A Tune on a Reed

A TUNE ON A REED

I have a pipe of oaten straw, I play upon it when I may, And the music that I draw Is as happy as the day.

It has seven holes, and I Play upon it high and low; I can make it laugh and cry, I can make it banish woe.

Any tune you like to name I will play it at the word, Old or new is all the same, I'm as ready as a bird.

No one pipes so happily, Not a piper can succeed When I lean against a tree Blowing gently on my reed.

ii But there is a tune, and though I try to play it day and night, Blowing high and blowing low, I can never get it right.

I know the tune without a flaw, And yet that tune I cannot play On my pipe of oaten straw, Though I practise night and day.

It seems to me I never will Play again the happy air Which I heard upon a hill When the Shee were dancing there.

Little pipe! be good to me! And play the tune I want to play, Or I will smash you on a tree, And throw your wicked halves away.

— © James Stephens / song setting Frank Callery