark

One Night As I Lay On My Bed

One night as I lay on my bed
I dreamed about a pretty maid
I was so distressed I could take no rest
Love did torment me so
So away to my true love I did goAnd when I came to my love’s window
I boldly called her by her name
Saying it was for your sake
I’m come here so late
Through this bitter frost and snow
So it’s open your window my love doMy mum and dad they are both awake
And they are sure for to hear us speak
There’ll be excuse then but sore abuse
Many a bitter word and blow
So be gone from my window my love doYour mum and dad they are fast asleep
And they are sure not to hear us speak
They’re sleeping sound on their bed of down
And they draw their breath so low
So open the window my love doMy love come and she opened the door
And just like an angel she stood on the floor
Her eyes shone bright like the stars at night
And no diamonds could shine so
So in with my true love I did go

Traditional English

Here I Am

Here I am beneath your sky
Here I am bequeathed your stale sigh
Here I am veiled in refrain
Here I am dragging chainsYou don’t know me very well
You don’t know me well enough to tell
You don’t know me from my shell
You don’t know me wellHigh above your autumn sky
High above leaves in golden flight
Spinning seasons and changing light
Dreams wave goodbyeDon’t abide your precious mood
Don’t deny the lure of moon
Don’t mind me if I don’t mind
Don’t mind me if I mindHere I greet the coming night
The rising moon and fading light
While others sleep now I wake
If they dream I cannot sayHere I am beneath your sky
Here I am bequeathed your stale sigh
Here I am veiled in refrain
Here I am dragging chains

Lough Erne Shore

One morning as I went a-fowling
Bright Phoebus adorning the plain
It was down by the shades of Lough Erne
I met with this wonderful maid
Her voice was so sweet and so pleasing
These beautiful notes she did sing
And the innocent fowl of the forest
Their love unto her they did bringWell it being the first time I met her
My heart it did leap with surprise
And I thought that she could be no mortal
But an angel that fell from the skies
Her hair it resembled gold tresses
Her skin was as white as the snow
And her lips were as red as the roses
That bloom along Lough Erne shoreWhen I heard that my love was eloping
These words unto her I did say
Oh take me to your habitation
For cupid has led me astray
Forever I’ll keep the commandments
They say that it is the best plan
Fair maids who do yield to men's pleasures
The scriptures do say they are wrongOh Mary don’t accuse me of weakness
All treachery I do disown
I will make you a lady of splendour
If with me this night you come home
Had I the lamp of great Alladin
His rings and his genie what’s more
I would part with them all for to win you
And live around Lough Erne shore

Traditional Irish

In Our Disease

Dangling from a branch of your family tree
Hiding behind leaves of envious green
Never content with your forefather’s lot
There’ll be a space for you in your family plotProud to be bottled and branded with a name
That somehow announces from where you came
With a selective memory and a very short fuse
You wave your flag and you hurl your abuseHeir to a throne in a kingdom of naught
With a prejudice you can no longer afford
For your neighbours don’t talk or dress like you
Now they are many when once they were fewWhat does it matter what we believe?
When we’re all in our diseaseYou say my grandfather fought to save this land
I’m proud of what he was and who I am
But you hunt and you fish for fun litter and waste
You have no respect for the land that he savedI can understand where you’re coming from
But that doesn’t mean I don’t think you are wrong
Wrong to hate people for the way that they look
The way that they live or the job that they tookIf we were all like you how would the world be
Fussing and fighting in our ignorance and greed
But what am I saying that’s how the world seems
I must be you and you must be me
In our disease
In our disease
In our diseaseWhat does it matter what we believe?
When we’re all in our disease

John Barleycorn

There were three men came out of the West
Their fortunes for to try
And these three men made a solemn vow
John Barleycorn must dieThey've ploughed, they've sewn, they've harrowed him in
Threw clods upon his head
And these three men made a solemn vow
John Barleycorn was deadThey've let him lie for a very long time
‘Till the rains from heaven did fall
And little Sir John sprung up his head
And so amazed them allThey've let him stand ‘till midsummer's day
‘Till he looked both pale and wan
And little Sir John's grown a long, long beard
And so become a manThey've hired men with the scythes so sharp
To cut him off at the knee
They've rolled him and tied him by the way
Serving him most barbarouslyThey've hired men with the sharp pitchforks
Who pricked him to the heart
And the loader he has served him worse than that
For he's bound him to the cartThey've wheeled him around and around the field
‘Till they came unto a barn
And there they made a solemn oath
On poor John BarleycornThey've hired men with the crab-tree sticks
To cut him skin from bone
And the miller he has served him worse than that
For he's ground him between two stonesAnd little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl
And he's brandy in the glass
And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl
Proved the strongest man at lastThe huntsman, he can't hunt the fox
Nor so loudly to blow his horn
And the tinker he can't mend kettle nor pot
Without a little Barleycorn

