Eamon Carroll
Song Lyrics
(Select song to go direct to lyrics)

THE IRISH ROVER

IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SIX
WE SET SAIL FROM THE COAL QUAY OF CORK
WE WERE SAILING AWAY WITH A CARGO OF BRICKS
FOR THE GRAND CITY HALL IN NEW YORK
‘TWAS AN ELEGANT CRAFT IT WAS RIGGED FORE AND AFT
OH HOW THE TRADE WINDS DROVE HER
WE HAD 23 MASTS AND SHE STOOD SEVERAL BLASTS
AND THEY CALLED HER THE IRISH ROVER

THERE WAS BARNEY McGEE FROM THE BANKS OF THE LEE
THERE WAS HOGAN FROM COUNTY TYRONE
THERE WAS JOHNNY McGUIRK WHO WAS SCARED STIFF OF WORK
AND A CHAP FROM WESTMEATH NAMED MALONE
THERE WAS SLUGGER O’TOOLE WHO WAS DRUNK AS A RULE
AND FIGHTING BILL TREACY FROM DOVER
AND YER MAN,  MICK McCANN FROM THE BANKS OF THE BANN
WAS THE SKIPPER ON THE IRISH ROVER

WE HAD ONE MILLION BAGS OF THE BEST SLIGO RAGS
WE HAD TWO MILLIONS BARRELS OF BONE
WE HAD THREE MILLION BALES OF OLD NANNY GOATS TAILS
WE HAD FOUR MILLION BARRELS OF STONE
WE HAD FIVE MILLION HOGS, SIX MILLION DOGS
SEVEN MILLION BARRELS OF PORTER
WE HAD EIGHT MILLION SIDES OF OLD BLIND HORSES HIDES
IN THE HOLD OF THE IRISH ROVER

THE WILD COLONIAL BOY

THERE WAS A WILD COLONIAL BOY
JACK DUGGAN WAS HIS NAME
HE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN IRELAND
IN A PLACE CALLED CASTLEMAINE
HE WAS HIS FATHER’S ONLY SON
HIS MOTHER’S PRIDE AND JOY
 AND DEARLY DID HIS PARENTS LOVE
THE WILD COLONIAL BOY

AT THE EARLY AGE OF 16 YEARS
HE LEFT HIS NATIVE HOME
AND TO AUSTRALIA’S SUNNY SHORE
HE WAS INCLINED TO ROAM
HE ROBBED THE RICH HE HELPED THE POOR
HE SHOT JAMES McEVOY
A TERROR TO AUSTRALIA WAS
THE WILD COLONIAL BOY

ONE MORNING ON THE PRAIRIE
AS JACK HE RODE ALONG
LISTENING TO THE MOCKING BIRD
SINGING A CHEERFUL SONG
OUT STEPPED A BAND OF TROOPERS
KELLY, DAVIS AND FITZROY
THEY ALL SET OUT TO CAPTURE HIM
THE WILD COLONIAL BOY

“SURRENDER NOW JACK DUGGAN
FOR YOU SEE WE ARE THREE TO ONE
SURRENDER IN THE QUEEN’S HIGH NAME
FOR YOU ARE A PLUNDERING SON”
JACK DREW TWO PISTOLS FROM HIS BELT
AND PROUDLY WAVED THEM HIGH
“I’LL FIGHT, BUT NOT SURRENDER” CRIED
THE WILD COLONIAL BOY

ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF JUNE, FROM ME HOME I STARTED
LEFT THE GIRLS IN TUAM NEARLY BROKEN-HEARTED
SALUTED FATHER DEAR, KISSED ME DARLIN’ MOTHER
DRANK A PINT OF BEER ME GRIEF AND TEARS TO SMOTHER
THEN OFF TO REAP THE CORN, LEAVE WHERE I WAS BORN
CUT A STOUT BLACKTHORN, TO BANISH GHOSTS AND GOBLINS
A BRAND NEW PAIR OF BROGUES, RATTLIN’ OE’ER THE BOGS
FRIGHTENED ALL THE DOGS,
ON THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
HUNT THE HARE AND TURN HER DOWN THE ROCKY ROAD AND ALL THE WAYS TO DUBLIN
WHACK FOL LAL DE DA

IN MULLINGAR THAT NIGHT I RESTED LIMBS SO WEARY
STARTED BY DAYLIGHT NEXT MORNING BRIGHT AND EARLY
TOOK A DROP OF THE PURE TO KEEP ME HEART FROM SINKIN’
THAT’S THE PADDY’S CURE WHEN ‘ER HE’S ON FOR DRINKIN’
TO SEE THE LASSIES SMILE LAUGHIN’ ALL THE WHILE
AT ME CURIOUS STYLE ‘T WOULD SET YOUR HEART A BUBBLIN’
THEY ASKED IF I WAS HIRED, WAGES I REQUIRED
‘TIL I WAS ALMOST TIRED OF THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
ONE, TWO THREE, FOUR, FIVE
HUNT THE HARE…….

IN DUBLIN NEXT ARRIVED I THOUGHT IT SUCH A PITY
TO BE SO SOON DEPRIVED A VIEW OF THAT FINE CITY
THEN I TOOK A STROLL DOWN AMONG THE QUALITY
BUNDLE IT WAS STOLE IN A NEAT LOCALITY
SOMETHING CROSSED ME MIND WHEN I LOOKED BEHIND
NO BUNDLE COULD I FIND UPON ME STICK A WOBBLIN’
ENQUIRIN’ FOR THE ROGUE, SAID ME CONNAUGHT BROGUE
WASN’T MUCH IN VOGUE, ON THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
HUNT THE HARE….

