Barefoot King

I
N the beginning there was a Pool and the dream had just begun,
Of an emerging people and city
From obscurity they had come.
And the Pool it became a river as its people clung to the shore,
Marching together through history
They obeyed God's holy law.

Now the river it became Mersey and the people known as Scouse,
And this greatest of maritime cities
Looked after old England's house.
Tested in civil upheaval to Charles they affirmed their love,
And after the terrible fray was done
Like Cromwell, they thanked Him above.

When Hunger came to Hibernia then sailed to the Landing Stage
The language of the Pool was changed
As history turned the page.
Now clearing house for New World, refuge to ease much sorrow,
Together city, migrants and river
Rolled forward into tomorrow.

Closing ranks as the world fell out, many perished for others to see
Of all the beauty living there
And a people born to be free.
To be truly great is to suffer, know the very depths of hell,
But to bear the weight of courage does credit to those who fell.
And it speaks well of a tribe anchored in battle mist,
Not only the dwellers of marble halls
But barefoots and beggars where rats coexist.

And when God calls a halt for the Pool and the dream to end,
He'll blow the ships past the Mersey Bar
And kiss the river, the city's friend.
High upon their noble tower, who'd protected from the foe so cruel,
The Liver Birds will take to wing
And call to heaven: Liverpool! Liverpool! Liverpool!