Rocky Road


Looking down over Belfast
From the Rocky Road I can see Napoleon’s nose
Shots and flames in the distance
Flags and bands over at Sandy Row

Bright blue lights flash a warning
Children learning how to hate
Shipyard man in the morning
Flat Cap doffed at the Dee Street gate

Davy’s gone to pieces
Bridie’s lost her only son
On her own, in her room

Wide eyed crowd cheer the preacher
Hooded man waves a gun
Jesus Christ ain’t no teacher
When the healing’s gone as the day is done

Fergal’s lost in darkness
Annie’s lost the only one
Left alone with her dreams

How can they hope for tomorrow
When they’re lost their yesterday
Smothered hope drowned in sorrow
Love is gone, love is gone

Looking down over Belfast
From the Rocky Road I saw the Tall Ships sail
Pale blue moon in the distance
Shooting star with a diamond tail

Bright blue lights still flash a warning
Children learning how to smile
Suited men in the morning
Marching down that Stormont Mile

Billy’s found a new road
Aoife sings a finer song
Sing along

They dream and hope for tomorrow
Moving on from yesterday
Our broken dreams they cannot borrow
Living life, living long