Traditional English

God Rest Ye

Bathed in our indifference
Drowned in christmastide
With no greater sin to repent
Than love that is denied
No courtesy no kindly wish
Just me myself and I
In tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Tidings of comfort and joyBegging homeless people
All in the streets are lain
‘Neath the false hope of charity
For a pocket full of change
Lost within the season’s greed
Mindful of our gain
In tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Tidings of comfort and joyWaiting for a saviour
To fall down from the sky
Whilst wars keep a raging
And there’s hunger still to find
Whilst a child plays on christmas morn
Another elsewhere dies
Some tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Some tidings of comfort and joyYour money will it save you?
Your ignorance bring you peace?
And of all the gifts they gave to you
Which one would you keep?
The pride the joy the brand new toy
Or a sense of family?
Some tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Some tidings of comfort and joyGo ask your god a favour
And wait for its reply
That the gift that they gave to you
Is not your size nor type
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Or it might just take your eye
In tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
In tidings of comfort and joyGod rest ye merry gentlemen
In the laurels of the day
As for christ the lord our saviour
What do you think he’d say
I don’t know much of satan’s power
But we’ve been led astray
In tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
In tidings of comfort and joy

Lyrics © Michael J Azzopardi. Music adapted from Traditional English Carol

Beneath A Silvery Moon

Tonight the light of a silvery moon
Danced upon the sea
Crickets chorused a dulcet tune
A fleeting harmonyTonight let’s let the moon decide
The crashing of the waves
The pull of moon on time and tide
Come carry us awayFar beyond this glistening sea
Into the starry sky
Carried on a gentle breeze
Adrift upon a sighHear how the wind conspires
To blow your dreams away
Now the world has retired
You are still awakeChase the moon across the sky
Until daylight breaks
Catch a star within your eyes
As the world awakes

The Curious Tide

Blacksmith

A blacksmith courted me
Nine months and better
He fairly won my heart
Wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand
He looked so clever
And if I were with my love
I would live foreverOh where has my love gone
With his cheeks like roses
And his good black billycock on
Decked around with primroses
I’m afraid the shining sun
Might burn and scorch his beauty
And if I were with my love
I would do my dutyStrange news has come to town
Strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down
That my love is married
Oh I wish them both much joy
But they don’t hear me
And may God reward him well
For the slighting of meDon’t you remember when
You laid beside me
And you said you’d marry me
And not deny me
If I said I’d marry you
Twas only for to try you
So bring your witness now
And I’ll not deny youNo witness have I none
Save God almighty
And may he reward you well
For the slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and wan
It made her poor heart tremble
To think she loved a one
And he proved deceitfulA blacksmith courted me
Nine months and better
He fairly won my heart
Wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand
He looked so clever
And if I were with my love
I would live forever

Traditional English

Oliver Glover

My name it is Oliver Glover
I have no mother father sister or brother
I’ve lived alone since nineteen sixty three
With no-one to love nor care for meLife gets lonely
Life gets lonelyMy name it is Oliver Glover
How I miss my mother and father
With his walking stick and his crippled right hand
Arthritis in his lame leg it’s painful when he standsLife gets lonely
Life gets lonelyMy name it is Oliver Glover
I wish I still had my mother and father
Where I live there are all these gangs
I can’t defend myself crippled as I amLife is lonely
Life is lonelyOliver
Oliver
Oliver GloverOliver
Oliver
Oliver GloverMy name it is Oliver Glover
I have no mother father sister or brother
Oliver in his seventy seventh year
After dark stays at home in fear
Spends every night glued to his TV set
Says I’m lonely love but I don’t wanna die yetLife is lonelyLife gets lonely
Life gets lonelyMy name it is

