Shaun Davey - The Ballad Of Ned Devine

"The Ballad Of Ned Devine/The Witches Reel" as found on the Waking Ned Devine soundtrack, composed by Shaun Davey and written by Kirk Jones. Vocals by Liam O'Maonlai.




All I ask is the sun in my face
and a wave to hold my footsteps
for my eyes to see the fish in the net
and a gentle breeze to bathe my head
on land I fill myself up with a drink
and sway as if on the ocean
I sleep in the cove on top of a rock
as the waves go racing to my feet
I'm feelin' the swell of the sea in my heart
and the taste of salt in my blood
I bless the light that keeps well at bay
the worries of my fellows
if the sea was to swallow me whole
into the deep tomorrow
I'd step out and dive into her arms
with ties for life so mellow

If ever you call to a man who is dead
and if ever you need his help
be sure to whisper the name Divine
and he'll share with you his wealth
his soul is raging at heavens door
he had a sad old climb
but his heart is mighty
raise your spirits to Ned Divine

And as I lay in tullymore bay
my dinner on my knee
my lucky stars are in my eyes
so bright I couldn't take any more
they said the sea would bring to me
the ending of my story
now I find I'm to die ashore
before my time of glory

He missed the boat again ladies
his chicken meal went cold
he missed the chance to dream awhile
of places he'd never go
he'd have given gifts of ribbon
and silk done up in a bow
he'd have kept his door wide open
for friends both young and old

If ever you call to a man who is dead
and if ever you need his help
be sure to whisper the name Divine
and he'll share with you his wealth
his soul is raging at heavens door
he had a sad old climb
but his heart is mighty
raise your spirits to Ned Divine