The Blackthorn and the Sea

I was born where the blackthorn

Snags your skirt and skin

Where the tide tears ragged at the quay

And the wind howls like kin

They said

"Girl

Keep your head down

Take your place

Stay small"

I laced my boots

Spat in my hands

Kicked straight through that wall

I’m bold as the blackthorn

Wild as the sea

Stamp your feet and roar it out with me

Raise that glass

Let the rafters shake free

I won’t bend

I won’t bow

I won’t beg

I won’t plead

I’m bold as the blackthorn

Wild as the sea

Old Mag at the counter

Smiled round her chipped old cup

Said

"They’ll toast you when you’re quiet

Girl

They’ll curse you standing up"

So I climbed on the table

Slapped time on the wood

Sang my name like a battle cry

Till the whole room stood

[low vocal register

Handclaps only]

Who’s afraid of a woman shouting?

Who’s afraid of a storm on land?

If my voice cuts like heather and granite

You can learn

You can learn

You can learn where to stand