On the day my joy was born
Sorrow arrived like some long lost kin
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
And 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 when I'm young
Aye doh aye dee aye doh die doh dee aye doh
And the high country
It called me home
And this ghost of a pilgrim all beaten and tossed
Saw light in the lowlands when I was still lost
There's no more running away
I'll get to my country some day
Yes and I won't stand to leave hope where it lies
Like some unworn shoes by the door
So when faith becomes walking and hope becomes sight
I may wear those shoes out
But I'll never need more
Aye doh aye dee aye doh die doh dee aye doh
Oh joy still far away
Like sorrowful whispers are leading me away
Through her I've learned that while life is on loan
I'm only borrowing time
Joy is all that is mine
I know there's a death marked for every mans birth
Always closer than it was before
I'll gladly be freed from the chains of this earth
If there's dancing in heaven
I'll be first to the floor
Aye doh aye dee aye doh die doh dee aye doh
Aye doh aye dee aye doh die doh
Aye doh aye dee aye doh die doh dee aye doh
If there's dancing in heaven
I'll be first to the floor