
The Kelly Song Collective
Edward Jordan
Eyes that once beheld a prison cell
for a part in the Wexford rebellion
now survey the shining ocean,
pardoned and free, and it's fish, not freedom he's selling.
The flashing blades of Wexford seem a million miles away
from salting fish out on the Gaspe,
but three daughters and a family where St. Lawrence meets the sea
are reason enough for to stay.
Edward Jordan was the last man hanged
for piracy in Canada's dominion.
Edward Jordan no rebels sang
when around your neck justice was fast.
It was a merchant man from Halifax that made Edward a deal
to build a ship and sail it cross the sea.
To transport over salt fish, a king's ransom transport back.
Share the profits we'll agree
The captain's name was Stairs, and The Sisters Was The Ship
up the Thames she would sail.
But Jordan has his own plans, cause the rebel will remain
when you take the man out of jail.
Jordan had a rifle at the captain's back took aim
intending to bury him lead
The shot it found no target, but Stairs hit the sea
clinging to a hatch left for dead.
The captain made Cape Breton, The Three Sisters Port-Aux-Basques
and Jordan set to sail racing time,
but he was captured off the coast off Newfoundland
tried and hanged for his crime.
© Michael Worthington Music 2001

Again, just what it sounds like. Can't I do anything creative? Metaphor... anyone? Some great playing on this recording.