Young Edwin in the Lowlands Low

Come all you wild young people and listen to the song
That I will sing concerning gold which guides so many wrong
Young Emma was a servant maid and loved a sailor bold
He ploughed the main much gold to gain for his love as we’ve been toldYoung Emma she did daily mourn since Edwin first did roam
When seven years were past and gone then Edwin hailed his home
He went unto young Emma’s house the store of gold to show
Which he had gained upon the main above the lowlands lowHer father kept a public inn it stood down by the sea
Says Emma you can enter in and there this night can be
I’ll meet you in the morning don’t let my parents know
Your name it is young Edwin that ploughed the lowlands lowAs Emma she lay sleeping she had a frightful dream
She dreamt her love stood weeping his blood poured in a stream
She rose up in the morning and to her friends did go
Because she loved him dearly that ploughed the lowlands lowOh mother where’s the stranger that came here last night to stay?
Oh he is dead no tales can tell her father he did say
Then father cruel father you will die a public show
For murdering my Edwin that ploughed the lowlands lowThe fishes of the ocean swim all o’er my lover’s breast
His body rolls in motion I hope his soul at rest
How cruel were my parents to prove his overthrow
And take the gold from one so bold that ploughed the lowlands low

Lyrics Traditional Scottish. Music © Michael J Azzopardi

Methuselah

You grow for a reason
You change we all change
We all have our season
Then fade we all fadeAll comes for leaving
Nothing remains the same
Your sun it is bleeding
You drain you stainLook around you no-one in this crowd
Will be here a hundred years from now
We won’t be here a hundred years from nowSo tell me what’s there to explain
That time and tide won’t make plain?
You say inside you feel just the same
But they see only the lines on your faceLook around you no-one in this crowd
Will be here a hundred years from now
We won’t be here a hundred years from nowAnd those that judge you by your age
Will some day be old and grey
Once you’re alive there’s no escape
We are the slaves of decayLook around you no-one in this crowd
Will be here a hundred years from now
We won’t be here a hundred years from nowTime can be treason for the vain
You cannot reason with age we all age

Bill Norrie

Young Bill Norrie’s a fine lad and he lives like the wind
Eyes shine like the silver or gold in morning sunOh friend John, and dear John, and do you see what I see?
Yonder stand the first woman that ever loved meAnd here’s a glove, a glove John, it’s lined with the silver grey
Give it to her and tell her to come to her young BillyAnd here is a ring, a ring John, it’s all gold but the stone
Give it to her and tell her to ask for leave of noneOh friend Billy, dear Billy, you know my love for thee
I’ll not go to nobody to steal their wife awayOh Friend John, dear John, swim not against the tide
Be with me in the stream John for I will be obeyedJohn ran down to the high house and he rang low at the door
Who was there but this woman to let young Johnny inHere is a glove, a glove lady, lined with silver grey
Bids you come to greenwood to meet your young BillyAnd here is a ring, a ring lady, all gold but the stone
Bids you come to greenwood and ask for leave of noneHusband stood in the shadow and an angry man was he
I never thought the man lived my love loved more than meSo he’s gone down to her room and he dressed in her array
Like some woman he’s gone down to find this young BillyYoung Billy sat in the greenwood and he whistled and he sang
Yonder come the woman that I have loved so longBilly ran down and down there to meet her where she came
Oh the sight that he saw his heart grew still as stoneBilly ran down and down there to help her from the horse
Oh and oh he cries out, Woman was never so grossHusband he had a long knife, it hung down his knee
He took the head of young Billy and off his fair bodyAnd he’s run home and home there and down into his hall
Tossed Billy’s head to her, crying, Lady catch the ballAnd she’s taken up the head there, she kissed it cheek and chin
I love better this head than all my kith and kinAnd she’s taken up the head there, she hugged it to her womb
Once I was full of this boy as the plum is of the stoneAnd when I was in my dad’s house and my virginity
A young man come to my room and we got young BillyAnd I’ve loved him in my room in secrecy and shame
I loved him in the greenwood all out in wind and rainAnd I will kiss his sweet head and I will kiss his chin
I will vow and stay true and I’ll ne’er kiss man againAnd up and spoke the husband and a sad sad man was he
If I had known he was your son he would not be killed by me