FROM THERE I GOT AWAY, ME SPIRITS NEVER FAILIN’
LANDED ON THE QUAY JUST AS THE SHIP WAS SAILIN’ CAPTAIN AT ME ROARED, SAID THAT NO ROOM HAD HE
WHEN I JUMPED ABOARD, A CABIN FOUND FOR PADDY
DOWN AMONG THE PIGS, PLAYED SOME FUNNY RIGS
DANCED SOME HEARTY JIGS, THE WATER ROUND ME BUBBLIN’
WHEN OFF HOLYHEAD, WISHED MESELF WAS DEAD
OR BETTER FAR INSTEAD ON THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
HUNT THE HARE…

THE BOYS OF LIVERPOOL WHEN WE SAFELY LANDED
CALLED MESELF A FOOL I COULD NO LONGER STAND IT
BLOOD BEGAN TO BOIL, TEMPER I WAS LOSIN’
POOR OLD ERIN’S ISLE THEY BEGAN ABUSIN’
HOORAH ME SOUL SAYS I, SHILLELAGH I’LL APPLY
 GALWAY BOYS WERE BY THEY SAW I WAS A HOBBLIN’
WITH A LOUD HOORAY, THEY JOINED IN THE AFFRAY
WE QUICKLY CLEARED THE WAY FOR THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
HUNT THE HARE……

RIDE ON

TRUE YOU RIDE THE FINEST HORSE
I HAVE EVER SEEN
STANDING SIXTEEN ONE OR TWO
WITH EYES SO WILD AND GREEN
AND YOU RIDE THAT HORSE SO WELL
WITH HANDS LIGHT TO THE TOUCH
I COULD NEVER GO WITH YOU
NO MATTER HOW I WANTED TO 

CHORUS
RIDE ON, SEE YOU
I COULD NEVER GO WITH YOU
NO MATTER HOW I WANTED TO
RIDE ON, SEE YOU
I COULD NEVER GO WITH YOU
NO MATTER HOW I WANTED TO

AS YOU RIDE IN TO THE NIGHT
WITHOUT A TRACE BEHIND
RUN YOUR CLAW ALONG MY GUT
ONE LAST TIME
I TURN TO FACE AN EMPTY SPACE
WHERE YOU USED TO LIE
I LOOK FOR A SPARK THAT LIGHTS THE DARK
THROUGH THE TEARDROPS IN MY EYES

CHORUS

REPEAT  CHORUS

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS

AS I WENT HOME ON MONDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW A HORSE OUTSIDE THE DOOR
WHERE MY OLD HORSE SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THAT HORSE OUTSIDE THE DOOR
WHERE MY OLD HORSE SHOULD BE

AAH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S A LOVELY SOW
THAT ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT A SADDLE ON A SOW SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

AS I WENT HOME ON TUESDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW A COAT BEHIND THE DOOR
WHERE MY OLD COAT SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THAT COAT BEHIND THE DOOR
WHERE MY OLD COAT SHOULD BE

AAH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S A WOOLEN BLANKET
THAT ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT BUTTONS ON A BLANKET
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

AS I WENT HOME ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW A PIPE UPON THE CHAIR
WHERE MY OLD PIPE SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THAT PIPE UPON THE CHAIR
WHERE MY OLD PIPE SHOULD BE

AHH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
 YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S A LOVELY TIN WHISTLE
THAT ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT TOBACCO IN A TIN WHISTLE
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

AS I WENT HOME ON THURSDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW TWO BOOTS BENEATH THE BED
WHERE MY OLD BOOTS SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THEM BOOTS BENEATH THE BED
WHERE MY OLD BOOTS SHOULD BE

AH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
 YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THEY’RE TWO LOVELY GERANIUM POTS
ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT LACES IN GERANIUM POTS
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE 

AS I WENT HOME ON FRIDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW A HEAD UPON THE BED
WHERE MY OLD HEAD SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THAT HEAD UPON THE BED
WHERE MY OLD HEAD SHOULD BE

AAH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S A BABY BOY THAT ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT A BABY BOY WITH HIS WHISKERS ON
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

AS I WENT HOME ON SATURDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW TWO HANDS UPON HER BREASTS
WHERE MY OLD HANDS SHOULD BE
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO OWNS THEM HANDS UPON YOUR BREASTS
WHERE MY OLD HANDS SHOULD BE

AAH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S A PAIR OF PIGSKIN GLOVES
ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE
BUT PIGSKIN GLOVES MAKING THAT MUCH LOVE
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

AS I WENT HOME ON SUNDAY NIGHT
AS DRUNK, AS DRUNK COULD BE
I SAW A MAN RUNNING OUT THE DOOR
A LITTLE AFTER  3
WELL I CALLED ME WIFE AND I SAID TO HER
WILL YOU KINDLY TELL TO ME
WHO WAS THAT MAN RUNNIN’ OUT THE DOOR
A LITTLE AFTER 3

AAH YOU’RE DRUNK, YOU’RE DRUNK
YOU SILLY OLD FOOL
AND STILL YOU CANNOT SEE
THAT’S THE ENGLISH TAX COLLECTOR
ME MOTHER SENT TO ME
WELL IT’S MANY A DAY I TRAVELLED
A HUNDRED OR MORE
BUT AN ENGLISHMAN THAT COULD LAST ‘TIL 3
SURE I NEVER SAW BEFORE

