Billy Bragg

Raglan Road Lyrics

On Raglan Road on an autumn day

I saw her first and knew

That her dark hair would weave a snare

That I would someday rue



I saw the danger, yet I walked

Along the enchanted way

And I said, "Let grief be a falling leaf

At the dawning of the day."



On Grafton Street in November

We walked lightly along the ledge

Of a deep ravine where can be seen

The worth of passion's pledge



The queen of hearts still making tarts

And I not making hay

And I loved too much and by such and such

Is happiness thrown away



I gave her the gifts of the mind

I gave her a secret sign

That's known to all the artists

Who have known true gods of sound and tome



And word and tint I never did stint

I gave him reams of poems to say

With her own name there and long, dark hair

Like the clouds o'er fields of may



On a quiet street where old ghosts meet

I see her walking now

Away from me so hurriedly

My reason must allow



That I had wooed not as I should

A creature made of clay

When the angel woos, the clay he'll lose

His wings at the dawn of day



On Raglan Road on an autumn day

I saw her first and knew

That her dark hair would weave a snare

That I might someday rue



I saw the danger, yet I walked

Along the enchanted way

And I said, "Let grief be a falling leaf

At the dawning of the day."