lyrics: the blink of an eye – the old country wales

cd: The Blink of an Eye

track 14: The Old Country Wales

Tin smiths and steel workers were in demand
Far ‘cross the ocean, in Americas land
He had a family that he couldn’t fail
Set off on his own, from the old country Wales

One more Welsh steel worker standing in line
Work every moment, save every dime
Sending your wife all your pay in the mail
Come love bring the children, from the old country Wales

Leaving your homeland’s like leaving your heart
And families and loved ones, should not be apart
All of the hope that your new life avails
The strength of your soul, is the old country Wales

How does an eight year old child say goodbye
To young friends and classmates, with tears in her eyes
Grand folks look sad as you wave from the rail
They’ll live on without you, in the old country Wales

Through Ellis Island to my fathers arms
Ride the train through Pennsylvania’s farms
Into a new life so fragile and frail
A whole world away, from the old country Wales

Chorus

Mother still writes to her friends on the strand
And speaks in the old tongue whenever she can
She prayed to God on the day we set sail
Her children would cherish, the old country Wales

Our parents showed courage that we’ve never known
Our children’s children will need to be shown
May they find the past in a present day tale
The blood that runs through them, from the old country Wales

Chorus