William Helyar Lyrics

Where are you now William Helyar?

I dreamed I saw you once a long time ago

In old Back Lane under Autumn skies

Walking to St Michael's church all alone

I heard you met the Queen, William Helyar

Said a Tudor prayer in London's rancid air

But were you wise or a fool like me?

Did you steal from the poor, or feed them and keep them warm?

I have seen so much of this the world

Beyond what you could dream

But you could see the truth in life

Just as well as me

They took you away William Helyar

Eight hundred pounds for a safe release

A fine ransom for the Roundhead cause

But was that money ever really yours?

Did heaven welcome you William Helyar?

Or was that just a dream you had?

Are your bones at peace in a warm graveyard

Or are they restless like mine, wandering far?