Castle Island

(album: Living In A Boom Time - 1992)

Where the sun lights up still waters in the harbour
And where hungry eyes once stared out to the sea
Yes it's there that I'll come home, across the dancing foam
And once again I'll walk on Castle Island

I remember years ago the place seemed quieter
The rain fell softer still, the moon shone brighter
Maybe memory plays its' games, and the beauty's still the same
As when I took my first steps on Castle Island

I smiled as I walked up past the old ballroom
Where in sharp creased suits we'd laugh and dance till dawn
And when Mary said 'I will' my heart with joy was filled
But we cried as we sailed out from Castle Island

The city that we came to was a stranger
Where neighbours passed you by without a word
The work we did was hard and filled with danger
Never found the promised land of which we'd heard

We met up with fellow souls who'd left the old place
And we'd drown our dreams in pints and whiskeys smooth
And when Liam would sing a song, we'd be carried all along
Transported through the tune to Castle Island

Now the years lie heavy on my aching shoulders
And my weary bones cry out for rest at last
When the circle is complete, the good earth will taste so sweet

As they lay me down to sleep on Castle Island
With my own folk I shall sleep 'neath Castle Island