MOLLY MALONE

1
IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY
WHERE THE GIRLS ARE SO PRETTY
I FIRST SET MY EYES ON SWEET MOLLY MALONE
AS SHE WHEELED HER WHEEL-BARROW
THROUGH THE STREETS BROAD AND NARROW
CRYING COCKLES AND MUSSELS, ALIVE, ALIVE OH

CHORUS 
ALIVE, ALIVE OH, ALIVE, ALIVE OH
CRYING COCKLES AND MUSSELS, ALIVE, ALIVE OH

2
SHE WAS A FISHMONGER
AND SURE ‘TWAS NO WONDER
FOR SO WERE HER FATHER AND MOTHER BEFORE
AND THEY BOTH WHEELED THEIR BARROWS
THROUGH THE STREETS BROAD AND NARROW
CRYING COCKLES AND MUSSELS, ALIVE, ALIVE OH

CHORUS

3
SHE DIED OF A FEVER
AND NO ONE COULD SAVE HER
AND THAT WAS THE END OF SWEET MOLLY MALONE
NOW HER GHOST WHEELS HER BARROW
THROUGH THE STREETS BROAD AND NARROW
CRYING COCKLES AND MUSSELS, ALIVE, ALIVE OH

CHORUS

WHISKEY IN THE JAR

AS I WAS GOIN’ OVER
THE CORK AND KERRY MOUNTAINS
I MET WITH CAPTAIN FARRELL
AND HIS MONEY HE WAS COUNTIN’
I FIRST PRODUCED ME PISTOL
I THEN PRODUCED ME RAPIER
SAYIN’ STAND AND DELIVER
FOR YOU ARE A BOULD DECEIVER

CHORUS
MUSH A RING DOOMA DO DOOMA DA
WHACK FOL ME DADDY O
WHACK FOL ME DADDY O
THERE’S WHISKEY IN THE JAR

I COUNTED OUT HIS MONEY
AND IT MADE A PRETTY PENNY
I PUT IT IN ME POCKET
AND I BROUGHT IT HOME TO JENNY
SHE SIGHED AND SHE SWORE
THAT SHE NEVER WOULD DECEIVE ME
BUT THE DIVIL TAKE THE WOMEN
CAUSE THEY NEVER CAN BE EASY

CHORUS

I WENT UP TO ME CHAMBER
ALL FOR TO TAKE A SLUMBER
I DREAMT OF GOLD AND JEWELS
AND FOR SURE IT WAS NO WONDER
JENNY DREW ME CHARGES
AND SHE FILLED THEM UP WITH WATER
AND SENT FOR CAPTAIN FARRELL
TO GET READY FOR THE SLAUGHTER

CHORUS 

‘TWAS EARLY IN THE MORNIN’
 AS I AWOKE FOR TRAVEL
UP CAME A BAND OF FOOTMEN
AND LIKEWISE CAPTAIN FARRELL
I FIRST PRODUCED MY PISTOL
FOR SHE’D STOLE AWAY ME RAPIER
I COULDN’T SHOOT THE WATER
SO A PRISONER I WAS TAKEN

CHORUS

IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME
IT’S ME BROTHER IN THE ARMY
I THINK THAT HE IS STATIONED
IN CORK OR IN KILLARNEY
IF HE WERE HERE TO JOIN ME
WE’D GO ROVIN’ IN KILKENNY
I’M SURE HE’D TREAT ME BETTER
THAN ME DARLIN’ SPORTIN’ JENNY

CHORUS

REPEAT CHORUS

THE WILD ROVER

I’VE BEEN A WILD ROVER FOR MANY’S THE YEAR
AND I’VE SPENT ALL ME MONEY ON WHISKEY AND BEER
AND NOW I’M RETURNING WITH GOLD IN GREAT STORE
AND I NEVER WILL PLAY THE WILD ROVER NO MORE

CHORUS
AND IT’S NO NAY NEVER, NO NAY NEVER NO MORE
WILL I PLAY THE WILD ROVER NO NEVER NO MORE

I WENT IN TO AN ALE HOUSE I USED TO FREQUENT
AND I TOLD THE LANDLADY ME MONEY WAS SPENT
I ASKED HER FOR CREDIT SHE ANSWERED ME “NAY,
SUCH A CUSTOM AS YOURS I CAN HAVE ANY DAY”

CHORUS

I TOOK FROM ME POCKET TEN SOVEREIGNS BRIGHT
AND THE LANDLADY’S EYES OPENED WIDE WITH DELIGHT
SHE SAID I HAVE WHISKEY AND WINES OF THE BEST
AND THE WORDS THAT I SPOKE SURE WERE ONLY IN JEST

CHORUS

I’LL GO HOME TO MY PARENTS CONFESS WHAT I’VE DONE
AND I’LL ASK THEM TO PARDON THEIR PRODIGAL SON
AND WHEN THEY CARESS ME AS OFT’ TIMES BEFORE
SURE, I NEVER WILL PLAY THE WILD ROVER NO MORE

CHORUS

REPEAT CHORUS

The Hills Of Connemara

1
Keep your eyes well peeled today
See the tallymen are on their way
Searchin’ for the mountain tae
In the hills of Connemara

Chorus
Gather up the pots and the old tin cans
The mash the corn the barley and the bran
Run like the divil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from risin’ Barney

2
Mountain breezes whisper low
Hear their echo in the valley below
See ol’ gardas on the go
In the hills of Connemara

Chorus

3
A gallon for the butcher and a quart for Tom
And a bottle for poor old Father John
To help the poor ol’ dear along
In the hills of Connemara

