Married to the Sea - Eddi Reader

Well he stood before the ocean in the middle of the night

And because he loved her so he asked her to be his wife.

And then he closed his eyes and waited, and listened for an answer

Until she kissed his feet and whispered, 'I could not give you my hand sir.'

Then as she walked him up and down along the shore

She said, «You're far too young to marry me,

For I am old as old can be.

And I’ve been wed with many men,

But for all my love I’ve far outlived them all.»

So he went to her the next night all a-merried up with wine

And he asked her for her long blue hand, for to hold with his entwined

And then once again he waited and listened for a while.

Until he heard her voice come crashing in the waves

That broke all round for miles and miles.

She said, «How could I place my trust in thee,

For I am bound and you are free?

See so many men have took my hand,

And so many of them left me for the land.

There were fishermen, whalers, seamen and sailors,

But for all it’s just me and the moon.

And for each star above me, ten more have loved me.

How could it be different with you?»

So when it was quiet on the third night, he said, «My life is in your hands.

You can keep me for the time I have, Or I’ll lie here on the sand.»

And it was quiet on the third night as he took off my shoes,

But as he walked into her arms she said,

«Sure what have I to lose.»