The Ballad Of Michael Collins

The bark of a dog breaks the silence
Like a bitter last hurrah
And a raven spreads it’s wings for flight
Over fields near Beál Na mBláth
With a rifle still clasped to his breast
But hanging low his head
A black August day in the County Cork
Michael Collins is dead

Hang out your brightest colours
His memory now recall
Each one wants a part of him
But no-one wants it all

Working over in London town
When he joined the I.R.B.
Sworn to use, both, deadly force
His native land to free
His squad is ready and willing to strike
His love for his ruthless charm
The Laughing Boy smiles at the castle
It’s a smile to cause alarm

Hang out your brightest colours
His memory now recall
Each one wants a part of him
But no-one wants it all

A British intelligence agent
Is working from a Dublin room
Michael Collins adds a name to a list
That will take men to the tomb
A spy slowly rises from his chair
And walks across the floor
A man with a parabellum
Is knocking at the door

Hang out your brightest colours
His memory now recall
Each one wants a part of him
But no-one wants it all

Returning then to London town
Who will take the blame?
The Treaty lies before him
Michael Collins adds his name
A darker time lies across the land
Who will bear the load?
An awkward hero in an armoured car
On an Irish country road

Hang out your brightest colours
His memory now recall
Each one wants a part of him
But no-one wants it all

The bark of a dog breaks the silence
Like a bitter last hurrah
And a raven spreads it’s wings for flight
Over fields near Beál Na mBláth