Last night as I lay dreaming

My way across the sea

James Mangan brought me comfort

With laudnum and poitin

He flew me back to Dublin

In 1819

To a public execution

Being held on Stephen's Green

The young man on the platform

Held his head up and he did sing

Then he whispered hard into my ear

As he handed me this ring



"If you miss me on the harbour

For the boat, it leaves at three

Take this snake with eyes of garnet

My mother gave to me!

This snake cannot be captured

This snake cannot be tied

This snake cannot be tortured, or

Hung or crucified

It came down through the ages

It belongs to you and me

So pass it on and pass it on

'Till all mankind is free

If you miss me on the harbour

For the boat, it leaves at three

Take this snake with eyes of garnet

My mother gave to me"



He swung, his face went purple

A roar came from the crowd

But Mangan laughed and pushed me

And we got back on the cloud

He dropped me off in London

Back in this dying land

But my eyes were filled with wonder

At the ring still in my hand



If you miss me on the harbour

For the boat, it leaves at three

Take this snake with eyes of garnet

My mother gave to me!



And if you miss me on the harbour

For the boat, it leaves at three

Take this snake with eyes of garnet

My mother gave to me