Don't Pay the Ferryman

Chris De Burgh

It was late at night on the open road 
Speeding like a man on the run 
A lifetime spent preparing for the journey 

He is closer now and the search is on 
Reading from a map in the mind 
Yes there's a ragged hill 
And there's the boat on the river 

And when the rain came down 
He heard a wild dog howl 
There were voices in the night - "Don't do it!" 
Voices out of sight - "Don't do it! 
Too many men have failed before 
Whatever you do 

Don't pay the ferryman 
Don't even fix a price 
Don't pay the ferryman 
Until he gets you to the other side 

In the rolling mist then he gets on board 
Now there'll be no turning back 
Beware that hooded old man at the rudder 
And then the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared 
And people calling out his name 
And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned 
On the water 

And then the ferryman said 
"There is trouble ahead. 
So you must pay me now" - "Don't do it!" 
"You must pay me now" - "Don't do it!" 
And still that voice came from beyond 
Whatever you do 

Don't pay the ferryman 
Don't even fix a price 
Don't pay the ferryman 
Until he gets you to the other side 

Don't pay - the ferryman! 


Tags:  80s a clear focus on recording stu a subtle use of vocal harmony acoustic rhythm guitars electronica influences extensive vamping if czwarus had a radio station malloy2000 playlist - top song melodic songwriting mild rhythmic syncopation minor key tonality pop pop rock qualities prominent use of synth rock top soft rock
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