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Colum Sands
The note that lingers on Year: 2003
Album: THE NOTE THAT LINGERS ON
Song: Going down to the well with Maggie
Words & Music: Colum Sands, Elm Grove Music
Colum Sands: Vocals, guitar
Anne Sands: Backing vocals
Ben Sands: Backing vocals
Nuala Curran: Cello
Karen Tweed: Accordion

Going down to the well with Maggie, running to match her walk
I'm five years old and learning, to listen more than talk
She says the well's a river, that flows to the seven seas
She knows what she is giving me, but not what I receive

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

Rose is in her garden, she leans across the wall
They talk whenever it suits them both, and some days not at all,
"Who's this wee man you have today, he must be Bridie's lad
He's a lovely child god bless him", say's Maggie "He's not too bad"

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

The can goes into the water, a butterfly rises high
And Rose takes down her washing, with a knowing look at the sky
"Keep back from the well", say's Maggie, "It's deep as deep can be"
But I'm still standing far too close, in search of the seven seas

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

Walking through the rushes, the can filled to the brim
A drop or two spills on the hardened path, say's Maggie "That's no sin,
and gather some sticks you boy, the whin roots are the best
To keep the fire a burning and the jackdaw off the nest"

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

It's nearly dark inside the house, the pope hangs on the wall,
The sticks go onto the open fire, with paraffin oil and all
A voice comes from the wireless, "They'll walk on the moon one day"
Maggie gives the fire a poke and says "We'll make the tae"

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

Now the lid of the kettle is dancing as flames lick out in heat
And war breaks out on Maggie's hearth as fire and water meet
The cat jumps into the window..."Bad scrant to you!" Maggie calls
At five years old I'm witnessing, Pope Pius the 12th's first fall

Going down to the well with Maggie (2x)

St Anthony was a friend of hers but she stayed at home to pray
The smell of incense made her sick, and the priest said, "that's OK",
She could read your cup and tell the age of the children who came to play
Her door was always open and she smiled till her last day

Going down to the well with Maggie(2x)

Six women carried Maggie, a sight ne'er seen before
And I smiled at the smell of incense,
The church was packed to the door,
As I sail across the seven seas,
I see Maggie and her can
The key to the door of childhood, forever in her hand.

Going down to the well with Maggie(4x)