Black Watch 

You've heard about the B-men the cruel RUC
You've heard about the Black and Tans in bygone history
But theres another regiment the devil calls his own
Theyre known as the Black Watch commisioned by the throne

Strolling down the Falls Road with riot guns and gas
Terrorising women as they're coming out of mass
A bunch of Scottish critters we never will forget
Thank God we know the IRA sure arent beaten yet

These soldiers come from Scotland a place you all know well
From the hardest part of Glasgow the teddy boys do dwell
They're given a British uniform they're given a British gun
They joined a British regiment to have themselves some fun

When I grow up and marry and have a little son
Ill tell him of the regiment the terrible things they've done
And when that he grows older becomes a man like me
He'll become a volunteer and set old Ireland free

The Black and Tan gun. 

   It was down in the town of old Bantry,
   Where most of the fighting was done,
   It was there that a young Irish soldier,
   Was shot by a Black-and-Tan gun.

   As he raised himslef up to his elbow, 
   As the blood from his wounds ran red, 
   He turned to his comrades beside him, 
   And these are the words he said: 

   "Won`t you bury me out on the mountains, 
   So that I can see where the battle was won?" 
   So they buried him out on the mountains, 
   `Neath a cross that stood facing the sun. 


   They wrote: "Here lies a true Irish soldier, 
   Who was shot by a Black-and-Tan gun," 
   And now we are back in old Dublin, our victory over and won, 
   We think of our comrades we buried under God`s rising sun. 

   The bold Black and Tan

   Says Lloyd-George to Macpherson, "l give you the sack,
   To uphold law and order you haven't the knack,
   I'll send over Greenwood, a much stronger man,
   And fill up the Green Isle with the bold Black and Tan."

   He sent them all over to pillage and loot
   And burn down the houses, the inmates to shoot .
   " To re-conquer Ireland, he said, is my plan
   With Macready and Co. and his bold Black and Tan."

   The town of Balbriggan they've burned to the ground
   While bullets Like hailstones were whizzing around;
   And women left homeless by this evil clan.
   They've waged war on the children, the bold Black and Tan.

   From Dublin to Cork and from Thurles to Mayo
   Lies a trail of destruction wherever they go;
   With England to help and fierce passions to fan,
   She must feel bloody proud of her bold Black and Tan.

   Ah, then not by the terrors of England's foul horde,
   For ne'er could a nation be ruled by the sword;
   For our country we'll have yet in spite of her plan
   Or ten times the number of bold Black and Tan.

   We defeated Conscription in spite of their threats,
   And we're going to defeat old Lloyd-George and his pets;
   For Ireland and Freedom we're here to a man,
   And we'll humble the pride of the bold Black and Tan.

                                                                                
   Bold Robert Emmet

   The struggle is over, the boys are defeated,
   Old Ireland's surrounded with sadness and gloom,
   We were defeated and shamefuIIy treated,
   And I, Robert Emmet, awaiting my doom.

   Hung, drawn and quartered, sure that was my sentence,
   But soon I will show them no coward am I.
   My crime is the love of the land I was born in,
   A hero I lived and a hero I'll die.

   (Chorus)
   Bold Robert Emmet, the darling of Ireland,
   Bold Robert Emmet will die with a smile,
   Farewell companions both loyal and daring,
   I'll lay down my life for the Emerald Isle.

   The barque lay at anchor awaiting to bring me
   Over the billows to the land of the free;
   But I must see my sweetheart for I know she will cheer me,
   And with her I will sail far over the sea.


   But I was arrested and cast into prison,
   Tried as a traitor, a rebel, a spy;
   But no man can call me a knave or a coward,
   A hero I lived and a hero I'll die.

   (Chorus repeat)

   Hark! I the bell's tolling, I well know its meaning,
   My poor heart tells me it is my death knell;
   In come the clergy, the warder is leading,
   I have no friends here to bid me farewell.
   Goodbye, old Ireland, my parents and sweetheart,
   Companions in arms to forget you must try;
   I am proud of the honour, it was only my duty-
   A hero I lived and a hero I'll die.

   (Chorus repeat)

 Boolavogue

 

   At Boolavogue as the sun was setting,
   O`er the bright may meadows of Shelmalier,
   A rebel hand set the heather blazing,
   and brought the neighbours from far and near;

   Then Father Murphy from old Kilcormack
   Spurred up the rock with a warning cry:
   "Arm! Arm!" he cried, "For I`ve come to lead you,
   for Ireland`s freedom we`ll fight or die!"

   He lead us on against the coming soldiers,
   And the cowardly Yeomen we put to flight,
   `Twas at the Harrow the boys of Wexford
   Showed Bookey`s regiment how men could fight;

   Look out for hirelings, King George of England,
   Search every kingdom where breathes a slave,
   For Father Murphy of County Wexford,
   Sweeps o`er the land like a mighty wave.


   We took Camolin and Enniscorthy,
   And Wexford storming drove out our foes,
   `Twas at Slieve Coilte our pikes were reeking
   With the crimson blood of the beaten Yeos.

   At Tubberneering and Ballyellis,
   Full many a Hessian lay in his gore,
   Ah! Father Murphy had aid come over,
   The Green Flag floated from shore to shore!

   At Vinegar Hill, O`er the pleasant Slaney,

   Our heroes vainly stood back to back,
   and the Yeos at Tullow took Father Murphy,
   and burnt his body upon a rack.

   God grant you glory, brave Father Murphy,
   And open Heaven to all your men,
   the cause that called you may call tomorrow,
   in another fight for the Green again.



   

     Boys of Kilmichael 

   On the twentieth day of November,
   the day that the tans left Macroom.
   they were loaded in two crossley tenders
   not knowing that they'd meet their doom
   But when they came to Kilmichael
   they suddnely came to a stop
   For they met with the boys of the column
   Who made a clean sweep of the lot.


   Then over the hills went the echo
   the peal of the rifle and gun
   The flames from the lorries gave tidings
   That the boys from Kilmichael had won.


   So here's to the boys of Kilmichael
   Those brave lads so gallant and true
   Who fought 'neath the green flag of Erin
   And conquered the red, white and blue.
 

