The Red Branch

When I was young and virile

With witches I would run

When Cathbad took my arm and said:

"Don't stare into the sun, boy

Don't stare into the sun

The fire will burn your eyes boy

Don't stare into the sun"

So I was bound upon the walls

Inside the burial mound

For three long days and three long nights

I didn't see the sun, no

I didn't see the sun

The darkness cloaked my eyes

And I couldn't see the sun

And then they lifted the stone

And Cathbad rose from his throne

A branch of red had stung the eyes of

Heroes he had known

A shaft of shimmering light

That burned my eyes with its might

Came piercing through the hole upon the roof

At winter's height

And so the round hall took me in

Warped warriors everyone

A hero-harness worn by all

We fought beneath the sun, yes

We fought beneath the sun

The fire burned our backs as we

Fought beneath the sun

I soon decided to stride

Across a river so wide

To a hut upon the far shore of the

King's own chosen bride

She took me into her lair

We rolled like thunder in there

But after several visits the King's guards

Became aware

They broke down the door

And stepped in the room

And found us together in her bed

They chained me outside

Before I could hide

And told me the King would have my head

I gathered my strength

To pull at the chains

And slowly the pole began to rise

Up out of the ground, not even a sound

I broke away fast as lightning

Now I run across the plains

My fortune is my bane

I've nowhere left to hide

I'm trembling inside

I pray to Mother earth

To offer me rebirth

But bad tastes in my mouth

Turn all my footsteps south

Where Drunes abuse her power

And turn her soil sour

Is where I have to go

With Crom Cruach from below

And Carnun from above

I've wasted all for love

But when the King is dead

I'll go back to my tribe

And claim my rightful bride