Thought of you on this island of the leper
On this island of the mad
I've thought of you on this island of the outcast
On this island of the sick and sad
Thought this island had a tragic holiness
Thought it had a painful grace
Thought it had the ugliest history
Thought this island was, the most beautiful place

And I saw the altar, of this world's cruelty
I saw the stadium of the devil's goals
And I saw a man, duck and weave the most evil punches
I saw a factory of magnificent souls

Thought of you on this island of the limestone
And the pain of dust torn eyes
Thought of you on this island of the convict
Toiling under the bluest skies
Looked upon this island of the reconciled
And I saw a stone carved cross
Thought of you on this island of redemption
Closed my eyes and thought, of what freedom had cost

And I saw the altar, of this world's cruelty
I saw the stadium of the devil's goals
And I saw a man, duck and weave the most evil punches
I saw a factory of magnificent souls

No-one ever asked questions with marks as sharp as these
They pierced the veins of Jesus who was one of the least of these
And no-one ever gave an answer with as gentle a word as this
You took violent indignation
And you killed it with a political kiss

And I saw the altar, of this world's cruelty
I saw the stadium of the devil's goals
And I saw a man, duck and weave the most evil punches
I saw a factory of magnificent souls