                                                                               

     BARRY'S COLUMN 

   From East to West, from North to South,
   They tried to hunt the column out
   But the tans were forced to go without
   The boys of Barry's Column


   In armoured cars they came to stay,
   And wipe the Irish cowards away
   But oh, the lovely holiday
   Was stopped by Barry's Column

   (chorus)

   Oh but isn't great to see
   The Tommies and the R.I.C
   The black and tans and the Staters flee
   Away from Barry's Column


   By, George might have some wiley tricks
   And have the volunteers to fix
   Yet all his black and tans go sick
   When they think of Barry's Column


   His ships all come in red and black,
   No tanks or war equipment lack
   Yet o'er the sea, they'll ne'er get back
   If caught by Barry's Column


   [Chorus repeat]


   Along the lonely road they wind
   Armed in front, and armed behind
   "We're sorry, but that bridge is mine"
   Said the lads of Barry's Column


   They stopped to rest just for a spell
   Some hand-grenades upon them fell
   "Here sort them out among yourselves"
   Said the lads from Barry's Column


   [Chorus repeat]

  Bye Bye Rangers
Unknown

Yo ho ho, off we go 
What do you know, it's nine in a row 
Bye bye Rangers 
Celtic's on the ball again, on the way to make it ten 
Bye bye Rangers 

You can talk about your great defenders 
Sing and shout about your No Surrender 
But let us give you this wee tip 
We'll be there for the league and the cup 
Rangers bye bye 

Yo ho ho, off we go 
What do you know, it's nine in a row 
Bye bye Rangers 
Celtic's on the ball again, on the way to make it ten 
Bye bye Rangers 

You can talk about your great defenders 
Sing and shout about your No Surrender 
But let us give you this wee tip 
We'll be there for the league and the cup 
Rangers bye bye 

But let us give you this wee tip 
We'll be there for the league and the cup 
Rangers bye bye 

  Burke's Dream
James Conway

Sadly but slowly one night in November 
I laid down my weary head for to repose 
On my pillow of straw which I long shall remember 
I been weary for sleep, I fell into a doze. 

I been tired from working hard down in the foreign prison yard 
Night brought relief to my sad heart's should free 
I've been locked in my prison cell, surely an earthly hell 
I then fell asleep and commenced for to dream 

I dreamed I was sitting on a green hill of Erin 
With no hesitating and victory won, 
Surrounded by comrades, no enemies fearing, 
But then was the cry, "Every man to his gun" 

It's on came the section then; dread not, ye Fenian men; 
Soon they fell back from their pike's volunteers 
I dreamed that I saw our brave noble commander 
Was mounted on steed and his guard did surrear 

He was brave-trimmed with gold and his bright shining chevrons want 
'Twas all dint with sunbeams of freedom that day 
Slam bang, the cannons slew, lines they were all cut through 
Men on both sides lay dying and dead 

The green flag went waving high that day beneath the battle sky 
Everyone there did sing out gloriously 
Every man, boy was on oath bound to die that day or stand their ground 
And all from our vengeance the proud Briton fled. 

Slam bang, the cannons slew, lines they were all cut through 
Men on both sides lay dying and lay dead 
Jump out of your prison bearth, for Irishmen have done their work 
God he is with us and old Erin is free. 

I dreamed I was sleeping the night beams around me 
Whilst pitching their lights upon that bloody plain 
When friends that I once knew in soft sleep reposing 
Lay dead and in their gore. Shall I e'er see them again? 

With joy then I hastened back over the mountain track 
My mother she fainted and gave a loud scream 
Surely when I awoke just as the daylight broke 
And found I was in exile and all but a dream




 

          

  Broad Black Brimmer  

There's a uniform still hanging in what's known as father's room 
A uniform so simple in its style 
It has no fancy braid of gold, no hat with feathered plume 
Yet me mother has preserved it all the while 
One day she made me try it on, a wish of mine for years
In memory of your father Sean she said 
And when I put the sam brown on, she was smiling through hear tears 
As she placed the broad black brimmer on me head 

Chorus: 
It's just a broad black brimmer with ribbons frayed and torn 
from the careless whisk of many a mountain breeze 
An old trench coat that's so battle-stained and worn 
And breeches almost threadbare at the knees 
A sam brown belt with a buckle big and strong 
And a holster that's been empty many's a day 
But when men claim Ireland's freedom 
The one should choose to lead them 
Will wear the broad black brimmer of the IRA 

It was the uniform worn by me father year's ago 
When he reached me mother's homestead on the run 
It was the uniform he wore in that little church below 
When oul Father Mac, he blessed the pair as one 
And after truce and treaty and the parting of the ways 
He wore it when he marched out with the rest 
And when they bore his body down on that rugged heather braes 
They placed the broad black brimmer on his chest 

Chorus X 2

  British Army, The
Traditional

When I was young I used to be as fine a man as ever you'd see 
Til the Prince of Wales he said to me: "Come and join the British army" 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army" 

Sarah Comden baked a cake, 'twas all for poor oul Slattery's sake 
She threw herself into the lake, pretending she was barmy 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army" 

Corporal Daly went away, his wife got in the family way 
And the only thing that she could say, was: "Blame the British army" 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army" 

Corporal Kelly's a terrible drought, just give him a couple of jars of stout 
And he'll beat the enemy with his mouth and save the British army 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army" 

Kilted soldiers wear no drawers, won't you kindly lend them yours 
The rich must always help the poor to save the British army 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army" 

When I was young I used to be as fine a man as ever you'd see 
Til the Prince of Wales he said to me: "Come and join the British army" 

Toora loora loora loo, they're looking for monkeys up at the zoo 
And says I: "If I had a face like you, I'd join the British army"

  Bring Them Home
Unknown

In the jail that held Mc Swiney 
In the prison where he died 
Lies two daughters of old Ireland 
And they fill my heart with pride 
For I know that England wishes 
That we´d let them die alone 
But the voice of dear old Ireland 
Cries for us to bring them home 

Hear it ring on the air 
It´s the voice of my country so fair 
Can´t you feel can´t you see 
Irishmen will set them free 

Twas the love of dear old Ireland 
Brought them to a prison hell 
But the ghosts of Pearse and Connolly 
Filled their lonely prison cell 
Clarke and Plunkett stand beside them 
Mc Donagh Mc Dermott and Wolfe Tone 
And all the voices of old Ireland 
Cry for us to bring them home 

So I pray you men of Ireland 
Don´t betray our daughters true 
Proudly stand beside our heroes 
Lest they die for me and you 
Though the tyrant would deny us 
We can break their hearts of stone 
And all of Ireland will be singing 
When we bring our daughters home

BLOOD-STAINED BANDAGE 

A cold May morning was breaking over Dublin's dreary town 
Sixteen brave men have fallen to the rifles of the crown 
Because they loved their country and served it night and day 
Before they faced those rifles this is what those boys did say 

Take away the blood-stained bandage from off an Irish brow 
We fought and bled for Ireland and will not shirk it now 
We have held in her struggle, in answer to her call 
And because we sought to free her we are placed against a wall 

Ned Daly, Heuston, Colbert, Mac Donagh and Mac Bride 
Mac Dermott and the brothers Ceannt, with Clarke and Plunkett died 
Mick Mallin, Pat and Willy Pearse, O'Hanrahan and Kent 
And last of all James Connolly this message to them sent 

Chorus 

  Brave Tom Williams
Unknown

Time goes by and years roll onward, 
Still a memory I shall keep 
Of a night in Belfast prison; 
Unashamedly, I saw men weep. 

