The Fox Who Smelled the Storm (T.I.V. Original Irish Tavern Folktale)

[Verse 1] Down in the hollow where the hawthorns grow Lived a red little rogue that the whole town knew Bright black eyes and a brush like flame They cursed his tracks but they loved his name [Chorus] He’s the fox who smelled the storm Long before the clouds would form Nose to the wind, he’d raise his head “Get your washing in,” the old folks said When he trots the hedgerow lane Best be ready for the rain [Verse 2] Farmer Dan swore he’d have his hide “For every hen lost, you’ll pay,” he cried But when that fox froze, sniffed the sky Dan pulled in his hay and his sheets kept dry [Chorus] He’s the fox who smelled the storm Long before the clouds would form Nose to the wind, he’d raise his head “Get your washing in,” the old folks said When he trots the hedgerow lane Best be ready for the rain [Bridge] Some say luck, some say charm Some say there’s weather in his blood so warm But mothers bless him under their breath When thunder walks on the mountain’s crest (oh) [Chorus] He’s the fox who smelled the storm Long before the clouds would form Nose to the wind, he’d raise his head “Bring the children in,” the old folks said When he dances through the grain Best be ready for the rain [Outro] So if you see that tail burn bright Cut across the fields at night Follow him home by hedge and thorn And you’ll sleep dry through the storm