On the day that my joy was born
Sorrow arrived like some long lost kin
And he whispered to me of the places he'd been
And I wanted to see them as well
So I left my joy to itself

I know of the stain set
In each beating heart
And the strong taste for blood
On each tongue
Well the choices we make
Are what set us apart
If I can live when I'm dead
Then I'll die while I'm young

Ay do ay di ay do dai do di ay do

And the high country, it called me home
And this ghost of a pilgrim all beaten and tossed
Saw light in the lowlands while I was still lost
Now there's no more running away
I'll get to my country someday

Yes and I won't stand
To leave hope where it lies
Like some unworn shoes by the door
So when hope becomes walking
And faith becomes sight
I may wear those shoes out
But I'll never need more

Ay do ay di ay do dai do di ay do

Oh joy, still far away
Like sorrow, her whispers are leading me home
Through her I have learned that my life is on loan
I'm only borrowing time
And joy is all that is mine

I know there's a death marked
For every man's birth
Always closer than it was before
But I'll gladly be freed
From the chains of this earth
If there's dancing in Heaven
I'll be first to the floor

Ay do ay di ay do dai do di ay do