From the recording Mirror Flame
Lyrics
Sweeney’s lying in a heap by the roadside
He was coming round a corner too quick
When a big red jumped up out of nowhere
And he skidded off into the ditch
Well, he’s all twisted up with the branches and rocks
There’s blood pouring out of his leg
And his comrades they all gathered round him
As he leant on his elbow and said:
“Wrap me up in my black leather jacket
And bury me deep down below
Where the dingoes and crows will not find me
‘Neath a tree by the side of the road
‘Neath a tree by the side of the road”
And he called to his mates “Someone roll me a smoke!”
“Make it quick ‘cause it’s bound to be my last”
And as the day passed away into twilight
Sweeney’s eyes too were fading out fast
And he thought of the sights of his childhood
While cicada-song rang in his ears
And that limitless, indigo sky bore down
Like an open road drawing so near
“Won’t you build me a cairn on my grave boys
Carve the crossbones and my name in the stone
So some lonely rider can pass by and say
Old sweeney’s gone rolling home
Old sweeney’s gone rolling home”
“I can hear that old tyrant approaching
That cruel remorseless old foe
Well, he’s coming to carry me on boys
To the place where all good outlaws go”
And he called out for a bottle of whiskey
Said “drink up boys, you know this round’s on me
And if ever you’re passing this way again
Take a drink for old Sweeney the free”
“Take a drink for old Sweeney the free boys
And remember, wherever you roam
If anyone asks ya how I’m doing these days
Tell ‘em Sweeney’s gone rolling home”
Old Sweeney’s gone rolling home
Old Sweeney’s gone rolling home
He’s thundering down that big highway in the sky
Old Sweeney’s gone rolling home
Old Sweeney’s gone rolling home
Old Sweeney’s gone rolling home