Rob Russell Davies: Listen

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THE TIPPERARY SONG
© Rob Russell Davies 2007

I heard the song of Tipperary
The day they ordered us all to hell
The fields of Flanders were a nightmare
As I charged through flying shells
And soon I knew my war was over
Machine guns cut me to the ground
And slipping in and out of darkness
I first heard Tipperary Town.

CHORUS:
It's a long, long way to Tipperary
It's a long, long way to get back home
But we can make it there together
'Cause I don't want to end it here, alone.

For weeks and months I lived in shadows
Clinging to the edge of life
And only one thing kept me going
When they told me I was blind
'Cause you were always there beside me
Nursing all my tears away
Softly singing Tipperary
To help me through the darkest days

CHORUS: (Repeated)

Then one day your singing ended
And someone told me you were gone
Sent up front to help the wounded
And sing your healing song
So when those vicious guns were silenced
And when we marched home from the war
I made my way to Tipperary
To try and hear your song once more

CHORUS: Repeated

For days and days I walked the old town
With a helper showing me the way
I listened to the Irish voices
But they never said your name
And when it seemed my time was wasted
And when I thought my dreams were dead
I sat down in a pub on main street
And suddenly your voice was there.

LAST CHORUS:
It's a long, long way to Tipperary
It's a long, long way to get back home
But we can make it here together
'Cause I don't want to end it here...
And we don't have to end it here...
Alone.
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[Inspired by, and with due credit to 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' (1912) by Jack Judge and Harry Williams.]