Dickens' Dublin [The Palace] lyrics

I walk the streets of Dublin town

It's 1842

It's snowing on this Christmas Eve

Think I'll beg another bob or two

I'll huddle in this doorway here

Till someone comes along

If the lamp lighter1 comes real soon

Maybe I'll go home with him

Chorus

Maybe I can find a place I can call my home

Maybe I can find a home I can call my own 2

The horses on the cobbled stones pass by

Think I'll get one one fine day

And ride into the country side

And very far away

But now as the daylight disappears

I best find a place to sleep

Think I'll slip into the bell tower

In the church just down the street

Chorus

Maybe on the way I'll find the dog3

I saw the other night

And tuck him underneath my jacket

So we'll stay warm through the night

As we lie in the bell tower high

And dream of days to come

The bells o'er head will call the hour

The day we will find a home

1. one of the lost trades, that of going to turn on and off the street lamps of the city lights, once oil lamps and then gas lamps; some cities in Europe and the United States, however, have retained (or restored) gas lighting in some areas of historical importance or tourism2. the girl is a orphan, but hopes (in vain) to be able to make a family of her own, get married and have children to feel at home: an unrealizable desire expressed to Jesus for Christmas3. her desperate need of affection will be poured on a stray dog with which to curl up to sleep and share dreams

• Artist:Loreena McKennitt
• Album:Parallel Dreams (1989)