Ard An Lae
Bb C F Am
The swords clash on the shields to greet the coming sunlight
Bb C Dm (C)
The people turn to face the day
Bb C F Am
But not for me to stand amongst gathered forces
Bb C Dm (C)
I hear every word they say
Bb C F Am
And why for me to care what fate befalls my brethren
Bb C Dm (C)
Who amongst them cares for me?
Bb C F Am
Seamus look and tell me what it is we fight for
Bb C Dm
But for another morn to see?
Dm C
Well the walls will stand without me
Gm Am
They’ll survive another day
Dm C F Gm Bb Am Dm
So don’t speak of duty or of pride to Eamon Ard an Lae
C
The ranks stand unaligned, their tactics show no vision
Their flanks lie open to their foe
And you would have me go and tell them of their limits?
And believe that all well would go
Beloved fool, do you yet think that they would listen?
That they'd accept me as their Gan?
Don't cloud your eyes with lies now that you go to battle
I have no doubts of where I stand
But you would not last without me
You'd be dead within a day
So to stand by you and be your eyes is Eamon Ard an Lae
So Pascal dies and leaves the highest office open
And you think they should turn to me
Seamus open your eyes, and stop thinking with your head
With your heart see what they must see
What worth place they upon their celebrated coward?
They'll greet me not with open arms
Oh dearest fool I know you did what you thought was best
But all that you have wrought is harm
Though the people need a leader
It is for you that they pray
And the Gans will scream that their darkest dreams come true in Ard an Lae
They stand before me and behind their rigid faces
A bitter struggle can I see
For they can see that the plan before them has merit
And yet they know it comes from me
So Maire take Seamus and don't let him get angry
When their disdain so clearly shows
I'll endure every slight and ignore every insult
But do not let it come to blows
For though we are sorely pressed now
Yet still we can win this day
If they swallow pride and follow plans from Eamon Ard an Lae
The swords lie on the shields in state atop the pyres
And I know who it is they'll blame
Seamus just bite your tongue and do not let the truth out
I've no doubt it's better this way
Forget my tattered pride and take the highest office
Be now the hero that they need
And worry not for me though I was sorely betrayed
I have all the regard I need
And it's cold here in your shadow
But I know where I must stay
Hated and reviled yet at your side stands Eamon Ard an Lae
Standing by your side, 'til the day we die is Eamon Ard an Lae
All Works are © Original Author
(OC Author - Fergal O'Brien)