For the time was fast approaching, 
A lad lay sentenced for to die, 
And on the second of September 
He goes to meet his God on high. 

Now the cruel blow has fallen, 
For Ireland he has given all, 
He, who in the flower of manhood 
Proudly answered to her call. 

Brave Tom Williams we salute you, 
And never shall forget. 
Those who planned your brutal murder, 
We vow we'll make them all regret. 

Here's a word you Irish soldiers; 
If on this path you chance to stray, 
Keep in memory of that morn 
When Ireland's cross was proudly borne 
By a lad who lies within a prison

  THE BOYS OF WEXFORD 
(Robert Dwyer Joyce) 

In comes the captain's daughter, the captain of the Yeos, 
Saying; ""Brave United Irish men, We'll ne'er again be foes. 
A thousand pounds I'll bring, If you will fly from home with me, 
And dress myself in man's attire, and fight for liberty."" 

cho: We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand, 
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land. 

"I want no gold, my maiden fair, to fly from home with thee; 
Your shining eyes will be my prize - more dear than gold to me. 
I want no gold to nerve my arm, to do a true man's part, 
To free my native land I'd gladly give the red drops of my heart." 

And when we left our cabins, boys, we left with right good will, 
To see our friends and neighbours that were at Vinegar Hill! 
A young man from our Irish ranks, a cannon he let go; 
He slapt it into Lord Mountjoy - a tyrant he laid low! 

We bravely fought and conquered at Ross and Wexford town; 
Three Bullet Gate for years to come will speak for our renown; 
Through Walpole's horse and Walpole's foot on Tubberneering's day, 
Depending on the long, bright pike, we cut our gory way. 

And Oulart's name shall be their shame, who still we ne'er did fear, 
For every man could do his part like Forth and Shelmalier! 
And if for want of leaders, we lost at Vinegar Hill, 
We're ready for another fight, and love our country still! 

  BOYS OF THE OLD BRIGADE

Where are the lads that stood with me 
when histoy was made
oh gran mo cree I long to see
The boys of the old brigade

Oh father why are you so sad
on this bright easter morn
when Irishmen are proud and glad
of the land where they were born
Oh son I see sad memories
of far off distant days
when being just a boy like you
I joined the old brigade

chor

In the hills and farms the call to arms
was heard by one and all
and from the glens came brave young men
to answer Irelands call
twas long ago we faced the foe
the old brigade and me
by my side they fought and died
that Ireland might be free

break chorus

and now my boy I've told you why 
on easter morn I sigh
for I recall my comrades all
from the dark old days gone by
I think of men who fought in glens
with rifles and grenade
may heaven keep the men who sleep 
from the ranks of the old brigade 

  Boys Of Mullachbawn, The
Unknown

On a Monday morning early 
As my wand'ring steps did lead me, 
Down by a farmer's station, 
Of meadow and green lawn, 
I heard great lamentation 
That the wee birds they were makin' 
Sayin' "We'll have no more engagements 
With the boys of Mullaghbawn." 

Squire Jackson was un equalled 
For honour or for reason, 
He never turned a traitor 
Or betrayed the rights of man, 
But now we are endangered 
By a vile deceiving stranger 
Who has ordered deportation 
For the Boys of Mullachbawn. 

As those heroes crossed the ocean 
I'm told the ship in motion 
Did stand in wild commotion 
As if the seas ran dry, 
The trout and salmon gaping 
As the cuckoo left her station 
Sayin', "Farewell to lovely Erin 
And the hills of Mullaghbawn. 

To end my lamentation 
We are all in consternation 
For the want of education 
I here must end my song; 
None cares for recreation 
Since without consideration 
We are sent for transportation 
From the hills of Mullachbawn.

  The Boys Of Killybegs

      There are wild and rocky hills, on the coast of Donegal.
      And their fishermen are hardy brave and free.
      And the big atlantic swell, is a thing they know right well,
      As they fight to take a living from the sea.

CHORUS:-
      With the pleasant rolling sea, and the herring running free,
      And the fleet all riding gently through the foam.
      When the boats are loaded down, there'll be singing in the town,
      When the boys of Killybegs come rolling home.

      Now you don your rubber boots, and you've got your oilskins on,
      And you check the gear to see that it's O.K.
      And your jumper keeps you warm, because its cold before the dawn,
      And your ready to begin another day.

CHORUS

      Well your headed out to sea, and the wind is blowing free,
      And you cast your nets as rain bgins to fall.
      But the sun comes riding through, and the clouds will soon roll by,
      And tonight we'll maybe take a bumper haul.

CHORUS

      Sure there's purple on the hill, but the stream's down by the shore,
      And the sun has cast its gold upon the sea.
      And there's silver down below, where the herring fishes go,
      When we catch them, there'll be gold for you and me.

CHORUS:-
      With the pleasant rolling sea, and the herring running free,
      And the fleet all riding gently through the foam.
      When the boats are loaded down, there'll be singing in the town,
      When the boys of Killybegs come rolling home.

      When the boats are loaded down, there'll be singing in the town,
      When the boys of Killybegs come rolling home.

  Boys From Co. Armagh

There's one fair county in Ireland
With memory so glorious and grand
Where nature has lavished her bounty
On the orchard of Erins great land
I love its cathedral city
Once founded by Patrick so true
And there in the heart of it's bosom
Are the ashes of Brian Boru

It's my own Irish home far across the foam
And tho' I've often left it in foreign lands to roam
No matter where I wander
Through cities near and far
My heart's at home in old Ireland
In the county of Armagh

I've travelled the heart of this county
Through Newtown, Forkhill, Crossmaglen
Around the gap of Mount Norris
And home by Blackwater again
Where the girls are so gay and so hearty
None fairer in Erin Go Bragh
Ah, where are the boys that can court them
Like the boys from the county Armagh

Chorus

  Born In Ireland

I was born here in Ireland
But a foreign land called me away
Now I've come back to see my hometown
And my friends of yesterday
Gone are the old folks friendly faces
And the friends I used to know
So many things have changed in Ireland
Since I left it long ago

Trees are planted on the farmland
That we used to till and sow
Strangers sit around the fireside
Strangers names are on the door
Other people sing the new songs
Songs of which I do not know
I remember Mama sang the old songs
Back in Ireland long ago

Lead-break

When I die please take me back to Ireland
Where I'm free from worry and from care
And lay me down by Mom and Daddy
And let me sleep forever there
And when it's springtime in the mountains 
And the purple heather glows
I'll be happy here in Ireland
As in the days of long ago

Rpt. last verse

  Bold Fenian Men (DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE) 
Paedar Kearney 

'Twas down by the glenside, I met an old woman 
She was picking young nettles and she scarce saw me coming 
I listened a while to the song she was humming 
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men 

'Tis fifty long years since I saw the moon beaming 
On strong manly forms and their eyes with hope gleaming 
I see them again, sure, in all my daydreaming 
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men. 

