Adrift

Lover, dear lover, I’ve had a fell dream: my mother’s

adrift on the sea

My brothers have left her alone in the gale -- there’s no

one to save her but me

Oisín, Oisín, lay down your fair head...

I’ve given you gold, and I’ve given my bed

And your mother lies sleeping, she’s well and she’s hale

Lover, dear lover, she’s crying my name: my mother’s

adrift on the sea

She’s none to protect her, no oar and no sail -- there’s

no one to save her but me

Oisín, Oisín, another will come...

I’ve given you riches, I’ll give you a son

And your mother is singing, she’s well and she’s hale

Lover, dear lover, there are tears on her gown: my

mother’s adrift on the sea

Her sons have all left her, I cannot now fail -- there’s

no one to save her but me

Oisín, Oisín, you’ve seen an untruth...

I’ve given you kingship, I’ve given you youth

And your mother has comfort, she’s well and she’s hale

Na wra gasa dha dreys tava’n dor, Dus tre dhe vy

[In Cornish Celtic: Don’t let your feet touch the earth,

Come home to me]