When I rest at night, my heart goes
To a place that I’ve seen in a far off day
When can I return? God only knows
But my memories will keep my tears at bay
For I live abroad and I travel much
And the songs of the road are all I have
To help me strive to keep in touch
Songs for the heart a balm and a salve
CHORUS
For you may see the hawk and the hare
The mouse and the cat lay down together
In the sunny lands and the crystal air
Back in Darachshire, as I remember
Oh the land that still calls to me
A solid forest there of oaks
Of rolling hills and surging sea
Hold nothing to the sweetest folks
They’ll open their hearts and open their homes
Give you the shirt right off their backs
You’ll never lack for pins nor combs
Nor shining raiment on your racks
CHORUS
Out on the road and down in the port
I’ve heard tell of a ship, most lovingly,
The White Star is the most honorable sort
And its crew serve Her most willingly
They offered their hand in friendship true
And gave me a place to rest for a spell
Even though I miss my old home too
My heart warms at the sound of their ship’s bell
CHORUS
Just down the road from the Villa fair
I found an Inn with new friends made
To raise a glass or a warm meal share
In the Tavern of the Crimson Spade
Sit for a game and stay for a spell
A grander Inn you’ll never see
The music’s fine and the stories tell
Reminds me of Darach’s family
CHORUS
The Caidan moon shines brighter here
The winds are cooler and they’re sweeter
How thick flows our very great beer!
And oh! the prowess of sword and heater!
How I miss the shire that I love
As I travel in lands both far and near
Trust I know what I speak of
I’ll make it home, never fear
CHORUS 2x
Notes: Original composed for and at the 1st Bard of Caid Competition, at 2005 Highland War (in the Reign of Dietrick & Adriana), what are now verses 1, 2, and 5. The assignment was to compose (during the performances) a piece with the words "moon," "hare," and "love." Verses 3 and 4 were for the White Star Bardic Competition, 2005 GWW IX, and was entered into original composition in a period style, modeled after the English Lute Songs and madrigals. The printed music for the verse indicates a rough understanding of the rhythm for the verses, but each verse is slightly different.
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