Traditional English

Belong

We belong to the earth
We belong to the sea
We belong to the skies above
But none of these belong to you or meFor all the stars in the universe
For all the sand on every beach
For all the life that ever walked this earth
How important can we beWe belong to the earth
We belong to the sea
We belong to the skies above
But none of these belong to you or meFor all we take but don’t deserve
For all our ignorance and our greed
For every human ever given birth
How many more can the earth feedWe belong to the earth
We belong to the sea
We belong to the skies above
But none of these belong to you or meFor all the gods that we’ve adored
For every person that’s ever lived
For all the hands that pray for more
How many things will your god forgiveWe belong to the earth
We belong to the sea
We belong to the skies above
But none of these belong to you or meFor every lesson ever taught
For all of our history
For all the wars ever fought
How selective are our memories

Wake

Think of where you are at this point in time
Where did it all begin?
As the hours the days the years move on
The memory begins to thin
Compared to the universe we are but babes
Our lives pass us by in a second
Yet we still close our minds and try to block it all out
Because it’s all beyond our comprehensionTo belong to the now
To know where why and how
Wake up to yourself
Before it’s too late
Please wakeWhat if Narcissus had learnt how to swim?
What if he were born blind?
What if the world saw the you beneath your skin
And everyone had an open mind?
In a perfect world all would be perfect
But how would you know you’re alive?
With nothing to reflect on or push against
With no lows to accent the highsTo belong to the now
To know where why and how
Wake up to yourself
Before it’s too late
Please wakePerhaps life’s a dream and in dying we wake
To find we’re alive again
With no memory of the life we’d just lived
Trapped in a different skin
And what if the lessons we learn in this life
Determine who or what we become in the next
And what if the mistakes we make in this one
We have to relive over and over againTo belong to the now
To know where why and how
Wake up to yourself
Before it’s too late
Please wake

Here Beneath The Sun

Waking Up

Waking up to the world as it is and yourself
Try being in the world not of it
Separating circumstance
Making your way through the chancesFinding answers
Then trying to find the questions that they’d fit
That’s it, no?Looking out at the world as it is to yourself
Seeing the world through its changes
Deviating from the trance
Breaking away from their patternsFrom the habit
Of trying to find a rhyme and make it fitComing out of the world as it is and yourself
Becoming more apparent
Separating fate from chance
Learning about what really mattersLike a magnet
Trying to find the good and draw it in
It’s no sin, no

Thief

Beg your pardon
Beg your pardon
Wasn’t looking where I was going was I?
Wasn’t keeping to myself
Just following all the sheep down the roadside
Back down into this hellWell hate is in season
Or am I the devil?
Hate with no good reason
Watch out now before I explodeTake me down to your feel
Dig me now a deeper hole
Can’t you tell I am seething
Give me some room before I explodeHate is in season
Don’t make it personal
Hate with no good reason
Watch out now before I explodeHate
Rape
Forsake me
I’m disownedWell I stole my head from a clown now
And I stole my face from this scene
And I stole my clothes from a vagabond
Angels please rescue me

Light My Sun

Is the one in the hand
Worth two flying
Seems I don’t understand
But not for trying
Being all that I am
Aint up to sizing
To do more than I can
Would be compromisingIf you can’t see me
Then you can’t free
So come on light my sunYou say it’s funny in the end
But I’m not laughing
You give as good as you get
But I wasn’t asking
It was no coincidence
That we were passing
Makes no use to pretend
The things we’re maskingYou can’t free me
If you can’t see me
So come light my sun
Come on light my sun
Come on light my…sunClinging to present tense
For fear of straying
Off into the wet cement
of explaining
What the other meant
by them saying
Things you should repent
and debts remainingYou can’t see me
Then you can’t free
So come on light my sunYou say you are my friend
So why not help me?
You say you know who I am
So why not tell me?
I bury my head in the sand
The tide is rising
It seems the older I am
The less wise

You & I

You and I floating
In our fated craft
With the waves rolling
At the sea’s commandYou are my ocean
You are my shore
You are my devotion
I could want nothing moreAnd them they will see
Only what they want
But they can’t bother me
With you in my heartYou are my lover
You are my friend
There could be no other
You’re an angel sentAnd them they will see
Only what they want
But they can’t bother me
With you in my heartYour love is my flame
Your heart my world
The heavens your claim
You’re my universeYou are my woman
You are my girl
I am your oyster
You are my pearlAnd them they will see
Only what they want
But they can’t bother me
With you in my heart

