The Contender

by Rebecca Holton

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about

This song was written by Jimmy McCarthy.
Vocals and harp by Rebecca Holton

lyrics

The Contender
Jimmy McCarthy

When I was young and I was in my day

I could steal what woman's heart there was away

I'd sing and dance until the morning

Blaze away until the dawning

Long before I was the man you see today

I was born beneath the star that promised all

I could've lived my life between Cork Cobh and Youghal

But the wheel of fortune took me

And from the highest point she shook me

By the bottle live and by the bottle I shall fall

And there in the mirror on the wall

I see the dream is fading

From the contender to the brawl

The ring the rose the matador is raving

And when I die I'll die a drunk out in the street

You can count me out for 10 in clear defeat

Wrap the starry plough around me

Let the piper's air resound me

There I'll rest until the Lord of love I meet

And there in the mirror on the wall

I see the dream is fading

From the contender to the brawl

The ring the rose the matador is raving

Wrap the starry plough around me

Let the piper's air resound me

There I'll rest until the Lord of love I meet

credits

released February 17, 2023

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about

Rebecca Holton England, UK

Folk singer and harpist from deepest, darkest Yorkshire

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