LISTEN TO THE RIVER
The fisherman used to dive into running water
And take a shining sixpence from the floor
Now he's waiting for the Salmon of Knowledge
To help him wade out from the shore
He looks down on the lake on a sunlit morning
Loves the ancient world that is within
The surface shadow is his simple warning
Transformation must begin
Close your eyes
Listen to the river
Open your heart now
Listen to the river
Close your eyes
Listen to the river
The rain pours down on Barley Harbour
As expectation fills the pier
The fisherman looks out on the horizon
The Salmon of Knowledge is coming here
Let the bells ring out in the heartland
Let all the poets come to pen
May they write in praise of celebration
The salmon goes upstream once again
Close your eyes
Listen to the river
Open your heart now
Listen to the river
Close your eyes
Listen to the river...
Luka Bloom: vocals and guitar
Jimmy Higgins: bodhran
Conor Byrne: backing vocals
Paul Barrett: euphnium and bass
© 1996 WB Music Corp./
Luka Bloom Music (ASCAP)
Recorded at S.T.S. Dublin, Ireland, April 1996
Produced by Paul Barrett and Luka Bloom
In March 1996, Greenpeace, Ireland undertook its maiden voyage;
a celebration of Ireland's great river Shannon. Luka Bloom was
invited to join the voyage from the mouth to the source, as a crew
member and on-board-bard. The boat was christened 'An Bradán
Feasá' meaning The Salmon of Knowledge. 'Listen to the River'
was inspired by this great experience.