The Snake With the Eyes of Garnet Songtext
von Shane MacGowan and the Popes

Last night as I lay dreaming
My way across the sea
James Mangan brought me comfort
With laudanum 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 harbor
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
'Til all mankind is free

If you miss me on the harbor
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 harbor
For the boat, it leaves at three
Take this snake with eyes of garnet
My mother gave to me


If you miss me on the harbor
For the boat, it leaves at three
Take this snake with eyes of garnet
My mother gave to me