Chapter 14: Studying Manx in the Isle of Man

Verse 1 I made my trips across the sea, To Douglas, to the Manx Museum, Studying the language of my roots, Manx Gaelic, slow and patient, In small classes with twelve other souls. There was a stranger from far away, Australia dressed in frills and lace, Yet sharp, intelligent, sensible— A first encounter with someone new, That stayed in my mind for a long time. Pre-Chorus And every weekend, I followed the trails, Where Callows had walked centuries before, From North Ramsey to Laxey Village, Croit Roie in Lonan, A family’s history carved in stone. Chorus Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, The wind, the hills, the sea, the land. Every cottage, every farm I walked, The stories linger where my ancestors talked. Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, It called me home again and again. Verse 2 I traced the paths of Duncan Callow, From the 16th century to the present day, Each stone and timber a story, Preserved in quiet villages, Where time hadn’t torn the past away. I collected papers, notes, and memories, Filing away the pieces of my blood, And decades later I began to write, To honor the family, the language, And the island that held me close. Chorus Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, The wind, the hills, the sea, the land. Every cottage, every farm I walked, The stories linger where my ancestors talked. Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, It called me home again and again. Bridge From classroom whispers to village streets, Every name, every stone, every turn, The island breathed beneath my feet, And I carried it with me, Even far across the sea. Final Chorus (lift) Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, The wind, the hills, the sea, the land. Every cottage, every farm I walked, The stories linger where my ancestors talked. Oh, I loved the Isle of Man, It called me home again and again. Outro Douglas, Laxey, Lonan, Ramsey, Every stone and street Kept my heart tethered To the Isle of Man