Exiles - Cruachan

Loneliness was all she knew

Because of her God sent beauty

Evil and carnage were sure to ensure

Her death was Conchobars duty

The high king Conchobar would not dare

So he did her away from his people

Deirdre will live and grow up fair

Then marry me in my temple

(18 yrs. Later)

She was disgusted by Conchobar

And vowed she would not be wed

I love only the man who bears the colours-

Black white and blood red

I know such man!, her aide explained

But Deirdre could only hope

Uisneach’s sons were led to the forest

With Naoise, she would elope

No place was safe for the four exiles

They left Eireann with heavy hearts

But to see her face and see her smile

Gave the brothers strength to depart

In Albas' hills they made their home

And began a simple life

Local hatred had suddenly grown

Men wanted her as a wife

Conchobar dreamed of Deirdre his true love

He longed for the touch of her skin

His duties neglected, his life so affected

Why did she leave the court of the King?

After some time he explained he was wrong

Or so we were led to believe

This sorrowful song I have sung for too long

Naoise agus Deirdre I now forgive

Naoise always longed to go back home

When he heard the news he wept

The brothers prepared for the journey ahead

With Fergus Mac Roth they all left

The exiles returned to the King alone

And knew there was something not right

Conchobar made his plans be known

The brothers took up the fight

The exiles fled to the sorrowful forest

Foloowed by the king’s men

Deirdre was hidden but they needed rest

They could not fight again

Naoise smelt death and he quietly said-

Please Deirdre stay where you are

A belt of a sword and the brothers fell dead

Deirdre smelt blood on the air

(Conchobar:)

Cannot you see, I did this for you

Our wedding can now take place

They left for Fern Mag, as the cold wind blew

In a chariot she felt deaths embrace

I am Deirdre, for a short time alive

To end life be evil, 'tis worse to survive

From the chariot she fell to her death

To be with Naoise, to smell his sweet breath