I wish I was a fisherman

tumbling on the sea

far away from dry land

and its bitter memories

casting out my sweet line

with abandonment and love

no ceiling bearing down on me

save the starry sky above

with light in my head

and you in my arms



I wish I was the brakeman

on a hurtling fevered train

crashing a-headlong on into the heartland

like a cannon in the rain

with the beating of the sweepers

and the burning of the coal

counting the towns flashing by

and the night that's full of soul

with light in my head

and you in my arms



tomorrow I will be loosened

from the bonds that hold me fast

with the chains all hung around me

will fall away at last

and on that fine and fateful day

I will take thee in my hand

I will ride on the train

I will be the fisherman

with light in my head

you in my arms



'Vagabond of the Western World