Seven Bells
Before dawn came a ship to the harbor
Mooring lines were busily cast
As the merchantman docked in her home port safely at last
From her decks comes a world weary sailor
Feeling lost at his first steps on shore
Much the same as he left but older by many months more
The sea's widows smile, they cross themselves, running
As the church bells are heard
Calling out for a ship's safe return
Seven bells for the guardian angels
For the captain they ring out at three
And one lonely toll for the sad sailor left out at sea
Slowly walk from the dockside reunions
Through the fish market crowds on his own
Makes his way past the factories to thank heaven
For bringing him home
From behind him a young voice is calling
Turns and catches the boy at a run
The drag in his footsteps grows lighter
With the weight of his son
Swing away my young man, have you grown so much taller?
With the face of an angel so much like your mother you are
Seven bells for the guardian angels
For the captain they ring out at three
And one lonely toll for the sad sailor left out at sea
Ride my shoulders up to the cathedral
Where the salt of the ages is laid
And we'll kneel in the whispers of every wish ever prayed
And what prizes has your father brought you?
From Neptune himself these things came
Not much to another
But the boy's eyes see treasure all the same
Starfish and sand dollars, riches untold
Myriad seashells that shine just like gold in the sun
Seven bells for the guardian angels
For the captain they ring out at three
And one lonely toll for the sad sailor left out at sea
The lines of his father's face deepen
When he tells the young boy at his side
Of the sorrowful man now before them his arms open wide
For Jesus, himself was a sailor
And he smiles on the men of the sea
His heart held no fear of the water so neither do we
Seven bells for the guardian angels
For the captain they ring out at three
And someday I know that the one bell will toll
When the sailor comes walking
Holding his arms out to me
Seven bells for the guardian angels
For the captain they ring out at three
And one lonely toll for the sad sailor left out at sea
Some day you will ride the wild ocean
Like your father before you, you'll go
But today let us go find your mother waiting at home
Autor(es): Danny Vaughn
