Held the Line

Ríoghnach nEachach

When I was but a young lad
All stars in my eyes
My father, he would bait my hook
And I would hold the line

All day we'd spend upon the lake
All day and sometimes night
We'd spend the hours fishing there
With ne'er a broken line

One day, into the village
A handsome bard did stride
He plucked his lute and sang his songs
With melodies divine

I followed in his footsteps
Above him I did rise!
Well, my songs were almost good
But I could hold a line

Then the country sang out
A long and desperate cry
Our neighbors now were fighting
A war across the brine

I went to serve in battle
A broadsword at my side
Never did we fall or run
For we would hold the line

My friend, he was there with me
He saw it with his eyes
I closed them oh so gently
When he met his demise

I lie down to rest now
And look into the skies
Ten thousand men, it seems, I fought
And I did hold the line

Yes I, I held the line

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