When I was a young girl, their marching and drilling 
Awoke in the glenside sounds awesome and thrilling 
They loved poor old Ireland and to die they were willing 
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men. 

Some died on the glenside, some died near a stranger 
And wise men have told us that their cause was a failure 
They fought for old Ireland and they never feared danger 
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men 

I passed on my way, God be praised that I met her 
Be life long or short, sure I'll never forget her 
We may have brave men, but we'll never have better 
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men 

  Bobby Sands MP
Larry Kirwan

My name is Bobby Sands, MP 
Born in the city of Belfast 
Divided by religion 
I grew up fast 

I was stabbed and I was spat upon 
My family run out of its home 
There was only one solution 
Turn the whole system upside down 

But the system had other ideas 
I got lifted for carryin' a gun 
In a trial without a jury 
I got fourteen years from the judge 

Screws beat me regularly 
But they couldn't break me because 
I had the love of my comrades 
And a burnin' faith in my Cause 

Still I left a girl outside pregnant 
Married her while on remand 
Now I got a son and a pain in my heart 
When he doesn't recognize his old man 

Your soul's on ice oh oh oh oh 
But they can't stop the desire 
To break on out oh oh oh oh 
When your heart is on fire 

We wouldn't wear their convict clothes 
So they stripped us to the bone 
Threw in some threadbare blankets..... 

And when they jeered us about our nakedness 
As we slopped out down the halls 
We wouldn't come out of their prison cells 
We smeared shit on their prison walls 

Stuck in an eight foot concrete box 
With a bible, a mattress 
And the threat of violence every day.... 

Can I make it through these fourteen years 
Will my son remember my face 
I don't blame her for the separation 
But for Christ's sake let him keep his name 

Your soul's on ice oh oh oh oh 
But they can't stop the desire 
To break on out oh oh oh oh 
When your heart is on fire 

Five simple things we ask of them 
Five simple things denied 
But Thatcher will not compromise.... 

I ask my Mother's permission 
To finally break her heart 
We have come to a decision 
......Hunger Strike 

Three comrades starve behind me 
I pray to God that my 
Death will lead to compromise.... 

I can no longer see your face 
My bones break through my skin 
I'm goin' back to Belfast City 
You can't cage my spirit in 

Your soul's on ice 
But they can't stop the desire 
To break on out 
When your heart is on fire

Ballad of Bobby Sands

Come gather round me one and all 
My song to you I'll sing, 
In memory of a brave young Irishman, 
Who would not concede defeat, 
From his stand would not retreat. 
I sing of the gallant Bobby Sands, 
Bobby Sands. 
Yes I sing of the late great Bobby Sands. 

He organised the hunger strike 
To win and change, reform, 
To stop the evil tyrants in their craze, 
To regain the five demands 
He took his young life in his hands 
For the betterment of comrades in Armagh 
And in the Maze 
Armagh and the H-Blocks of the Maze. 

They tried to break your spirit 
But no way could they succeed, 
The phoenix in your heart they tried to quell 
With their beatings, degradation, 
All in vain totheirfrustration, 
For the more they tried, the more you would rebel 
You would rebel, 
With dignity your principle did swell. 

But freedom was to come to you 
On a rain soaked Tuesday morn 
From the heavens tears of patriots were shed 
With the joy that you are free 
To walk with Tone and Connolly, 
Forever live the name of Bobby Sands 
We shall endear 
Your name, to foe shall always threaten tear. 

So to all you people 
My song to you I've sung 
In memory of a brave young Belfast man 
Who would not concede defeat, 
From his stand would not retreat. 
I sing of the gallant Bobby Sands, 
Bobby Sands. 
Yes I sing of the late great Bobby Sands. 

Back home in Derry

In 1803 we sailed out to sea 
Out from the sweet town of Derry 
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown 
And the marks of our fetters we carried 
In our rusty iron chains we sighed for our weans 
Our good women we left in sorrow 
As the mainsails unfurled, our curses we hurled 
On the English, and thoughts of tomorrow 

CHORUS 
Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry 
Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry 

At the mouth of the Foyle, bid farewell to the soil 
As down below decks we were lying 
O'Doherty screamed, woken out of a dream 
By a vision of bold Robert dying 
The sun burned cruel as we dished out the gruel 
Dan O'Connor was down with a fever 
Sixty rebels today bound for Botany Bay 
How many will meet their reciever 

CHORUS 

I cursed them to hell as her bow fought the swell 
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelight 
White horse rode high as the devil passed by 
Taking souls to Hades by twilight 
Five weeks out to sea, we were now forty-three 
Our comrades we buried each morning 
In our own slime we were lost in a time 
Of endless night without dawning 

CHORUS 

Van Diemen's land is a hell for a man 
To live out his whole life in slavery 
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law 
Neither wind nor rain care for bravery 
Twenty years have gone by, I've ended my bond 
My comrades ghosts walk behind me 
A rebel I came - I'm still the same 
On the cold winters night you will find me 

CHORUS 

  Birmingham Six
Shane MacGowan

There were six men in Birmingham 
In Guildford there's four 
That were picked up and tortured 
And framed by the law 
And the filth got promotion 
But they're still doing time 
For being Irish in the wrong place 
And at the wrong time 

In Ireland they'll put you away in the Maze 
In England they'll keep you for several long days 
God help you if ever you're caught on these shores 
And the coppers need someone 
And they walk through that door 

You'll be counting years 
First five, then ten 
Growing old in a lonely hell 
Round the yard and the stinking cell 
From wall to wall, and back again 

A curse on the judges, the coppers and screws 
Who tortured the innocent, wrongly accused, 
For the price of promotion 
And justice to sell 
May the judged be their judges when they rot down in hell 

May the whores of the empire lie awake in their beds 
And sweat as they count out the sins on their heads 
While over in Ireland eight more men lie dead 
Kicked down and shot in the back of the head

  Billy Reid (FULL VERSION)

Chorus:
All the radio said was another shot dead
And he died with a gun in his hand
But they never said why Billy Reid had to die
Cause he died to free Ireland

1.
I'll sing you a song of a terrible wrong
When the flags all flew at half mast
And a man he lay dead he'd been riddled with lead
And he died on the streets of Belfast

2.
It happened one day when the bold I.R.A
Set out to fight for their land
With an old Thompson gun put the troops on the run
And return to their home was their plan

3.
While returning the guns Billy met British sons
And when the fight had begun
His position was dire when his gun wouldn't fire
So he died with that old Thompson gun

4.
Allthough he lay dead he was kicked in the head
By the hair they dragged him around
But the still fear him yet and we can never forget
How brave Billy Reid stood his ground

5.
If you think he was right come and join in the fight
And help us to free Belfast
For the blood that he shed and allthough he lay dead
In our hearts his memory will last


 

