Joe Henry Land
I never could sleep well
out on the water
But I'm too heartsick to be awake
for any chatter
Days of falling gray I see
Have risen to my knees
And the smell of rotting clothes
Has set into the ladder
The air has kept us drunk enough
And the dancing pennywhistle
Has filled us with unspoken fear
That our course has been a certain
But if we live to touch the sand
We won't care if we don't understand
And none of us would dare admit
That this has not been worth it
I bring no name with me
And the burden is my jewel
That I lay upon the wall
The gate of the city
And if I finally walk on through
I'll leave it open for you
But don't ask for kindness or silver
I won't have any
So I hold myself in place
My foot against the braces
Rest my head upon my chest
Holding each arm with the other
And if I dream of better times
- Ahead of me or left behind -
I'll curse the drink that gives me hope
And have myself another
