These Islands Green Lyrics - Robin Williamson

by Robin Williamson 

Scotland O where I was born 

And happy I have been 

It is days come months come long years 

Since my home I have seen 

All over North America 

From shore to shore I roamed 

It's thinking often all the while 

And how would I get home 

And all good friends what may betide 

So dear so far away 

And the green and pleasant countryside 

Where erst I spent my days 

And when the road is hard and long 

I oftimes call to mind 

Old Scotland's vales and Scotland's dales 

And the love I left behind 

But this rolling world's no poet's home 

Nor has been since Man's fall 

Through hollow lands and hilly lands 

Where the lonesome sparrow calls 

His notes evokes a broken key 

As you can understand 

Which makes us roving strangers all 

From our native land 

So treat me kindly as I go 

As heaven doth require 

A safe rest and a friendly word 

Are all that I desire 

And a glass of your good whiskey bring 

In the height of my good cheer 

And I'll think on it kindly many a mile 

When I am gone from here 

I'll take the good times with the bad 

Times are nothing sure 

I've learned the while that fortune smiles 

On them that can endure 

Ah but I will trust in Providence 

No matter where I roam 

And honest ways and honest days 

Will lead us all safe home