Farewell Song

Meme McDonald

Old man
may there be a gentle rest
for you tonight

The moon is dark
the stars hard pressed
to keep alight
on this dead night
and warrior sun
he's slow to rise
cos things aren't right
old man
there's things not right
no they just aren't right
on the land tonight

Old man
may there be a gentle sleep
for you tonight

Children die young
with no way home
as troops march in
on this dead night
a wild wind blows
reckless with might
cos things aren't right
old man
there's things not right
no they just aren't right
on the land tonight

Old man
may there be a gentle grave
for you tonight

Stories are sold
for tricks and treats
secrets spoken
on this dead night
the curlew call
he wakes in fright
cos things aren't right
old man
there's things not right
no they just aren't right
on the land tonight

Old man
may there be a gentle song
for you tonight

Tupa the Snake
shifts in his skin
beneath dry earth
on this dead night
the evening star
she chases a moon
old man
to cradle your soul
till things come right
on the land tonight

Old man
may the spirits sing you home
on this good night

Sweet is the dream
for those who tread
the quiet back roads
on this good night
following footsteps
hidden from sight
old man
on this good night
yes on this good night
on the land tonight
we walk together
watered by stars
shining for you
on this good night
for you old man
for you good night