Dinesh Moylan

When I was but a beardless boy my Odyssey began
I return to my home port a battle hardened man
my Achilles heel has healed grown stronger than before
even when at Hades' gates I'll fear my death no more
For years on end without relief my vessel weathered storms
Sirens lured me onto reefs with their sweetly singing forms
crew deserted one by one like rats from a sinking ship
maidens vanished into thin air when I kissed their ruby lips
I found myself alone at last drifting on a wine-dark sea
'twas then I heard you singing and you threw a line to me
Once on board you proved to be a shipmate brave and true
more precious than a golden hoard a loyal stalwart crew

So come my love and fill your cup
let's drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow

Helped by gods I cleared my past did deeds I had to do
Now at last I'm free to start my voyaging anew
Like Odysseus of old I've got my sail unfurled
fearlessly I'll chart my course to the edges of the world
what lies ahead at journey's end I no longer care
a heavenly paradise or some sea serpents' lair
I've learned to lash the tiller to keep the ship on course
to beware lest the gifts of men should prove a Trojan horse

So come my love and fill your cup
let's drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow

I weary of wine and feasting, ballads and noble words
my companion's silence is the best music I've heard
many here have learned to speak like parrots in a cage
but few have learned to listen, few grow wise with age
Together let us soon set sail in search of oceans new
strange new islands we'll explore as we sail into the blue
Cast off lines and take my hand I care not where we roam
when you know your way to harbour the whole world is your home

So come my love and fill your cup
let's drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow

 

from the album - Beautiful Place