I am stretched on your grave
And would lie there forever
If your hands were in mine
I'd be sure we'd not sever.
My appletree, my brightness,
'Tis time we were together
For I smell of the earth
And am worn by the weather.

When my family thinks
That I'm safe in my bed
From night until Morning
I am stretched at your head.
Calling out in the air with
Tears hot and wild
My grief for that girl
That I loved as a child.

Do you remember the
Night we were lost
In the shade of the Blackthorn
And the chill of the frost?
Thanks to be Jesus we did
Did what was right
And your maidenhead still
Is a pillar of light.

The priests and the friars
Approach me in dread
Because I still love you
My love, and you're dead.
I still will be your shelter
Through rain and through storm
But with you in your cold grave
I cannot be warm.

I am stretched on your grave
And would lie there forever
If your hands were in mine
I'm sure we'd not sever.
My appletree, by brightness
'Tis time we were together
For I smell of the earth
And am worn by the weather.

Translated from the Irish by Frank O'Connor

To hear it performed by Sinead O'Connor click:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiGHGSsczjg