Plainsman

I come from the moor and the mountain, the waterfall and the sea.

I've turned my back on a mountain track.

I'm walking in a dream and every new horizon, to me it seems the same.

Everywhere looks old and bare while travellin' on the plain.

There' no-one rides this road with me, the Plainsman rides alone.

No welcome wait by a city gate, no voice to call my own.

Alone I come into this place and that is how I will go.

And all I learn is a season's turn, that's all I need to know.

The world is hung with silver tongues and good advice to give.

If you can't show me how to die, don't tell me how to live.

A Plainsman's song though seldom long, is more that meets the ear.

And all I leave is the falling leaves at the turning of the year.

I'd like to stay a while with you and while away the night,

With fairy lore and tales of yore, beside the peat fire bright.

And then to see laid out for me a shake-down by the wall.

There's rest for weary wanderers ion the homes of Donegal.

The time has come for me to go and bid you all adieu.

For the open highway calls me back, to do these things I do.

But when I'm travelling far away your friendship I'll recall'

And soon I will return unto the homes of Donegal.