James Houlahan

Lyrics

my name is Riley and I’m rolling the dice
I sail the tall seas with my lovely bride
we tame the strong winds and we set the sails right
we keep a close watch on a stormy night

I tended flowers on a graveyard lot
I picked the roses when the vines they rot
But now my sailing days are here to stay
I’m feeling better now from day to day

people told me I should always try
to settle down on land before I die
but all those gravestones were telling me
to strike away for the rolling sea

oceans beckon with their salty spray
waves are breaking and they clear the way
dark moon rising in the evening sky
shadows growing as the birds they fly

I’ve sailed this ocean for a hundred years
I’ve staked a claim on the darkest fears
where I thought that I should always know
is now a place where I am letting go

my name is Riley and I’m rolling the dice
I sail the tall seas with my lovely bride
we tame the strong winds and we set the sails right
we keep a close watch on a stormy night

(From the album "misfit hymns")

music & lyrics by James Houlahan

published by Gumbo Luvah Music