  Big Fellah, The
Larry Kirwan

Mo chara is mo lao thu! 
My friend and my calf 
Is aisling trí néallaibh 
A vision in dream 
Do deineadh aréir dom 
Was revealed to me last night 
IgCorcaigh go déanach 
In Cork, a late hour, 
Ar leaba im aonar 
In my solitary bed 

I remember you back in the GPO with Connolly and Clarke 
Laughin' with McDermott through the bullets and the sparks 
Always with the smart remark, your eyes blazin' and blue 
But when we needed confidence we always turned to you 
And when they shot our leaders up against Kilmainham wall 
You were there beside us in that awful Easter dawn 
Hey, big fellah..........where the hell are you now 
When we need you the most 
Hey, big fellah..........c'mon 

Tabhair dom do lámh 
Give me your hand 

Back on the streets of Dublin when we fought the black and tans 
You were there beside us, a towerin' mighty man 
And God help the informer or the hated English spy 
By Jaysus, Mick, you'd crucify them without the blinkin' of an eye 
Still you had a heart as soft as the early mornin' dew 
Every widow, whore and orphan could always turn to you 
We beat them in the cities and we whipped them in the streets 
And the world hailed Michael Collins, our commander and our chief 
And they sent you off to London to negotiate a deal 
And to gain us a republic, united, boys, and real 
But the women and the drink, Mick, they must have got to you 
'Cause you came back with a country divided up in two 

We had to turn against you, Mick, there was nothin' we could do 
'Cause we couldn't betray the republic like Arthur Griffith and you 
We fought against each other, two brothers steeped in blood 
But I never doubted that your heart was broken in the flood 
And though we had to shoot you down in golden Béal na Blath 
I always knew that Ireland lost her greatest son of all

  Beer Beer Beer
Traditional
A long time ago, way back in history, 
when all there was to drink was nothin but cups of tea. 
Along came a man by the name of Charlie Mops, 
and he invented a wonderful drink and he made it out of hops. 

He must have been an admiral a sultan or a king, 
and to his praises we shall always sing. 
Look what he has done for us he's filled us up with cheer! 
Lord bless Charlie Mops, the man who invented beer beer beer 
tiddly beer beer beer. 

The Curtis bar, the James' Pub, the Hole in the Wall as well 
one thing you can be sure of, its Charlie's beer they sell 
so all ye lads a lasses at eleven O'clock ye stop 
for five short seconds, remember Charlie Mops 1 2 3 4 5 

He must have been an admiral a sultan or a king, 
and to his praises we shall always sing. 
Look what he has done for us he's filled us up with cheer! 
Lord bless Charlie Mops, the man who invented beer beer beer 
tiddly beer beer beer. 

A barrel of malt, a bushel of hops, you stir it around with a stick, 
the kind of lubrication to make your engine tick. 
40 pints of wallop a day will keep away the quacks. 
Its only eight pence hapenny and one and six in tax, 1 2 3 4 5 

He must have been an admiral a sultan or a king, 
and to his praises we shall always sing. 
Look what he has done for us he's filled us up with cheer! 
Lord bless Charlie Mops, the man who invented beer beer beer 
tiddly beer beer beer. 

The Lord bless Charlie Mops! 

  Beautiful Co. Of Meath

I've travelled many counties in Ireland
But there's still one I'm longing to see
That's been part of my homeland
And it brings back fond memories to me.
Where I wandered alone in my childhood
Reviewing the sights I once see
As I walk round the parks and the forests,
Round the beautiful county of Meath

Oh, beautiful Meath you've got all that I need
Your rivers they flow with delight;
Your fields are so green, there's plains to be seen
And your towns are so gay and so bright
Fishing down on the buoy, I remember the time
You would think it was all just a dream
And wherever you roam, there's no place like home
And the beautiful county of Meath

Turn around

I've seen it's beautiful castles.
And it's history I've learned so well,
I've read of the high kings of Tara
And the wonderful book of Kells
And the lane still remembers St. Patrick,
We lit a fire for the people to see
Where they brought love and kindness to Ireland
And the beautiful county of Meath

Key change

Last chorus + last line

  Banna Strand
Unknown

'Twas on Good Friday morning, 
All in the month of May, 
A German Ship was signalling, 
Beyond out in the Bay, 
We had twenty thousand rifles 
All ready for to land, 
But no answering signal did come 
From the lonely Banna Strand. 

"No signal answers from the shore", 
Sir Roger sadly said, 
"No comrades here to meet me, 
Alas, they must be dead, 
But I must do my duty 
And at once I mean to land", 
So in a small boat rowed ashore 
On the lovely Banna Strand. 

Now the R.I.C. were hunting 
For Sir Roger high and low, 
They found him in McKenna's fort; 
Said they: "You are our foe", 
Said he: "I'm Roger Casement, 
I came to my native land, 
I mean to free my countrymen 
On the lonely Banna Strand. 

They took Sir Roger prisoner, 
And sailed for London town, 
And in the Tower they laid him, 
A traitor to the Crown; 
Said he "I am no traitor", 
But his trial he had to stand, 
For bringing German rifles 
To the lonely Banna Strand. 

'Twas in an English prison 
That they led him to his death, 
"I'm dying for my country" 
He said with his last breath, 
They buried him in British soil 
Far from his native land, 
And the wild waves sing his requiem 
On the lonely Banna Strand. 

They took Sir Roger home again 
In the year of '65, 
And with his comrades of '16 
In peace and tranquil lies, 
His last fond wish, it is fulfilled 
For to lie in his native land, 
And the waves will roll in peace again 
On the lonely Banna Strand.

  THE BANKS OF MY OWN LOVELY LEE 
(Dick Forbes and J.C. Flanahan) 

How oft do my thoughts in their fancy take flight 
To the home of my childhood away, 
To the days when each patriot's vision seem'd bright 
Ere I dreamed that those joys should decay. 
When my heart was as light as the wild winds that blow 
Down the Mardyke through each elm tree, 
Where I sported and play'd 'neath each green leafy shade 
On the banks of my own lovely Lee. 

And then in the springtime oflaughterr and song 
Can I ever forget the sweet hours? 
With the friends of my youth as we rambled along 
'Mongst the green mossy banks and wild flowers. 
Then too, when the evening sun's sinking to rest 
Sheds its golden light over the sea 
The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed 
On the banks of my own lovely Lee 
The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed 
On the banks of my own lovely Lee 

'Tis a beautiful land this dear isle of song 
Its gems shed their light to the world 
And her faithful sons bore thro' ages of wrong, 
The standard St. Patrick unfurled. 
Oh! would I were there with the friends I love best 
And my fond bosom's partner with me 
We'd roam thy banks over, and when weary we'd rest 
By thy waters, my own lovely Lee, 
We'd roam thy banks over, and when weary we'd rest 
By thy waters, my own lovely Lee, 

Oh what joys should be mine ere this life should decline 
To seek shells on thy sea- girdled shore. 
While the steel-feathered eagle, oft splashing the brine 
Brings longing for freedom once more. 
Oh all that on earth I wish for or crave 
Is that my last crimson drop be for thee, 
To moisten the grass of my forefathers' grave 
On the banks of my own lovely Lee 
To moisten the grass of my forefathers' grave 
On the banks of my own lovely Lee. 

