I AM STRETCHED ON YOUR GRAVE

(Phillip King/Frank O'Connor)

 

I am stretched on your grave

And will lie there forever

If your hands were in mine

I'd be sure we'd not sever

My apple tree my brightness

It's time we were together

For I smell of the earth

And am worn by the weather

 

When my family thinks

That I'm safe in my bed

From night until morning

I am stretched at your head

Calling out to the air

With tears hot and wild

My grief for the girl

That I loved as a child

 

Do you remember

The night we were lost

In the shade of the blackthorn

And the chill of the frost

Thanks be to Jesus

We did what was right

And your maiden head still

Is your pillar of light

 

The priests and the friars

Approach me in dread

Because I still love you

My love and you're dead

I still would be your shelter

Through rain and through storm

And with you in your cold grave

I cannot sleep warm

 

So I'm stretched on your grave

And will lie there forever

If you hands were in mine

I'd be sure we'd not sever

My apple tree my brightness

It's time we were together

For I smell of the earth

And am worn by the weather