I've a free hand and a merry heart
I dwell in gay Madrid
My hair is like a night-cloud when
Its veil the moon has hid
My blood is not the high Castile
The Moor has breathed his flame
Through every blushing artery
That leads the crimson stream
And yet I am of noble birth
My father's long ago
Were mighty lords e'er Granada
Quailed to the Christian foe
But what care I for noble birth
I'm young & gay & free
I've jet-black eyes & coal-black locks
& brow of ivorie
I've a quick hand & a sweet guitar
And a light foot for the dance
And many a mystic reel I know
And many a blithe romance
When I see the clear blue skies of Spain
And feel her glad warm sun
I've nought to jar the harmony
They breathe my soul upon
I'm happy when the early light
Looks through my casement panes
I'm happy when the suns farewell
Their hue with amber stains
I'm happy when the moon uplights
The green vine's leafy veil
And smiles as I lie wakefully
To watch her lustre pale
And oh! when far beneath my bower
A wild sweet air is played
My soul leaps up to bless the hour
Of star & serenade