Here Beneath The Sun

I’m a little nearer
Nearer to the truth
I’m a little clearer
The more I am removedI act like a stranger
When they ask me to explain
I feel a little danger
I feel a little shameI have no answers
There are no truths
I take no chances
That were not there to useI ask for forgiveness
For what I have not done
For the shadow I am keeping
Here beneath the sunI feel no need
To have to explain
Where I’ve come from
And where I will remainI sense that I’m a stranger
I sense that I’m alone
Like a word without a mouth to
Let itself be knownThe line I’ve been towing
Right up ‘til now
Is the rope they’ve been throwing
Like a noose my neck aroundSo I ask for forgiveness
For what I have become
For the shadow I’m being
Here beneath the sun

Here

Here we all are
On a big blue ball spinning ‘round a star
Here on the ground
Like a pimple on a face in a crowdAnd under me the earth is opening
And all I be aint worth knowingHere on mother earth
As we take and take more than we deserve
Is it too late?
What once was our cradle will it be our grave?When over me the sky is opening
And all I see aint worth showingCan you hear the earth die
As we drink its bosom dry
Baron seeds like bullets fly
And society is not about you and I
As we stoke the flames of our ireHere we all are
On a big blue spinning round a star
Is it too late?
What once was our cradle will it be our grave?When all around me the earth is turning in
And all I teach aint worth learn
Aint worth learn
Aint worth learning

Where Would You Be?

This house
This home
This skin
These bones
This face
These lines
This place
In timeWhere would you be if it wasn’t for me?
Where will you go in the wake of the storm?Divide
Divorce
Decide
What’s yours
To give
To own
The blood
The stoneWhere would you be if it wasn’t for me?
Where will you go in the wake of the storm?
In the wake of the storm
In the wake of the stormWhere would?
Where would?
Where would?
Where would?
Where would?
Where would?
If it wasn’t for me where would you be?
If it wasn’t for me where would you be?
If it wasn’t for me where would you be?
If it wasn’t for me where would you be?
If it wasn’t for me where would you be?This house
This home

Who Should I Please?

It’s not up to me for your sun to rise
Your moon to glow your star to shine bright
It’s not up to me to show you how to live
How can I know what the ages will bringAnd why’s it for me to have to know?
What by your choice you don’t
Must I tell you time and time again
You’re not my beginning, I’m not your endWho should I please?
Who should I please?
I can’t please you if I can’t please me
Who should I please?
Who should I please?
How can I please you if I can’t please me, noIt’s not for me to have to decide
Just what colour you should paint your sky
It’s not up to mr to tell you what to think
All I know are the songs I singIt’s not for me to tell you why
Who put the sun the moon the stars up in your sky
I can’t tell you when to laugh or cry
It’s time you lived out your own lieWho should I please?
Who should I please?
I can’t please you if I can’t please me
Who should I please?
Who should I please?
How can I please you if I can’t please me, noWho should I please?
Who should I please?
How can I please you if I can’t please me, no
Who should I please?
Who should I please?
Can’t please you if I can’t please me, no

Peter

Peter comes ‘round like a wheel that’s keeps spinning
He points to the palm of his hand
Says here is the life the life I’ve been given
And here is the one I had plannedHe comes around
Face to the ground
But when he smiles
It’s like sun through a cloudPeter the winter will lead you homePeter was born the last of three children
In a house you would hardly call home
Father said be thankful for the life you’ve been given
And remember its only on loanHe comes around
Face to the ground
But when he smiles
It’s like sun through a cloudPeter the winter will lead you homeHe will sigh for you
If you’re in pain he’ll cry for you
And tell you weakness is strong
He would die for you
Make your bed he’ll lie for you
Make you feel you belongPeter says life has little to do with living
I get by the best that I can
Peter says love has little to do with giving
I take whatever love that I canHe comes around
Face to the ground
But when he smiles
It’s like sun through a cloudPeter the winter will lead you home

Heroes Of Zero

Heroes of zero
All the world’s a fool today
Dream on be gone
Wish it all would blow awayI’m changed estranged
Had as much as I can take
The wilful will fall
And all their blues just fall like rain
Their ignorance to wash away
oblivion comeHeroes of zero
made the chains that bind my rage
Dream on but you’re not
half of half the man you claimTo change or remain
Depends on what you have at stake
I will for you to fall
That all your blues might fall like rain
Your ignorance be washed away
oblivion comeHeroes of zero
Cannot erase the stain of shame
Dreams gone forgone
You don’t deserve the things you takeNo change no pain
Without the mask you have no face
I will you all to crawl
And all your blues to fall like rain
Your ignorance to wash away
Oblivion comeHeroes of zero
The world is full of fools today
I don’t want to belong
Take me to some other place
Where all your blues fall like rain
Your ignorance to wash away
The mourning sun my woes to fade
Oblivion come