Chorus

4
Stand your ground it is too late
The excise men are at the gate
Glory be to Paddy but they’re drinkin’ in straight
In the hills of Connemara

Chorus

5

Swing to the left now swing to the right
The excise men will dance all night
Drinkin’ up the tae ‘til the broad daylight
In the hills of Connemara

Chorus and repeat chorus and repeat chorus

THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL

IN MY MEMORY I WILL ALWAYS SEE
THE TOWN THAT I HAVE LOVED SO WELL
WHERE OUR SCHOOLS PLAYED BALL BY THE GAS YARD WALL
AND WE LAUGHED THROUGH THE SMOKE AND THE SMELL
GOING HOME IN THE RAIN RUNNING UP THE DARK LANE
PAST THE GAOL AND DOWN BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN
THOSE WERE HAPPY DAYS IN SO VERY MANY WAYS
IN THE TOWN THAT I LOVED SO WELL 

IN THE EARLY MORNING THE SHIRT FACTORY HORN
CALLED THE WOMEN FROM CREGGAN, THE MOOR AND THE BOG
WHILE THEIR MEN ON THE DOLE PLAYED A MOTHER’S ROLE
FED THE CHILDREN AND THEN WALKED THE DOG
AND WHEN TIMES GOT ROUGH THERE WAS JUST ABOUT ENOUGH
BUT THEY SAW IT THROUGH WITHOUT COMPLAINING
FOR DEEP INSIDE WAS A BURNING PRIDE
FOR THE TOWN THAT I LOVED SO WELL

THERE WAS MUSIC THERE IN THE DERRY AIR
 LIKE A LANGUAGE THAT WE COULD ALL UNDERSTAND
I REMEMBER THE DAY WHEN I EARNED MY FIRST PAY
AS I PLAYED IN THE SMALL PICK-UP BAND
THERE I SPENT MY YOUTH AND TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH
I WAS SAD TO LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND ME
FOR I LEARNED ABOUT LIFE AND I FOUND A WIFE
IN THE TOWN THAT I LOVED SO WELL

BUT WHEN I RETURNED HOW MY EYES THEY WERE BURNED
TO SEE HOW A TOWN COULD BE BROUGHT TO IT’S KNEES
BY THE ARMOURED CARS AND THE BOMBED OUT BARS
AND THE GAS STILL HANGS ON TO EVERY BREEZE
NOW THE ARMY’S INSTALLED BY THAT OLD GAS YARD WALL
AND THE DAMNED BARBED WIRE GETS HIGHER AND HIGHER
WITH THEIR TANKS AND THEIR GUNS OH, MY GOD, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE
TO THE TOWN THAT I LOVED SO WELL

NOW THE MUSIC’S GONE BUT THEY STILL CARRY ON
FOR THEIR SPIRITS BEEN BRUISED, NEVER BROKEN
THOUGH THEY’LL NOT FORGET STILL THEIR HEARTS ARE SET
ON TOMORROW AND PEACE ONCE AGAIN
FOR WHAT’S DONE IS DONE AND WHAT’S WON IT IS WON
AND WHAT’S LOST, IS LOST AND GONE FOREVER
I CAN ONLY PRAY FOR A BRIGHT NEW DAY
FOR THE TOWN THAT I LOVED SO WELL

FINNEGAN’S WAKE

TIM FINNEGAN LIVED IN WATLING STREET
A GENTLEMAN IRISHMAN MIGHTY ODD
HE’D A BEAUTIFUL BROGUE BOTH RICH AND SWEET
AND TO RISE IN THE WORLD TIM CARRIED A HOD
NOW TIM HAD A SORT OF A TIPPLIN’ WAY
WITH A LOVE FOR THE LIQUOR POOR TIM WAS BORN
AND TO HELP HIM ON WITH HIS WORK EACH DAY
 HE’D A DROP ‘A’ CRAUTER EVERY MORN

CHORUS
WHACK FOL DE DA NOW DANCE WITH YOUR PARTNER
ROUND THE FLOOR YOUR TROTTERS SHAKE
WASN’T IT THE TRUTH I TOLD YOU
LOTS OF FUN AT FINNEGANS WAKE

ONE MORNING TIM GOT RATHER FULL
HIS HEAD FELT HEAVY AND IT MADE HIM SHAKE
HE FELL OFF THE LADDER AND HE BROKE HIS SKULL
AND THEY BROUGHT HIM HOME HIS CORPSE TO WAKE
WELL THEY WRAPPED HIM UP IN A NICE CLEAN SHEET
AND THEY LAID HIM OUT UPON THE BED
WITH A GALLON OF WHISKEY AT HIS FEET
AND A BARREL ‘A’ PORTER AT HIS HEAD

CHORUS

HIS FRIENDS ASSEMBLED AT THE WAKE
AND MRS. FINNEGAN CALLED FOR LUNCH
FIRST THEY BROUGHT OUT TEA AND CAKES
THEN PIPES AND TOBACCEY AND WHISKEY PUNCH
THEN BIDDY O’BRIEN BEGAN TO CRY
“SUCH A NICE CLEAN CORPSE DID YOU EVER SEE
YERRA TIM MO VOORNEEN WHY DID YOU DID YA DIE”?
“YERRA SHUT YER GOB” SAYS JUDY McGEE

