Son of a Poacher

I lay me down, with the morning sun
I wait to hunt, when the day is done
The mist hangs heavy on the leaves
Of the dark, forbidding trees
I check my powder, the chase is on

I am a poacher, I am a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, I am a poacher's son

Now in the summers of my younger days
My father taught me all his cunning ways
I learned to hear the forest talk
How to trail and how to stalk
Taught me all the ways of snare and gun

I am a poacher, I am a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, I am a poacher's son

I learnt to track and let the arrows fly
I learnt to see beneath the moonless sky
To smell the fainted scent of prey
I learnt to live the poacher's way
The beast has risen, I start to run

I am a poacher, I am a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, I am a poacher's son

Now rich men come and build their walls
Around the woods where the pheasant calls
But this is my land, this is my home
No fence for me, I've got to roam
The keeper sounds the call and I'm undone

I am a poacher, I am a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, I am a poacher's son

They say I stole from king and crown
And now in chains they lay me down
For hunting me will have their leave
But it's the law that makes men heed

I would not trade this life finally
Too giant a world of wealth and greed
They stab the apple on my feet
Belongs to all, none has to keep
I wouldn't change, I'm proud of what I've done

I am a poacher, I am a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, I am a poacher's son

Tomorrow mor', I face the rope
With head held high, and high full of hope
Although my freedom is denied
My legacy is running wild
I leave behind my wife and son

He is a poacher, He is a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, He is a poacher's son

He is a poacher, He is a poacher's son
Son of a poacher, He is a poacher's son