Ray Hearne is a national treasure, and the fact that he doesn't officially have that title is a massive failing on the world. His songs have always brightened my day, but this one (the opening track from his album The Wrong Sunshine) is one of the first songs of his that I heard him sing. Go and buy all his music, you won't be disappointed.
Tuning: CGCGCD, Capo 4
lyrics
From the coal folk's choral song
Through the lost dark furnace's tongue
Melodies and rhymes resound
When you're Manvers Island bound
I was dreaming late last night
All the sweet notes, coming out right
High up over ancient ground
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
High up over ancient ground
I'll be Manvers Island bound
Though the world seems back'ards round
Still the right songs have to be found
And I know every sight and sound
When I'm Manvers Island bound
When I'm Manvers Island bound
When I'm Manvers Island bound
And I know every sight and sound
When I'm Manvers Island bound
We are silent for so long
Thought policemen tell us we're wrong
But you can match them pound for pound
When you're Manvers Island bound
When you're Manvers Island bound
When you're Manvers Island bound
But you can match them pound for pound
When you're Manvers Island bound
There are words like history
Mystery, and eternity
Life is seldom so pround
Then when you're Manvers Island bound
For the lonely in their beds
For the voiceless, living and dead
All the singing seasons round
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
All the singing seasons round
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
I'll be Manvers Island bound
All the singing seasons round
I'll be Manvers Island bound
credits
from Vignettes,
released July 3, 2020
Lyrics: Ray Hearne
Music: Ray Hearne
Arr: Patrick Rose