CHORUS

THEN PEGGY O’CONNOR TOOK UP THE JOB
“YERRA, BIDDY SAYS SHE YER WRONG I’M SURE”
THEN JUDY GAVE HER A BELT IN THE GOB
AND LEFT HER SPRAWLING ON THE FLOOR
‘TWAS THEN THE ROW DID SOON ENGAGE
‘TWAS WOMAN TO WOMAN AND MAN TO MAN
SHILLELAGH LAW WAS ALL THE RAGE
AND THE ROW AND THE RUCTION SOON BEGAN

CHORUS

THEN MICKEY MALONEY DUCKED HIS HEAD
WHEN A BUCKET OF WHISKEY FLEW AT HIM
IT MISSED HIM, AND FALLIN’ THE BED
THE WHISKEY SCATTERED OVER TIM
WELL ‘BE-DAD’ HE REVIVES, SEE HOW HE RISES
TIM FINNEGAN RISIN’ FROM THE BED
SAYIN’ “SWILL YOUR WHISKEY ROUND LIKE BLAZES
BE’ THE THUNDERIN’ JAYSES DO YA THINK I’M DEAD”?

CHORUS

REPEAT CHORUS

THE BLACK VELVET BAND

IN A NEAT LITTLE TOWN THEY CALL BELFAST
APPRENTICE TO TRADE I WAS BOUND
AND MANY AN HOURS SWEET HAPPINESS
I SPENT IN THAT NEAT LITTLE TOWN
A SAD MISFORTUNE CAME OVER ME
WHICH CAUSED ME TO STRAY FROM THE LAND
FAR AWAY FROM ME FRIENDS AND RELATIONS
BETRAYED BY THE BLACK VELVET BAND

CHORUS
HER EYES THEY SHONE LIKE DIAMONDS
YOU’D THINK SHE WAS QUEEN OF THE LAND
AND HER HAIR IT HUNG OVER HER SHOULDER
TIED UP WITH A BLACK VELVET BAND

AS I WENT A-WALKIN’ DOWN BROADWAY
MEANING NOT LONG FOR TO STAY
WHO SHOULD I MEET BUT THIS PRETTY FAIR MAID
COME A TRAPSIN’ ALONG THE HIGHWAY
SHE WAS BOTH FAIR AND HANDSOME
HER NECK IT WAS WHITE AS A SWAN
AND HER HAIR IT HUNG OVER SHOULDER
TIED UP WITH A BLACK VELVET BAND

CHORUS

WELL I TOOK A STROLL WITH THIS PRETTY FAIR MAID
A GENTLEMAN PASSING US BY
WELL I KNEW SHE MEANT THE DOING OF HIM
BY THE LOOK IN HER ROGUEISH BLACK EYES
A GOLD WATCH SHE TOOK FROM HIS POCKET
AND STUCK IT RIGHT INTO MY HAND
AND THE VERY FIRST THING I SAID WAS
BAD ZEST TO THAT BLACK VELVET BAND

CHORUS

BEFORE THE JUDGE AND THE JURY
NEXT MORNING I HAD TO APPEAR
THE JUDGE HE SAID TO ME YOUNG MAN
YOUR CASE IT IS PROVEN CLEAR
SEVEN LONG YEARS PENAL SERVITUDE
RIGHT ON DOWN TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND
FAR AWAY FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIONS
BETRAYED BY THE BLACK VELVET BAND

CHORUS

SO, COME ALL YOU JOLLY YOUNG FELLOWS
A WARNING TAKE BY ME
IF YOU ARE OUT ON THE TOWN ME LAD
BEWARE OF THE PRETTY CAILINS
THEY’LL FEED YOU WITH STRONG DRINK ME LAD
 ‘TIL YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO STAND
AND THE VERY FIRST THING YOU’LL KNOW IS
 YOU’VE LANDED IN VAN DIEMEN’S LAND

CHORUS

REPEAT CHORUS

THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY

BY LONELY PRISON WALL
I HEARD A YOUNG GIRL CALLING
MICHAEL THEY HAVE TAKEN YOU AWAY
FOR YOU STOLE TRAVELLEAN’S CORN
SO THE YOUNG MIGHT SEE THE MORN’
NOW A PRISON SHIP LIES WAITIN’ IN THE BAY

CHORUS
LOW LIE THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY
WHERE ONCE WE WATCHED THE SMALL FREE BIRDS FLY
OUR LOVE WAS ON THE WING
WE HAD DREAMS AND SONGS TO SING
IT’S SO LONELY ROUND THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY

BY LONELY PRISON WALL
I HEARD A YOUNG MAN CALLING
NOTHING MATTERS MARY WHEN YOU’RE FREE
AGAINST THE FAMINE AND THE CROWN
 I REBELLED THEY CUT ME DOWN
NOW YOU MUST RAISE OUR CHILD WITH DIGNITY

CHORUS

BY LONELY HARBOUR WALL
SHE WATCHED THE LAST STAR FALLING
AS THE PRISON SHIP SAILED OUT AGAINST THE SKY
OH, SHE’LL LIVE IN HOPE AND PRAY
FOR HER LOVE IN BOTANY BAY
IT’S SO LONELY ROUND THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY

CHORUS

REPEAT LAST LINE OF CHORUS

THE LITTLE BEGGARMAN

I AM A LITTLE BEGGARMAN, A BEGGIN’ I HAVE BEEN
WELL, FOR THREE SCORE YEARS IN THIS LITTLE ISLE OF GREEN
I’M KNOWN ALONG THE LIFFEY FROM THE BASIN TO THE ZOO
AND EVERYBODY KNOWS ME BY THE NAME OF JOHNNY DOO
OF ALL THE TRADES A-GOIN’, SURE A-BEGGIN’ IS THE BEST
FOR WHEN A MAN IS TIRED HE CAN SIT DOWN AND REST
HE CAN BEG FOR HIS DINNER HE’S GOT NOTHIN’ ELSE TO DO
BUT TO SLIP AROUND THE CORNER WITH HIS AUL’ RIGADOO

