Martyr of Mine

There once was a man of rebellion
He viewed the world a different way
Ever since he was a lad, he had followed his truth
And who was I to ask him to stay?
He said he would go, this I knew, this I knew
He'd have a story to tell when he returned
He was ever so daring with a slight and strong stare
He never should have gone, this I learned
Row gently, go gently, set out against the tide
Row gently, go gently, darling martyr of mine
We were to be wed; our hands well fast
In the shadowy month of Beltane
We were to be wed but he did not return
In time for me to take his name
The news quickly spread of a strange rebuke
In a foreign, distant land
My love he shared his beliefs with a Duke
Who promptly bound his hands
Row gently, go gently, set out against the tide
Row gently, go gently, darling martyr of mine
I sailed to my love with heart and speed
His brothers steady at my side
Make haste we did, more hungry than greed
To see my love's hands untied
We gathered to a crowd of villagers fixed
Upon a wooden stake, tall to see
There was my love his face warm and lit
From the flames dancing at his feet
He stared straight ahead, said
Away with thee!
My love, I am made of fault
I shall not cast off my beliefs
So, they have made a martyr of me
But row gently, go gently, set out to meet the tide
Row gently, go gently, my bonnie bride
Return to our home, make haste now
And hide
I'll lie in martyrdom but you will survive
Down to the depths, I flee and weep
We cast his ashes to the sea
Down to the depths, neither heart nor rank
Could set my darling martyr free
But row gently, go gently, set out to mee the tide
Row gently, go gently, darling martyr of mine