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The College Gates

from 100 Snow White Horses by John Spillane

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lyrics

On the road west out of the enchanted city at the gates of the college
Stands an ancient weeping willow tree, weeping, weeping silently,
Willow, willow, willow, no need to cry for me!

A little white throated swallow flew five thousand miles
Sleeping on the wing, returning from the burning Arabian sands, lands
On the ancient weeping willow, tree weeping, weeping constantly,

“Fly into my arms little bird, how I’ve missed your company
What have you seen, what have you heard,
Where have you been from me?”

Sang the ancient weeping willow tree
Her long green skirts trailing down, down into the dark waters of the river Lee

“I’ve seen a great crowd of people drowning in a sea of troubles,
I’ve seen a vast army gathered on the plain,
Willow, willow willow no need to cry for me
O ancient weeping willow tree, how I’ve missed your company
What have you seen, what have you heard?” sang the little sacred bird.

“Well I’ve spoken to the owls, I’ve spoken to the professors,
To the old men growing pale in their ivory towers,
I’d give all their great powers for just one word of kindness, one kind word
Fly into my arms little bird” sang the ancient weeping willow tree

“I’ve seen an army of poets storming a golden tower in a dream
Returning at dawn through the gates of the college,
Their faces all pale and drawn, I’d give all their great knowledge
For just one word of kindness, one kind word
Fly into my arms little bird” sang the ancient weeping willow tree
Weeping weeping silently

On the road west out of the enchanted city at the gates of the college
Stands an ancient weeping willow tree, weeping, weeping, constantly.

credits

from 100 Snow White Horses, released April 2, 2021

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John Spillane

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world. After 20 years, John is set to release his first independent release; 100 Snow White Horses.

Recorded in London with producer John Reynolds and singer Pauline Scanlon. ... more

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