CHORUS
NA, NA, HA-NOOTIN’ EYE TIN AH
SKIDDERY OOTIN EYE TIN OOTIN EYE TIN SKIDDERY EYE TIN AH
SKIDDERY EYE TIN OOTIN EYE TIN SKIDDERY EYE TIN AH
SKIDDERY OOTIN EYE TIN OOTIN EYE TIN SKIDDERY EYE TIN AH

I SLEPT IN A BARN ONE NIGHT IN CURRABAWN
WELL A SHOCKIN’ WET NIGHT IT WAS, I SLEPT UNTIL THE DAWN
THERE WAS HOLES IN THE ROOF AND THE RAIN COMIN’ THROUGH
 THE RATS AND THE CATS THEY WERE PLAYIN’ PEEK-A-BOO

 WHO SHOULD I WAKEN BUT THE WOMAN OF THE HOUSE
WITH HER WHITE SPOTTED APRON AND HER FINE GINGHAM BLOUSE
SHE BEGAN TO GET EXCITED AND I SAID “BOO,
YERRA DON’T BE AFRAID MA’AM, IT’S ONLY JOHNNY DOO”

CHORUS

I MET A LITTLE GIRL WHILE A WALKIN’ OUT ONE DAY
WELL GOOD MORNING LITTLE FLAXEN HAIRED GIRL I DID SAY
GOOD MORRA LITTLE BEGGARMAN AND HOW DO YOU DO?
WITH YOUR RAGS AND YOUR TAGS AND YOUR OUL’ RIGGA DOO
I’LL BUY A PAIR A LEGGIN’S AND A COLLAR AND A TIE
AND A NICE YOUNG LADY I’LL GO COURTIN’ BY AND BY
I’LL BUY A PAIR A GOGGLES AND I’LL COLOUR THEM WITH BLUE
AND AN OLD FASHIONED LADY I WILL MAKE HER TOO

CHORUS

OVER THE ROAD WITH ME PACK UPON ME BACK
OVER THE FIELDS WITH ME BULGIN’ HEAVY SACK
HOLES IN ME SHOES AND ME TOES A-PEEPIN’ THROUGH
SINGIN’ SKIN-A-MILINK A DOODLE WITH ME OULD RIGADOO
I MUST BE GOIN’ TO BED FOR IT’S GETTING’ LATE AT NIGHT
WELL THE FIRE’S ALL RAKED AND NOW ‘TIS OUT THE LIGHT
SO NOW YOU’VE HEARD THE STORY OF ME OULD RIGADOO
SO GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BE WITH YA NOW FROM OUL JOHNNY DOO

CHORUS

THE GREEN FIELDS OF FRANCE

WELL, HOW DO YOU DO YOUNG WILLIE McBRIDE?
DO YOU MIND IF I SIT HERE DOWN BY YOUR GRAVESIDE?
AND REST FOR A WHILE ‘NEATH THE WARM SUMMER SUN
I’VE BEEN WALKING ALL DAY AND I’M NEARLY DONE
I SEE BY YOUR GRAVESTONE YOU WERE ONLY NINETEEN
WHEN YOU JOINED THE GREAT FALLEN IN 1916
WELL I HOPE YOU DIED WELL AND I HOPE YOU DIED CLEAN
OR, YOUNG WILLIE McBRIDE, WAS IT SLOW AND OBSCENE? 

CHORUS 
DID THEY BEAT THE DRUM SLOWLY? DID THEY PLAY THE FIFE LOWLY?
DID THEY SOUND THE DEAD MARCH AS THEY LOWERED YOU DOWN?
DID THE BAND PLAY THE LAST POST AND CHORUS?
DID THE PIPES PLAY THE “FLOWERS OF THE FOREST”?

DID YOU LEAVE E’ER A WIFE OR A SWEETHEART BEHIND?
IN SOME FAITHFUL HEART IS YOUR MEMORY ENSHRINED?
AND THOUGH YOU DIED BACK IN 1916
IN THAT FAITHFUL HEART ARE YOU FOREVER NINETEEN?
OR ARE YOU A STRANGER WITHOUT EVEN A NAME?
ENCLOSED IN FOREVER BEHIND A GLASS FRAME
IN AN OLD PHOTOGRAPH, TORN AND BATTERD AND STAINED
AND FADED TO YELLOW IN A BROWN LEATHER FRAME

CHORUS

WELL, THE SUN NOW IT SHINES ON THE GREEN FIELDS OF FRANCE
THERE’S A WARM SUMMER BREEZE IT MAKES THE RED POPPIES DANCE
AND LOOK HOW THE SUN SHINES FROM UNDER THE CLOUDS
THERE’S NO GAS, NO BARBED WIRE, THERE’S NO GUNS FIRING NOW
BUT HERE IN THIS GRAVEYARD IT’S STILL NO-MAN’S LAND
THE COUNTLESS WHITE CROSSES IN MUTE WITNESS STAND
TO MAN’S BLIND INDIFFERENCE TO HIS FELLOW MAN
TO A WHOLE GENERATION THAT WERE BUTCHERED AND DAMNED

CHORUS

NOW YOUNG WILLIE McBRIDE I CAN’T HELP WONDERING WHY
DO ALL THOSE WHO LIE HERE KNOW WHY THEY DIED?
DID THEY REALLY BELIEVE WHEN THEY ANSWERED THE CALL?
DID THEY REALLY BELIEVE THAT THIS WAR WOULD END WARS?
FOR THE SORROW, THE SUFFERING, THE GLORY, THE PAIN
THE KILLING AND DYING WERE ALL DONE IN VAIN!
FOR, YOUNG WILLIE McBRIDE IT’S ALL HAPPENED AGAIN,
AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!