  THE BALLAD OF MAIREAD FARREL

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep
Do not stand at my grave and cry
When Ireland lives i do not die

A womans place is no at home
The fight for fredom it still goes on
I took up my gun until freedoms day
I pledged to fight for the I.R.A.

In Armagh jail I served my time
Strip searches were a British crime
Degraded me but they could not see
I suffered this to see Ireland free

BREAK

Gibralta Rock's the place I died
McCann and Savage were by my side
I heard the order loud and shrill
Of Thatchers voice, said SHOOT TO KILL

So do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
Do not stand at my grave and cry
When reland lives I do not die
When Ireland lives I do not die

  Bachelor's Walk

You true-born sons of Erin´s Isle, come listen to my song, 
My tale is one of sorrow but I won´t detail you long, 
Concerning the murderous outrage that took place in Dublin Town 
When a cowardly regiment was let loose to shoot our people down. 

On the 26th of July, the truth I´ll tell to you, 
The Irish Volunteers all swore their enemies to subdue, 
They marched straight out to Howth and soon the people were alarmed 
When they heard the glorious new Pur Irish Volunteers are armed. 

The crowds they all kept cheering on as our brave defenders passed 
But their cheers were stopped by an outrage which for some time did last. 
Our gallant men, the Volunteers, were met in front and rear, 
By the King´s Own Scottish cowards who are doomed for everywhere. 

God save our gallant Captain Judge, the hero of the band 
Who nearly gave his precious life for the just cause of our land 
In spite of terrible injuries and weak from loss of blood, 
He fondly hugged his rifle grand the prize of his brotherhood 

Next in the list of heroes is the scout so well renowned, 
With the butt end of his rifle felled a Borderer to the ground, 
He disarmed him of his weapons and soon made his escape, 
By climbing a wall in Fairview, for his young life was at stake. 

The Dublin Police were ordered the Volunteers for to subdue, 
But O´neill and Gleeson boldly replied: "Such a thing we decline to do. 
For the fight against our countrymen would on us put a stain, 
For we wish to see our native land a Nation Once Again." 

On Bachelor´s Walk a scene took place, which I´m sure had just been planned. 
For the cowardly Scottish Borderers turned and fired without command. 
With bayonets fixed they charged the crowd and left them in their gore, 
But their deeds will be remembered in Irish hearts for evermore. 

God rest the souls of those who sleep apart from earthly sin, 
Including Mrs. Duffy, James Brennan and Patrick Quinn; 
But we will yet avenge them and the time will surely come, 
That we´ll make the Scottish Borderers pay for the cowardly deeds they've done

  BACK HOME IN DERRY
(Bobby Sands)

In 1803 we sailed out to sea
Out from the sweet town of Derry
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown
And the marks of our fetters we carried
In rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains
Our good women we left in sorrow
As the mainsails unfurled, our curses we hurled
On the English, and thoughts of tomorrow

Chorus:
Oh..... I wish I was back home in Derry
Oh..... I wish I was back home in Derry

At the mouth of the Foyle, bid farewell to the soil
As down below decks we were lying
O'Doherty screamed, woken out of a dream
By a vision of bold Robert dying
The sun burned cruel as we dished out the gruel
Dan O'Connor was down with a fever
Sixty rebels today bound for Botany Bay
How many will meet their receiver

I cursed them to hell as her bow fought the swell
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelight
White horses rode high as the devil passed by
Taking souls to Hades by twilight
Five weeks out to sea, we were now forty-three
Our comrades we buried each morning
And in our own slime we were lost in a time
Of endless nights without dawning

Van Diemen's land is a hell for a man
To live out his whole life in slavery
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law
Neither wind nor rain care for bravery
Twenty years have gone by, I've ended my bond
My comrades ghosts walk behind me
A rebel I came - I'm still the same
On the cold winters night you will find me

  BELFAST BRIGADE

Craig Adams sent the Specials out to shoot the people down
He thought the IRA were dead in dear old Belfast town
But he got a rude awakening with the rifle and grenade
When he met the 1st Battalion of the Belfast Brigade

Chorus:
Glory, glory to old Ireland, glory, glory to this island
Glory to the memories of the men who fought and dies
"No surrender" is the war cry of the Belfast Brigade

The soldiers came from Holywood equipped with English guns
They had men by the thousands, ammunition by the ton
But when they got to Belfast they were seriously waylaid
By the Fighting 1st Battalion of the Belfast Brigade

Chorus

We have no ammunition or no armoured tanks to show
But we're ready to defend ourselves no matter where we go
We're out for our Republic and to hell with your free state
"No surrender" is the war cry of the Belfast Brigade

Chorus

Come all ye gallant Irishmen and join the IRA
To strike a blow for freedom when there comes our certain day
You know our countries history and the sacrifice it made
Come join the 1st Battalion of the Belfast Brigade

Chorus

  BONNIE KELLSWATER

Here's a health to you, bonnie Kellswater
For it's there you'll find the pleasures of life
And it's there you'll find fishing and farming
And a bonnie wee girl for your wife

On the hills and the glens and the valleys
Grows the softest of women so fine
And the flowers are all dripping with honey
There lives Martha, a true love of mine

Bonnie Martha, you're the first girl I courted
You're the one put my heart in a snare
And if ever I should lose you to another
I will leave my Kellswater so fair

For this one and that one may court her
But no other can take her from me
For I love her as I love my Kellswater
Like the primrose is loved by the bee


Here's a health to you, bonnie Kellswater
For it's there you'll find the pleasures of life
And it's there you'll find fishing and farming
And a bonnie wee girl for your wife

  BOOLAVOGUE (Another version)

Come all you warriors and renowned nobles
Give ear unto my warlike theme
And I will sing you how Father Murphy
Lately aroused from his sleepy dream
Neither Julius Cesar nor Alexander
Nor brave King Arthur could equal him
Armies formidable he did conquer
Though with two gun men he did begin

Camolin cavalry he did unhorse them
Their first lieutenant he cut them down
With shattered ranks and with broken columns
They soon returned to Camolin town
On the hill of Oulart he displayed his valour
Where a hundred Corkmen lay on the plain
At Enniscorthy his sword he wielded
And I hope to see him once more again

When Enniscorthy became subject to him
Twas then to Wexford we marched our men
And on the Three Rock took up our quarters
Waiting for daylight the town to win
The loyal townsmen gave their assistance
We'll die or conquer they all did say
The yeomen cavalry made no resistance
For on the pavement their corpses lay

