Tinkers' Rest
Lyrics and music by Brian Leo
Performed by Minstrosity on Why Am I Not Surprised?

Just down the road from Tomorrow,
'Bout a mile beyond Some Day,
Skirting round a fen of sorrow,
There's an open, smooth highway
Where it's never night, your load is light
And by warm winds you're caressed.
To a trav'lin' man, it's known as Tinker's Rest.

Don't be distressed. Count me blest.
Raise a bottle of your best.
To the times we've shared together
And the mem'ries we possess.
Don't be distressed. Count me blest.
We're only in this world as guests.
When my time comes 'round I'm bound for Tinkers' Rest.

I've known sweet love's intoxication,
Dropped some tears on early graves,
Pressed a stone from holy Erin
In the hands of my newborn babes,
Seen God's handprint 'cross the sky and chased
A glorious, foolish quest.
Soon I'll share ceol agus craic at Tinkers' Rest.

And if I never see my little children
Dance their wedding dance,
If my sweetest dreams die with me
Still I'm glad that I had the chance.
For my God throws quite a party,
and I must say I'm impressed.
Makes me wonder what He's saved for Tinkers' Rest.

Background by Daniel Womack: Written and copyrighted by Brian Leo in 1997, Tinkers Rest has quickly become one of my favorite tunes as well as others, including Minstrosity who covers the tune here. The Gaelic in the second verse is pronounced "Kyole og-us crack". Ceol means "music", agus is "and", and roughly translated craic basically means "fellowship" or "Camaraderie".