The Ballad of Ned Devine / The Witches Reel

All I ask is the sun on my face
And a wave to hold my footsteps
For my eyes to see the fish in the net
And a gentle breeze to bathe my head

On land I fill myself up with the drink
And sway as if I’m the ocean
I sleep in the cove on top of a rock
As the waves go racing through my dreams

I’m feeling the swell of the sea in my heart
And the taste of salt in my blood
I’ve blessed the life that keeps well at bay
And the worries of my fellows

If the sea was to swallow me whole
Into the deep tomorrow
I’d step out and dive into her arms
With thanks for a life so mellow

If ever you go to a man who was dead
And if ever you need his help
Be sure to whisper the name Devine
And he’ll share with you his wealth
His soul is raging at Heaven’s door
He had a sad old climb
But his heart is mighty
Raise your spirits to Ned Devine

And as I lay in Tullymore Bay
My dinner on my knee
My lucky stars were in my eyes
So bright I couldn’t take anymore

They said that the sea would bring to me the ending of my story
Now I find I'm to die ashore before my time of glory

He missed the boat again ladies
His chicken meal went cold
He missed the chance to dream a while
Of places he’d never go

He’d have given gifts of ribbon
And silk done up in bow
He’d have kept his door wide open
For friends both young and old

If ever you go to a man who was dead
And if ever you need his help
Be sure to whisper the name Devine
Aand he’ll share with you his wealth
His soul is raging at Heaven’s door
He had a sad old climb
But his heart is mighty
Raise your spirits to Ned Devine

Devine