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The Loom of the Land

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It was the dirty end of winter

Along the loom of the land

When I walked with sweet Sally

Hand upon hand





And the wind it bit bitter

For a boy of no means

With no shoes on his feet

And a knife in his jeans





Along the loom of the land

The mission bells peeled

From the tower at Saint Mary's

Down to Reprobate Fields





And I saw that the world

Was all blessed and bright

And Sally breathed softly

In the majestic night





O baby please don't cry

And try to keep

Your little hand upon my shoulder

Now go to sleep





The elms and the poplars

Were turning their backs

Past the rumbling station

We followed the tracks





We found an untrodden path

And followed it down

The moon in the sky

Like a dislodged crown





My hands they burned

In the folds of her coat

Breathing milky white air

From deep in her throat





O baby please don't cry

And try to keep

Your little head upon my shoulder

Now go to sleep





I told Sally in whispers

I'll never bring you harm

Her breast it was small

And warm in my palm





I told her the moon

Was a magical thing

That it shone gold in winter

And silver in spring





And we walked and walked

Across the endless sands

Just me and my Sally

Along the loom of the land





O baby please don't cry

And try to keep

Your little head upon my shoulder

Now go to sleep