With drums a-beating the town did echo
And acclamations came from door to door
On the Windmill Hill we pitched our tents
And we drank like heroes but paid no score
On Carraig Rua for some time we waited
And next to Gorey we did repair
At Tubberneering we thought no harm
The bloody army was waiting there

The issue of it was a close engagement
While on the soldiers we played warlike pranks
Thro' sheepwalks, hedgerows and shdy thickets
There were mangled bodies and broken ranks
The shuddering cavalry I can't forget them
We raised the brushes on their helmets straight
They turned about and they bid for Dublin
As if they ran for a ten-pound plate

Some crossed Donnybrook and more through Blackrock
And some up Shankill without wound or flaw
And if Barry Lawless be not a liar
There's more went groaning up Luggelaw
To the Windmill Hill of Enniscorthy
The British Fencibles they fled like deers
But our ranks were tattered and sorely scattered
By the loss of Kyan and the Shelmaleers

The streets of England were left quite naked
Of all its army both foot and horse
The highlands of Scotland were left unguarded
Likewise the Hessians the seas they crossed
But if the Frenchmen had reinforced us
And landed transports in Bagenbun
Father John Murphy would be their seconder
And sixteen thousand with him would come

Success attend the sweet County Wexford
Throw off its yoke and to battle run
Let them not think we gave up our arms
For every man has a pike and gun

  BOTANY BAY
Collected from Duke Tritton by John Meredith. Tritton learned the song while
busking in Sydney early 1900's. He also wrote the last verse. Second verse
is from Therese Radic's Songs of Australian Working Life

Oh I'm on my way down to the quay
Where a big ship now does lie
For to take a gang of navvies
I was told to engage
But I thought I would call in for a while
Before I went away
For to take a trip in an emigrant ship
To the shores of Botany Bay

Chorus:

Farewell to your bricks and mortar
Farewell to your dirty lime
Farewell to your gangway and gang planks
And to hell with your overtime
For the good ship Ragamuffin
She is lying at the quay
For to take old Pat with a shovel on his back
To the shores of Botany Bay

The best years of our life we spend
At working on the docks
Building mighty wharves and quays
Of earth and ballast rocks
Our pensions keep our lives secure
But I'll not rue the day
When I take a trip on an emigrant ship
To the shores of Botany Bay

For the boss came up this morning
And he said "Well Pat hello
If you do not mix that mortar fast
Be sure you'll have to go"
Of course he did insult me
I demanded of my pay
And I told him straight I was going to emigrate
To the shores of Botany Bay

And when I reach Australia
I'll go and look for gold
Sure there's plenty there for the digging
Or so I have been told
Or I might go back into my trade
Eight hundred bricks I'll lay
In an eight hour day for eight bob pay
On the shores of Botany Bay

  THE BOYS FROM THE COUNTY CORK

You've in history's pages
the heroes of great fame
The deeds they done, the battles won
and how they made their name
But the boys that mad the history
for the orange, white and green
were the boys who died in Dublin Town
in nineteen sixteen

So meet the boys from Kerry
and meet the boys form Clare
from Dublin, Wicklow, Donegal
and the boys of old Kildare
Some came from a land beyond the sea
from Boston and New York
But the boys who beat the Black and Tans
were the boys from the County Cork

Now Cork gave us Mick Sweeney
a martyr for to die
And Wicklow gave us Dwyer
in days so long gone by
And Dublin gave us Padraig Pearse
McBride and Cathal Brugha
And America gave us de Valera
to lead old Ireland through

So meet the boys from Kerry
and meet the boys form Clare
from Dublin, Wicklow, Donegal
and the boys of old Kildare
Some came from a land beyond the sea
from Boston and New York
But the boys who beat the Black and Tans
were the boys from the County Cork

  THE BOYS FROM THE COUNTY MAYO

Far away from the land of the Shamrock and heather
In search of a living, as exiles we roam
But whenever we chance to assemble together
We think of the land where we once had a home:
But these homes are destroyed and our soil confiscated
The hand of the tyrant brought plunder and woe;
The fires are now quenched and our hearts desolated
In our once happy homes in the County Mayo

Long years have now passed since with hearts full of sorrow
The of the Shamrock we left far behind;
But how we would like to go back there to-morrow;
To the scenes of our youth, which we still bear in mind;
The days of our childhood, it's now we recall them
They cling to our vision wherever we go;
And the friends of our youth we will never forget them
They too ar exiled from the County Mayo

From historic Killala, from Swinford to Calla
Ballyhaunis and Westport and old Castlebar
Kiltimagh and Claremorris, Belmullet and Erris
Kilkelly and Knock that's famed near and far;
Balla, Ballinrobe, Ballina and Bohola
Keeloges and Foxford a few miles below
Newport and Cong with old Straide and Manulla
Charlestown too, in the County Mayo

Then on with the cause 'till our aim is accomplished
Those who would fault us are cowardly and mean
So stand in the fight 'till the tyrant is vanquished
Expelled from our Dear little Island of Green
With the foes of our land we have fought a long battle
Soon they will get their last death-dealing blow
When old Nick has received them, their brains he will rattle
For the wrongs they have done to the County Mayo

From Galway to Dublin, from Derry to Kerry
New York and 'Frisco and Boston also
In Pittsburg, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto
There are stout-hearted men from the County Mayo
Now boys, pull together in all sorts of weather
Don't show the white feather, wherever you go
Act each as a brother and help one another
Like true hearted men from the County Mayo

  BOYS OF FAIRHILL
- Conny (Cornelius) Doyle

Chorus:
The smell on Patrick's Bridge is wicked
How does Faher Matthew stick it?
Here's up them all says the boys of Fair hill

Come boys, spend a day with our Harrier Club so gay:
The cry of the hounds it will make your heart thrill
And, when you hear Conan Doyle say: the Amoured Car has won today,"
Here's up 'em all say the boys of Fair Hill

First you go to Fahy's well for a drink of pure clean water
The finest spot on earth sure the angels do say
Where thousands came across the foam, just to view the Blarney Stone
Which can be seen from the groves of Fair Hill

First you go to Quinlan's pub - that is where you join our club
Where around us in gallons the porter does flow
First they tap a half-a-tierce and drink a health to Dashwood's race;
That's the stuff to give 'em say the boys of Fair Hill

Come boys and spend a day with our Hurling Club so gay
The clash of the ash it will make your heart thrill;
The Rockies thought that they were stars, till they meet the Saint Finbarr's
Here's up 'em all say the boys of Fair Hill

THE BOYS OF KILKENNY

Oh the Boys of Kilkenny are brave roaring blades
And if ever they meet with the nice little maids
They'll kiss them and coax them and spend their money free
And of all towns in Ireland Kilkenny for me
And of all towns in Ireland Kilkenny for me
Fal de ral de ral de ral de ral lal ra la la lo

