Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
I have seen you tossing restless between midnight and day,
Paying all the debts of many years,
Staring out the window till the mist has burned away,
Waiting for the sun to dry your tears,
I’ve seen you young, I’ve seen you old, I’ve seen you lost and found,
I’ve seen you sit and cry without a sound.
I have seen you in the lamplight with the hard lines in your face,
And the shadows of your fears upon the wall,
But crying is no weakness and to lose is no disgrace,
You see we’re not so different after all,
But can’t you tell, by the ringing bell,
The old year’s moving on, I’d like to say one thing before it’s gone.
May whatever house you live in have flowers round the door,
And children in the bed to keep you warm,
May the people there accept you for what you really are,
And help you find some shelter in the storm,
And morning rain, to ease the pain, that comes with being free,
May the New Year bring you freedom peacefully.