CHORUS

My Cavan Girl

1
As I walk the road from Killeshandra, weary I sit down
For its twelve long miles around the lake to get to Cavan town
Though Ochter and the road I go once seemed beyond compare
Now I curse the time it takes to reach my Cavan girl so fair

2
Now Autumn shades are on the leaves the trees will soon be bare
Each red gold leaf around me seems the colour of her hair
My gaze retreats to find my feet and once again I sigh
For the broken pools of sky remind the colour of her eyes

3
At the Cavan cross each Sunday morning there she can be found
And she seems to have the eye of every boy in Cavan town
If my luck will hold I’ll have the golden Summer of her smile
And to break the hearts of Cavan men she’ll talk to me a while

4
So Sunday evening finds me homeward Killeshandra bound
To work the week ‘til I return and court in Cavan town
When asked if she would be my wife at least she’d not said no
So next Sunday morning rouse myself and back to her I’ll go

Repeat 1st verse

The Star of the County Down

1
Near Banbridge town in the Co. Down one morning last July
Down a bohreen came a sweet cailin and she smiled as she passed me by
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet to the sheen of her nut-brown hair
Such a coaxing elf sure I shook meself for to see I was really there

Chorus
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I’ve seen like the brown cailil that I met in the County Down

2
As she onward sped sure I scratched me head and I looked with a feeling rare
I says, says I to a passer-by “who’s the maid with the nut-brown hair”
He smiled at me and he says, says he, that’s the gem of Ireland’s crown
Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann she’s the star of the County Down

Chorus

3
At the harvest fair she’ll be surely there so I’ll dress in me Sunday clothes
With me shoes shone bright, me hat cocked right for a smile from me nut-brown Rose
No pipe I’ll smoke no horse I’ll yoke ‘til me plough is a rust-coloured brown
‘til a smilin’ bride by me own fireside sits the Star of the County Down

Chorus

Repeat Chorus

Nancy Spain

1
Of all the stars that ever shone
Not one does twinkle like your pale blue eyes
Like golden corn at harvest time your hair
Sailing in my boat, the wind gently blows and fills my sail
Your sweet scented breath is everywhere

2
Daylight peeping through the curtains
Of the passing nighttime is your smile
The sun in the sky is like your laugh
Come back to me my Nancy, linger for just a little while
Since you’ve left these shores I’ve know no peace nor joy

Chorus
No matter where I wander I’m still haunted by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Standing by the ocean wondering where you’ve gone, if you’ll return again
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain

Instrumental, followed by chorus

3
On a day in Spring
When snow starts to melt and streams do flow
With the birds I’ll sing a song
In a while I’ll wander down by bluebell grove where wild flowers grow
And hope that lovely Nancy will return

Chorus

The Bog Down In The Valley-O

O row the rattlin’ bog the bog down in the valley-o
Rare bog a rattlin’bog the bog down in the valley-o

O row the rattlin’ bog the bog down in the valley-o
Rare bog a rattlin’bog the bog down in the valley-o

And in that bog there was a tree a rare tree a rattlin’ tree
Tree in the bog and the bog down in the valley-o

O row the rattlin’ bog the bog down in the valley-o
Rare bog a rattlin’bog the bog down in the valley-o

And on that tree there was a branch a rare branch a rattlin branch…….
Branch on the tree the tree in the bog and the bog down in the valley-o

O row the rattlin’ bog the bog down in the valley-o
Rare bog a rattlin’bog the bog down in the valley-o

And on that branch there was a leaf…….

And on that leaf there was a nest……

And in that nest there was a bird………

And in that bird there was an egg……

And in that egg there was a bird….

And on that bird there was a wing…..

And on that wing there was a feather…..

As I LEAVE Neidin

1
As I leave behind Neidin it’s like purple splashed on green
My soul is strangely led through the winding hills ahead
And she plays a melody on wind and streams for me
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me

2
As we wind and climb and fall like the greatest waltz of all
Float across the floor her sweet breath outside the door
And it’s time that I was gone across the silver tear
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me

3
As I Leave behind Neidin in the hall where we have been
Rhododendrons in her hair in the mountain scented air
I still feel her spirit song across the silver tear
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me
Won’t you remember won’t you remember won’t you remember me

Dirty Old Town

I met my love by the gasworks wall
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town dirty old town

Clouds are drifting across the moon
Cats are prowling on their beat
Springs a girl in the street at night
Dirty old town dirty old town

I heard a siren from the docks
Saw a train set the night on fire
I smelled the Spring in the smoky wind
Dirty old town dirty old town

I’m gonna make a good sharp axe
Shining steel tempered in the fire
I’ll chop you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old town dirty old town

Repeat 1st verse

The Waxie’s Darlge

1
Says my ol’ one to your ol’ one
Will ya come to the Waxie’s Dargle?
Says your ol’ one to my ol’ one sure I havn’t got a farthin’
I’ve just been down to Monto town to see uncle McArdle
But he wouldn’t lend me a half-a-crown
For to go to the Waxie’s Dargle
What are ya havin’ will ya have a pint?
I’ll have a pint with you sir
If one of us doesn’t order soon we’ll thrown out of the boozer