Unholy Wood

The Payoff

You turn to mute the sound as they shout down you
Who called for calm by waters blue
You seek a meaning that has long since gone away
You‘re free-falling flight downed by unholy flameThe payoff (repeat)You say calm as if it’s you that tells the moon to shine
You’re more alone than you know or would be inclined
To tell the world about the fate that you deride
You’re all alone and you know it as much as you denyWho called on you to ask a favour of fading gods?
That only remember the you that you forgot
One so afraid of what will be he never was
As if you’re the only member of a fading lot
You’re holding on but isn’t it all in vain
You can’t help but succumb now to the strain
You’re sheathed and cynical in moods confined
When all that’s implicated is a simple mindThe payoff (repeat)To balance on tongues of a flailing fire
They’re chopping wood for the mourning pyre
The meaningless songs they sing so well
The words themselves become so trivialYou know we can’t recall all those words
We’re lost between the chorus and the verse
You sigh you’re always riddled with fear
You wish you remembered how to disappear

Never Common Ground

Never common ground
Can’t we put our heads together?
Never common ground
Without making our heads bleed?No compromise
No eye to eyeAre we ever satisfied
_{Never gonna get there}
living within our lie?
_{Never gonna get there}
Within our great divide
_{Never gonna get there}
Just who is it that decides
_{Never gonna get there}
where we all draw the line?
_{Never gonna get there}
Do we get to choose our side
_{Never gonna get there}
Do we get to decide?
_{Never gonna get there}
If we can we ever cross the line
_{Never gonna get there}
Can we ever change our minds
_{Never gonna get there}
and decide to decide?
_{Never gonna get there}
Just whose truthful lie
_{Never gonna get there}
Should we all live by?Never common ground
We don’t say what we feel
Never common ground
We can’t see what another sees
Never common ground
It’s always me versus weAre we ever satisfied
_{Never gonna get there}
living within our lie?
_{Never gonna get there}
Within our great divide
_{Never gonna get there}
Just who is it that decides
_{Never gonna get there}
where we all draw the line?
_{Never gonna get there}
Do we get to choose the side
_{Never gonna get there}
to which we align?
_{Never gonna get there}
And can we ever cross the line
_{Never gonna get there}
if we ever change our minds
_{Never gonna get there}
and decide to decide?
_{Never gonna get there}

Why Should I Care?

So forlorn
Or are you bored?
Does nothing excite you?
You’re torn
Or just well worn
Is there no fight left in you?
You wear your frown
Like it’s some crown
Should I bow down to you?Why should I care I care for you?
It’s not like you were there when I needed youYou don’t like
What you’ve become
You’re bitterness becomes you
And if you knew
What they call the truth
Would your shame consume you?
You keep to your self
Letting no-one else
See what’s going on inside of you
But there’s a storm
So they warn
And it may just destroy youWhy should I care I care for you?
It’s not like you were there when I needed you
Why should I care I care for you?
Now you are nowhere I don’t need youI dreamed I dreamed
I was mean
Somehow I became just like you
But when I awoke
From that dream
I was so glad I wasn’t you
So glad So glad
I’m not like you

Kind Regards

So forgetful
Out of mind
So regretful
I really triedTo send a
Prompt replyI never knew
What we meant
None for all
If not for themSong unsung
What to write
When all they ask for
Is a replyTo send a
Reason whyBreak apart
Find release
Take heart
Be appeasedSo false
Such deceit
They’re just words
How do they feelKind regards
Time atones
Who we are
When we’re aloneHere we are
There we be
Never part
Never meet

Over

You know me
I’ve always
Liked being out in the rain
OverGet it on get it off
You laugh aloud
You and me we are the sameOver and out of our headsYou told me
You never
Could stand the falling rain
OverIt’s all me
To say that
It’s nothing it’s only rain
OverYou turn and
Hide from me
So I can’t read your face
OverWho reigns on whose paradeYou taunt me
You believe that
You’re never ever to blame
OverLet’s go head home
We’re not alone
Both of us with our own painYou called me
I never
Would’ve made that same mistake
OverIt feels like home
To be alone
But wouldn’t you like to escapeYou Know I played down
You and your thorny crownYou sail free
Good weather
sun shining down on your face
OverGo look around
world to be found
you’ll never you know never knowYou never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know
You never know you’ll never know

