The Snake With Eyes Of Garnet Lyrics - Shane Macgowan And The Popes

Last night as I lay dreaming 

My way across the sea 

James Mangan brought me comfort 

With laudnum and poitin 

He flew me back to Dublin 

In 1819 

To a public execution 

Being held on Stephen's Green 

The young man on the platform 

Held his head up and he did sing 

Then he whispered hard into my ear 

As he handed me this ring 

"If you miss me on the harbour 

For the boat, it leaves at three 

Take this snake with eyes of garnet 

My mother gave to me! 

This snake cannot be captured 

This snake cannot be tied 

This snake cannot be tortured, or 

Hung or crucified 

It came down through the ages 

It belongs to you and me 

So pass it on and pass it on 

'Till all mankind is free 

If you miss me on the harbour 

For the boat, it leaves at three 

Take this snake with eyes of garnet 

My mother gave to me" 

He swung, his face went purple 

A roar came from the crowd 

But Mangan laughed and pushed me 

And we got back on the cloud 

He dropped me off in London 

Back in this dying land 

But my eyes were filled with wonder 

At the ring still in my hand 

If you miss me on the harbour 

For the boat, it leaves at three 

Take this snake with eyes of garnet 

My mother gave to me! 

And if you miss me on the harbour 

For the boat, it leaves at three 

Take this snake with eyes of garnet 

My mother gave to me!