Bats & Swallows Songtext
von Strawbs

Swallows come a-swooping down
The day begins to cool
Veering through the olive trees
Defying every rule
Circling at breakneck speed
To splash into the pool

Steep climb to the temple steps
Is worth it for the view
Dragonflies, butterflies
In every shade of blue
Ruins on the mountainside
Where cypress trees once grew


Outside the old taverna
Laughter everywhere
Smell of outdoor barbecues
Hanging in the air
Bats take on the night shift
Gently brushing through your hair

The village centre comes alive
Multi-coloured light
Fiesta in the churchyard
Fires burning bright
Children leaping through the flames
Make wishes in the night

Garlands for the fire
Rosemary and sage
Bats replace the swallows
Shadows on the page
Ladies in their finery
Insensitive to age


The ancient village weaving loom
Still used every spring
Great-grandmother learned to weave
Before she learned to sing
To Irene I sang goodnight
What pleasure it would bring