Last night as I lay dreaming My way across the sea James Mangan brought me comfort With laudnum and poitin He flew me back to Dublin In 1819 To a public execution Being held on Stephen's Green The young man on the platform Held his head up and he did sing Then he whispered hard into my ear As he handed me this ring "If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me! This snake cannot be captured This snake cannot be tied This snake cannot be tortured, or Hung or crucified It came down through the ages It belongs to you and me So pass it on and pass it on 'Till all mankind is free If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me" He swung, his face went purple A roar came from the crowd But Mangan laughed and pushed me And we got back on the cloud He dropped me off in London Back in this dying land But my eyes were filled with wonder At the ring still in my hand If you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me! And if you miss me on the harbour For the boat, it leaves at three Take this snake with eyes of garnet My mother gave to me! -- explanation according to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfgSbiupSe0 The Snake With Eyes Of Garnet is performed by Shane Macgowan and The Popes. The song mentions James Clarence Mangan (1803-1849). Mangan was born in Dublin and was plagued by alcoholism and poverty throughout his life. He published some poems and articles under various pseudonyms. Alcoholism eventually took its toll and he died of malnutrition (brought on by cholera) utterly destitute. The song also talks about laudanum is an early opiate that was widely used medicinally throughout the 19th century until its addictive powers were fully appreciated and poitín refers to illegal Irish whiskey. The song is based around a hanging taking place in Dublin in 1819.