Longboat. by Paul Kennelly June 2008
build me a longboat, the best in the land, build me a longboat, this I command
fine rope you shall fashion, to rack up the sail, boards that are supple, to withstand a gale
so it’s down with the keel and up with the mast, the finest of wood to make the boat last
we build it for Odin and all of our gods, with only the best of our iron and logs
the sail is of linen, strong in the weave, upon it, the Raven , to make our foes grieve
now that it’s built, fill it with stores, axes and ring coats, shields and swords
make ready provisions, all lend a hand, to sail us across to the old Pictish lands
make sail, set sail, pull on your oars, give thanks unto Odin and our folk on the shores
we shall return with silver and gold and those who do not with the gods they’ll grow old
make sail, set sail, you warrior band, ‘tis a fine ship you’ve builded- the best in the land.
build me a longboat, the best in the land, build me a longboat, this I command
fine rope you shall fashion, to rack up the sail, boards that are supple, to withstand a gale
so it’s down with the keel and up with the mast, the finest of wood to make the boat last
we build it for Odin and all of our gods, with only the best of our iron and logs
the sail is of linen, strong in the weave, upon it, the Raven , to make our foes grieve
now that it’s built, fill it with stores, axes and ring coats, shields and swords
make ready provisions, all lend a hand, to sail us across to the old Pictish lands
make sail, set sail, pull on your oars, give thanks unto Odin and our folk on the shores
we shall return with silver and gold and those who do not with the gods they’ll grow old
make sail, set sail, you warrior band, ‘tis a fine ship you’ve builded- the best in the land.
