The Snake with Eyes of Garnet

Lyrics

Last night as I lay dreaming My way across the sea James Mangan brought me comfort With laudanum and poteen He flew me back to Dublin In 1819 To a public execution Being held on Stephen's Green The young man on the platform Held his head up and he did sing Then he whispered hard into my ear As he handed me this ring "If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me This snake cannot be captured This snake cannot be tied This snake cannot be tortured Or hung or crucified It came down through the ages It belongs to you and me So pass it on and pass it on 'Till all mankind is free" If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me He swung, his face went purple A roar came from the crowd But Mangan laughed and pushed me And we got back on the cloud He dropped me off in London Back in this dying land But my eyes were filled with wonder At the ring still in my hand If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me