2
Says my ol’ one to your ol’ one
Will ya come to the Galway Races?
Says your ol’ one to my ol’ one
With the price of me ol’ lad’s braces
I went down to Capel Street to the Jew man money lender
But he wouldn’t give me a couple a bob
On me ol’ lad’s red suspenders
What are ya havin’ will ya have a pint?
I’ll have a pint with you sir
If one of us doesn’t order soon we’ll thrown out of the boozer

3
Says my ol’ one to your ol’ one we have no beef or mutton
But if we go down to Monto town
We might get a drink for nuttin
Here’s a nice piece of advice I got from an ol’ fishmonger
When food is scarce and you see the herse
You’ll know ya died of hunger
What are ya havin’ will ya have a pint?
I’ll have a pint with you sir
If one of us doesn’t order soon we’ll thrown out of the boozer

Repeat “What are ya havin’…?”

The Sreets Of London

1
Have you seen the old man in the closed down market
Kicking up the papers with his worn out shoes
In his eyes you’ll see no pride and held loosely by his side
Yesterday’s papers telling yesterday’s news

Chorus
So how can you tell me you’re lonely
And say for you the sun don’t shine
Let me take you by the hand
I’ll lead you through the streets of London
I’ll show you something to make you change your mind

2
In an all-night café at a quarter past eleven
Same old man sitting there on his own
Looking at the world over the rim of his teacup
Each tea lasts an hour then he wanders home alone

Chorus

3
Have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair and her clothes all in rags
She’s no time for talking she just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags

4
And have you seen the old man outside the sea mans mission
Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears
In our winter city the rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn’t care

Chorus

The West’s Awake

1
When all beside a vigil keep
The West’s asleep the West’s asleep
Alas and well may Erin weep
When Connaught lies in slumber deep
There lakes and plains smile fair and free
‘mid rocks their guardian chivalry
Sing oh, let man learn liberty
From crashing winds and lashing seas

2
For often O’Connor’s van
To triumph dashed each Connaught clan
And fleet as deer the Normans ran
Through Horsleeps Pass and Ardrahan
And later times saw deeds as brave
For glory guards Clanricarde’s grave
Sing oh, they died their lands to save
From Aughrim’s slopes to Shannon’s wave

3
And if, when all a vigil keep
The West’s asleep the West’s asleep
Alas and well may Erin weep
When Connaught lies in slumber deep
But hark, a voice like thunder spake
The West’s awake the West’s awake
Sing oh, hurrah let England quake
We’ll watch ‘til death for Erin’s sake

Botany Bay

Chorus
Farewell to your bricks and mortar
Farewell to your dirty lime
Farewell to your gangers and your gangplanks
And to hell with your overtime
The good ship Ragamuffin
Is lyin’ at the quay
For to take old Pat with a shovel on his back
 To the shores of Botany Bay

I’m on my way down to the quay where the ships at anchor lay
To command a gang of navvies that they told me to engage
I thought I would stop in for a drink before I went away
For to take a trip on an emigrant ship to the shores of Botany Bay

Chorus

The boss came up this morning and he says to me”hello”
If you don’t mix your mortar right I’m afraid you’ll have to go
Well since he did insult me I demanded all me pay
And I told him straight I was goin’ to emigrate to the shores of Botany Bay

Chorus

And when I reach Australia I’ll go and dig for gold
There’s plenty there for the diggin’ of or so I have been told
Or else I’ll go back to me trade and a hundred bricks I’ll lay
Eight bob I’ll lift for an 8 hour shift on the shores of Botany Bay

Chorus

The Rare Old Times

Raised on songs and stories heroes of reknown
The passing tales and glory that once was Dublin town
The hallowed halls and houses the haunting children’s rhymes
That once was part of Dublin in the rare old times

Chorus
Ring-a-ring-a –rosie as the light declines
I remember Dublin city in the rare old times

My name it is Sean Dempsey as Dublin as can be
Born hard and late in Pimlico in a house that ceased to be
By trade I was a cooper lost out to redundancy
Like my house that fell to progress my trade’s a memory
I courted Peggy Duignen as pretty as you please
A rogue, a child of Mary from the rebel Liberties
I lost her to a student chap with skin as black as coal
When he took he off to Birmingham she took away my soul

Chorus

The years have made me bitter the gargle’s dimmed my brain
‘cause Dublin keeps on changing and nothing seems the same
The pillar and the Met have gone
The Royal long since pulled down
As the grey unyielding concrete makes a city of my town
Fare thee well sweet Anna Liffey I can no longer stay
And watch the nude glass cages spring up along the quay
My mind’s too full of memories too old to hear new chimes
I’m a part of what was Dublin in the rare old times

Chorus

The Whistlin’ Gypsy Rover

The whistlin’ gypsy rover came over the hill
Down through the valley so shady
He whistled and he sang ‘til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

Chorus
Ah-dee–do, ah-dee-doo, da–day
Ah-dee-do, ah-dee-day-dee
He whistled and he sang ‘til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

She left her father’s castle gate
She left her own true lover
She left her servants and her estate
To follow the gypsy rover
Her father saddled his fastest steed
He roamed the valleys all over
He sought his daughter at great speed
And the whistlin’ gypsy rover

Chorus

He came at last to a mansion fine
Down by the river Clady
And there was music and there was wine
For the gypsy and his lady
He is no gypsy father said she
But lord of these lands all over
And I will stay till my dying day
With my whistling gypsy rover

Chorus