You Know

Don’t play god
Don’t play godYou know they know it’s no fault of mine
You know I’ve committed no crime
You know innocence they can’t claim
You know who lit the candle flame
Blow it outDon’t play god
Don’t play godYou know the reasons that I come to you
You know the reasons they can’t hear
You know they think they know the truth
You know the reason the truth’s unclear
You know they’re all falling at their altar
Bleeding outDon’t play god
Don’t play godDon’t play god
Don’t play godYou know the reason it all comes back to you
You know even though you deny
You know the reason that they point at you
You know it’s useless trying to hide
You know theirs is no holy fire
You know they just want to see you burn
You know it’s all about their desire
You know they’re swine before a pearl
You know it’s no longer about the source
You know they want you to break their fall
You know you know it’s all to protect them
You know

Rise Up

Rise up
Beyond
The weak
The strong
The right
The wrong
The side
You’re on
The black
The white
The grey
Decide
DivideIf ever an opened mind
Was ever to walk the line
If ever you should decide
To ever cross overGet on
Get off
The bottom
The top
Light on
Light off
To call
Their bluff
Is never
Ever
EnoughIf ever an opened mind
Was ever to balk the lie
If ever they should be free
Whoever would they beAll for now
Yet somehow
We’re at sea
You and me
Forever drowned
In historyNever going to turn around
To stand upon a common ground
That’s been built upon a lieThe verse
The song
The moon
The sun
The voice
The mouth
The words
Come out
Not how
You want
Not what
You mean
Now you
Are seenIf ever an opened mind
Was ever to walk the line
If ever you should decide
To ever cross overGet on
Be gone
Out shone
Out done
The side
You’re on
Were wrong
Outcast
Unsung
Hollow
And shallowWhat’s it cost just to be
Why is nothing ever free
We are free to decide
But all decisions have a price

In Time

Ahead of our time
Selective history
Hands over eyes
What can we see?Hand over time
Our legacy
Hands always tied
What will we leave?New moon in darkness hides
Yet the stars still shine
Twinkles of ancient light
Some long since diedThe sun and the moon don’t rise
We orbit into sight
Round and round
For all eternityOur place in time
Where we be
Selectively blind
Choose what we seeAnd I doubt
We’ll ever see
What it’s about
Who are we?All for
Saviours
None for
BehavioursWe’re the ones who lit the fire
And fled as flames grew higher
Claiming it not our fault
In fear, in fear we might be caught
Believing the lies we taughtTo earth I’m bound
Yet I think I’m free
Until this ground
Buries meWe’re not alone
How could we be?
Time will show
We live disparatelyWe come
We go
What we’ve done
The earth it knows

The Unwise Monkey

Who can you count on ever?
Someone helping out whenever
Changes come around whether
Ready for them now or never
To fading hope you’re tethered
Can’t get your head together
Promises made in surrender
Promises you break whatever
Your words weigh less than a feather
Still you cling to the letter.How come you don’t know you?Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not thereHow come you don’t know you?Who can count on you to ever?
Do someone good whenever
No need to prove you’re better
Work for the good together
Without need of agenda
Or is it too hard to remember?
How to remain a contender
Without being an offenderHear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not there are you?
Hear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not thereHear know
See know
Speak know
You’re not…Never heard a thing never
Never saw a thing never
Never said a thing never
Never heard a thing never_{How come you}
Never saw a thing never
_{don’t know you?}
Never said a thing never
_{How come you}
Never heard a thing never
_{don’t know you?}
Never saw a thing never
_{How come you?}
Never said a thing never
_{don’t know you?}
Never heard a thing never
_{How come you?}
Never know a thing

Unholy Wood

You know we’ll all forget forever
Pain and joy will one day cease
So send me all your gods and vandals
To prove to naught the lie of peaceTaking my all exposed and barren
Talk through me as if I weren’t there
Cautiously the more I’ve wanted
Of them the less they shareAs the sun below the sky we’ll rise
As a moth drawn to a light that blindsShimmering sun
Basting my wounds and all
I’m not done
Turning in my wombSo today they say I fell from grace
They say it’s written on my face
The shell of me whispered in time
Calls me back inside to hideSend me down the road to Eden
Call on me with caring words
As I drink up the day still sober
Drinking sap of unholy woodTow me out proud and leaven
Sails unfurled shall we go?