Red Hugh

Another sleepless night on a foreign shore
Candles flicker by my bed, locks bolt my door
I drink too much wine, gives my brain relief
Stops the meanderings that uproot me from my sleep
Stare at the night, my sweat-soaked bed
The queen lays plots in London, she won't have my head
The candle gutters, the smell sweeps me back
To the icy fields of Kinsale, the bodies burning black

Fire and lightning, protect your colonel
Fire and brimstone, rain down on London
They'll long remember Red Hugh O'Donnell

I could not join that battle, I gave orders from my horse
Wicklow snows had withered the toes inside my boots
Still a fever of anxiety racks my bones
All my friends dead on Kinsale's icy roads
Or ride back in Ulster, I'd dive in Slieve's foam
Her crystal waters would feed my soul
Dispatches from O'Neill, he grows old and cautious
Our allies are deserting, my blade will rip their stomachs

Fire and lightning, protect your colonel
Fire and brimstone, rain down on London
They'll long remember Red Hugh O'Donnell

If Phillip won't help I'll return alone
O'Neill longs for an armistice
What profit in a peace with a queen who'll break her word?
I swear to God that bitch will taste my sword
I'll drag the red wreath from her head, pull out her poisoned tongue
I must get back to Ulster

The candle is dead, there's footsteps on my door
They halt, I'm tormented by that whore
Who waits at court in London for word of my demise
Her agents haunt me everywhere
But I will not be taken by any of her men
My head will not grace London's spike, I'll fight her to the end

Fire and lightning, protect your colonel
Fire and brimstone, rain down on London
They'll long remember Red Hugh O'Donnell

Tonight I sup with James Blake, an honest man is he
He's promised me three ships of war
We'll sweep Lizzie from her throne, I will take my place
High King of the Irish, defender of my faith
With O'Neill as my advisor, a Byrne at my side
I'll rule with justice
But now the dawn is breaking on this foreign shore
I will rise and say my prayers, tomorrow I'll go home

Fire and lightning, protect your colonel
Fire and brimstone, rain down on London
They'll long remember Red Hugh O'Donnell
Red Hugh O'Donnell
Red Hugh O'Donnell