The Black 47 - Red Hugh lyrics

Another sleepless night On a foreign shore Candle flickers by my bed Locks bolt my door I drink too much wine But it gives my brain relief Stops the meanderings That root me from my sleep I stare out at the night From a sweat-soaked bed The Queen lays plots in London But she won't have my head The candle gutters The smell sweeps me back To the icy fields of Kinsale The bodies burning black Fire and lightning protect Tirconaill Fire and brimstone rain down on London They'll long remember Red Hugh O'Donnell I could not join that battle I gave orders from my horse Wicklow snows had withered The toes inside my boots Still a fever of anxiety Racks my bones All my friends dead On Kinsale's icy roads Oh were I back in Ulster I'd dive in Swilly's foam Her crystal waters Would soothe my soul Dispatches from O'Neill He grows old and cautious Our allies are deserting My blade would rip their stomachs If Philip won't help I'll return alone O'Neill longs for an armistice What profit in a peace With a queen who'll break her word I swear to God That b**h will taste my sword I'll drag her red wig from her head Pull out her poisoned tongue I must get back to Ulster The candle is dead There's footsteps at my door They halt I'm tormented by that who*e Who waits at court in London For word of my demise Her agents hunt me everywhere But I will not be taken By any of her men My head will not grace London's spike I'll fight her to the end Tonight I sup with James Blake An honest man is he He's promised me three ships of war We'll sweep Lizzie from her throne I will take my place High King of the Irish Defender of my Faith With O'Neill as my adviser O'Byrne at my side I'll rule with justice But now the dawn is breaking On this foreign shore I will arise and say my prayers Tomorrow I'll go home