Verse I Hair red as the willow trees that grow beside the river beds, eyes bright like cygnets 'lighting on a lake. Eyes that host the flashing heraldry of laughter and of dread Watch as they contend in her sloped smile. She arches an eyebrow as She twirls down sunlit cooridoors leaving motes of dust dancing in her wake. In the spring when the clouds hasten, joining and parting cross the sky she'll look from her window to the sea, watching the play of light upon the waves turn them to copper, and I hope she'll spare a thought for me. Chorus A# F (G)G# cm When I was still a young lad We'd row in the summers Out into the bay And casting out the fish nets, We'd trade tales and riddles To while away the days Or fall silent for hours As the circling birds Or the surf captured our gaze Ensorcelled by the rythm of each crest Breaking on the boat, The sun sparkling in the waves Ah to be young and idle, In love with the sun And the breeze over the sea Ah to be young and idle, Kindred to the clouds Sailing swiftly and free Verse II For many years the sea we've roamed; this narrow bow become my home; The creaking wood's the sweetest voice we ever hear. Our souls turned leather like our skin, blasted by sun and whipped by wind, stung by salt then frozen through the nights. Watching the stars I think of home and try to summon forth you features, but I find the memories growing dim. Perhaps you've moved far from the coast So that the wind won't carry your soft voice the many miles to my ears. For oft I swear I heard you speak as if you stood direct beside me, as on those nights (years gone) I stood a watch. You must have married years ago and settled down to raise a family. I shouldn't dare imagine otherwise. And yet when still I picture you you're young with all of life before you; and time has not begun to ask its tithes. Chorus II When I was still a young lad We'd race down the strand, Sea-spray blowing in our eyes Or hunt amongst the tidepools; What marvels we'd discover Neath the water's placid guise! Or hunt amongs the tidepools, Discovering many marvels left uncovered by the tides. Ah to be young and idle, In love with the sea And the clouds lit by the sun. Ah to be young and idle, Borne aloft by the wind When down the dunes we'd run. Alternations: Eyes springing like cygnets from a wooded pond. Before time has begun To take it's toll