In the Town of Kilkenny there runs a clear stream
In the Town of Kilkenny there lives a pretty dame
Her lips are like roses,  and her mouth much the same
Like a dish of fresh strawberries smother'd in cream
Fal de ral de ral de ral de ral lal ra la la lo

Her Eyes are as black as Kilkennys large coal
Which thro' my poor bosom have burnt a big hole
Her mind like its river is mild clear and pure
But her heart is more hard nor its marble I'm sure
Fal de ral de ral de ral de ral lal ra la la lo

Kilkenny's a pretty town and shines where it stands
And the more I think on it, the more my heart warms
For, if I was in Kilkenny I'd think myself at home
For it's there I'd get sweethearts, but here I get none
Fal de ral de ral de ral de ral lal ra la la lo

The Boy form Tamlaghtduff

As I walked through the Glenshane Pass I heard a young girl mourn 
'The boy form Tamlaghtduff 'she cried 'is two years dead and gone' 
How my heart is torn apart this young man to lose 
Oh I'll never see the likes again of my young Francis Hughes 

For many years his exploits were a thorn in Englands side 
The hills and glens became his home there he used to hide 
Once when they surrounded him he quietly slipped away 
Like a fox he went to ground and kept the dogs at bay 

Moving round the countryside he often made the news 
But they could never lay their hands on my brave Francis Hughes 
Finally they wounded him and captured him at last 
From the countryside he loved they took him to Belfast 

Oh from Musgrave Park to the Crumlin Road and then to an H-Block cell 
He went straight on the blanket then on hungerstrike as well 
His will to win they could never break no matter what they tried 
He fought them every day he lived and he fought them as he died 

As I walked through the Glenshane Pass I heard a young girl mourn 
'The boy form Tamlaghtduff 'she cried 'is two years dead and gone' 
How my heart is torn apart this young man to lose 
Oh I'll never see the likes again of my young Francis Hughes 

  BREAD AND FISHES

Chorus
As I went a walkin' one mornin' in spring
I met with some travelers in an old country lane
One was an old man, the second a maid
And the third was a young boy who smiled as he said

Chorus:

We've the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We've a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind

I sat down beside them, the flowers all around
And we ate on a mantle spread out on the ground
They told me of prophets and princes and kings
And they spoke of the one god who knows everything

I asked them to tell me their name and their race
So I might remember their kindness and grace
"My name is Joseph, this is Mary my wife
And this is our young son, our pride and delight"

We travel the whole world, by land and by sea
To tell all the people how they might be free

Sadly, I left them, in an old country lane
For I knew that I never would see them again
One was an old man, the second a maid
And the third was a young boy who smiled as he said:

  BRENNAN ON THE MOOR

'Tis of a brave young highwayman
This story I will tell
His name was Willie Brennan
And in Ireland he did dwell
It was on the Kilwood Mountain
He commenced his wild career
And many a wealthy nobleman
Before him shook with fear 

Chorus:
It was Brennan on the moor
Brennan on the moor
Bold, brave and undaunted
Was young Brennan on the moor 

One day upon the highway
As young Willie he went down
He met the mayor of Cashiell
A mile outside of town
The mayor he knew his features
And he said, Young man, said he
Your name is Willie Brennan
You must come along with me

Chorus

Now Brennan's wife had gone to town
Provisions for to buy
And when she saw her Willie
She commenced to weep and cry
Said, Hand to me that tenpenny
As soon as Willie spoke
She handed him a blunderbuss
From underneath her cloak

Chorus

Now with this loaded blunderbuss
The truth I will unfold
He made the mayor to tremble
And he robbed him of his gold
One hundred pounds was offered
For his apprehension there
So he, with horse and saddle
To the mountains did repair

Chorus

Now Brennan being an outlaw
Upon the mountains high
With cavalry and infantry
To take him they did try
He laughed at them with scorn
Until at last 'twas said
By a false-hearted woman
He was cruelly betrayed

Chorus

  BRIDGIT O'MALLEY

Oh Bridgit O'Malley, you left my heart shaken
With a hopeless desolation, I'd have you to know
It's the wonders of admiration your quiet face has taken
And your beauty will haunt me wherever I go

The white moon above the pale sands, the pale stars above the thorn tree
Are cold beside my darling, but no purer than she
I gaze upon the cold moon till the stars drown in the warm sea
And the bright eyes of my darling are never on me

My Sunday it is weary, my Sunday it is grey now
My heart is a cold thing, my heart is a stone
All joy is dead within me, my life has gone away now
For another has taken my love for his own

The day it is approaching when we were to be married
And it's rather I would die than live only to grieve
Oh meet me, my Darling, e'er the sun sets o'er the barley
And I'll meet you there on the road to Drumslieve

Oh Bridgit O'Malley, you've left my heart shaken
With a hopeless desolation, I'd have you to know
It's the wonders of admiration your quiet face has taken
And your beauty will haunt me wherever I go

  BRING THEM HOME

In the jail that held McSwiney, in that prison where he died
There lie two daughters of old Ireland and they fill my heart with pride
For I know England wishes that we'd let them die alone
But the voice of Dear old Ireland cries for us to bring them home

Chorus:
Here it ring in the air, it's the voice of my country so fair
Can't you feel? Can't you see? Irishmen will set them free

'Twas for loving dear old Ireland brought them to their prison hell
But the ghost of Pearse and Connolly fill there lonely prison cell
Clarke and Plunkett stand beside them McDonagh, McDermott and Wolfe Tone
But the voice of Dear old Ireland cries for us to bring them home

So I pray young men of Ireland Don't betray our daughters true
Proudly stand behind our heroes blessed they died for you and me
Though the tyrant would deny us we can break their hearts of stone
And all the voices will be singing when we bring our daughters home

  BUACHAILL ÓN ÉIRNE


Buachaill ón Éirne mé's bhréagfainn cailín deas óg
Ní fhiarfainn bó spré léi, táimse féin saibhir go leor
'S liom Corcaigh dá mhéad é, is dhá thaobh a' ghleanna, 's Tír Eoghain
'S mura n-aithraigh mé béasa's mé an t-aidhir ar chontae Mhuigheo

Rachfaidh mé amárach ag déanamh leanna fán choill
Gan coite, gan bád, gan gráinín breac ar bith liom
Ach duilliúr na gcraobh mar éadaigh leaba ós mo chionn
's óró sheacht m'anam déag thú, 's tú ag féachaint orm anall

Buachailleacht bó, mo leo, nár chleacht mise riamh
Ach ag imirt 's ag ól le h-ógmhná deasa ón sliabh
Má chaill mé mo stór, ní móide gur chaill mé mo chiall
Is ní mó liom do phóg ná an bhróg atáim ag caitheamh le bliain

A chúisle 's a stór, ná pós an seanduine liath
Ach pós an fear óg, mo leo, mura maire sé ach bliain
Nó beidh tú go fóill gan uadh nó mac ós do chionn
A shílfeadh aon deor ort tráthnóna nó ar maidin go trom