Trip To Jerusalem

(album: The Iron Behind The Velvet - 1978)

I'm a stranger here from Ireland's shore; I've been on the road six months or more
Hiking, working, travel in style; I'm a vagabond from Erin's Isle
My sunburned thumb stuck up in the air, many's the lift from here to there
Cars, buses, vans and trains, in the punishing heat, the snow and the rain

Whack fol the diddle fol the diro day
Whack fol the diddle fol the daro
Mrs. Dolan, your son he isn't working

I came from Dublin to Jerusalem town, had a drink or two on the journey down
At a railway station called Gare du Nord, I missed my train through gargling hard
Three days later in Napoli, on a Turkish boat I sailed the sea
Slept in a hot hole down below, traveling tourist class, you know

When the Promised Land came into sight, the customs man gave me a fright
"How much money have you got with you, Joe?" I bluffed and said, "Fifty pounds or so"
He said, "Shalom," I said, "Good day." Grabbed me guitar, got fast away
Down to the dessert then I went, digging up history and living in a tent

It was in the Gulf of Aqaba, I met some Paddies and we had a fleadh
Danced through streets of Eilat Town, sang Sean South of Garryowen
I was traveling, I don't know, you pack your gear, get up and go
Leave the crack for another bout, could damn well do with a pint of stout