Jay Moore

Lyrics

The Troubles

He left his home in Donegal
Said he was finished with it all
Too much blood, too little reason
Always in the killing season.
So he looked across the sea
Said there’s freedom there for me
Hate puts poison deep within
All my neighbours and my kin
And I won’t stay where souls can only die.

“I’ll hold the dream that we open our eyes
Imagine a day when the war will be done
Work for the time when we all can forgive
When the world will live as one.”

He crossed the ocean far away
Hoped the troubles stayed at bay
Then would come a knock on the door
“Give us money to pay for our war.”
Watched his kids grow strong and tall
Hoped they’d never hear the call
Parades down Main Street, banners flying high
Honour the cause so more will die
With every beat of the drum his heart would break.

“I’ll hold the dream that we open our eyes
Imagine a day when the war will be done
Work for the time when we all can forgive
When the world will live as one.”

Fifty years went flying by
Fruits of love filled his life
Then the distant drums again
Bombs and blood, nightmares and pain.
“I can’t abide it anymore
Take down those emblems I adore
Don’t want the world to know my name
All these troubles bring me shame
My heart can’t live where souls can only die.
My heart can’t live where souls can only die.”

“I’ll hold the dream that we open our eyes
Imagine a day when the war will be done
Work for the time when we all can forgive
When the world will live, when the world will live
When the world will live as one.”