A Breath of Peace
Adrian Fox
This song is for all the violent dead
Who know eternal peace
United Forever for all the families
Who grieve the slaughtered fleece.
Ulsterman rise from your knees and
Feel this peaceful breeze
Hope uniting hearts and minds with
Forgiving Irish ease.
Weep no more the violent dead
Lay flowered prayer on eternal beds
Inhale this peace into your lungs
No more bullets no more guns.
And your breath will fall upon Ireland
And you will know that breath of peace
Is yours.
Death comes to us all like
A bullet to the head.
Life come to us all with
The aftertaste of lead.
So take take that hatred from your heart
And recognise your brother and your father
That that bitterness from your throat
And spit it to the gutter,
Knowing that you have cut down
innocent sons and daughters
Then your filth will filter through
Polluted Irish waters,
And your breath will fall upon Ireland
And you will know that breath of peace
Is yours.
A Day In Eirinn
Michael Scanlan
Four gleaming scythes in the sunshine swaying,
Through the deep hush of a summer´s day,
Before their edges four stout men sweeping
In tuneful measure the fragrant hay.
Myself the fourth of them, strong and happy,
My keen blue steel moving fast and free.
Ah! Little then was the broadest meadow
And light the heaviest scythe to me!
O King of Glory! What a change is o´er me
Since the young blood thrilled me long, long ago,
And each day found me with the sunshine round me
And the tall grass falling to my every blow.
O´er the dewy meadows came the cailín´s voices,
Ringing glad and merry as they raked the hay.
Oh! The hours pass quickly as a beam of sunshine
When the years are rosy and the heart is gay.
Like fairy minstrels, the bees a-humming
Went honey-seeking from flower to flower;
Like golden berries in the distance gleaming,
I´ve watched and listened to them hour by hour.
And the butterflies on the sunbeams riding,
With wings surpassing e´en the blush of dawn,
Or like fairy jewels, full of light and splendour
On the golden crown of the buachalán.
The blackbird´s lay in the woods rang clearly,
The thrush´s notes echoed far and high,
While the lark´s full song, like a bell´s vibration
Comes floating down from the midmost sky.
From his leafy station the linnet lifted
His little voice in the hazel glen,
And O God of Grace, was not life a pleasure,
In our green and beautiful Eirinn then!
A Jug Of Punch
Traditional
One pleasant evening in the month of June
As I was sitting with my glass and spoon
A small bird sat on an ivy bunch
And the song he sang was "The Jug Of Punch"
Too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay, too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay
A small bird sat on an ivy bunch
And the song he sang was "The Jug Of Punch"
What more diversion can a man desire?
Than to sit him down by an alehouse fire
Upon his knee a pretty wench
And on the table a jug of punch
Too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay, too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay
Upon his knee a pretty wench
And on the table a jug of punch
Let the doctors come with all their art
They'll make no impression upon my heart
Even a cripple forgets his hunch
When he's snug outside of a jug of punch
Too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay, too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay
Even a cripple forgets his hunch
When he's snug outside of a jug of punch
And if I get drunk, well, the money's me own
And if them don't like me they can leave me alone
I'll chung me fiddle and I'll rosin me bow
And I'll be welcome wherever I go
Too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay, too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay
I'll chung me fiddle and I'll rosin me bow
And I'll be welcome wherever I go
And when I'm dead and in my grave
No costly tombstone will I have
Just lay me down in my native peat
With a jug of punch at my head and feet
Too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay, too ra loo ra loo, too ra loo ra lay
Just lay me down in my native peat
With a jug of punch at my head and feet
A Man's A Man
Robert Burns
Is there for honest poverty
That hings his heed and a' that
The coward slave we pass him by
We dare be poor for a' that
For a' that and a' that
Our toils obscure and a' that
The rank is but the guinea's stamp
The mands the gowd for a' that
What tho' on hamely fare we dine
Wear hoddin-gray and a' that
Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine
A mands a man for a' that
For a' that and a' that
Their tinsel show and a' that
The honest man tho' e'er sae poor
Is king o' men for a' that
Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord
Wha struts and stares and a' that
Tho' hundreds worship at his word
He's but a coof for a' that
For a' that and a' that
His riband, star and a' that
The man o' independent mind
He looks and laughs at a' that
A prince can mak a belted knight
A marquis, duke and a' that
But an honest mands aboon his might
Guid faith he mauna fa' that
For a' that and a' that
Their dignities and a' that
The pith o' sense and pride o' worth
Are higher rank than a' that
Then let us pray that come it may
As come it will and a' that
That sense and worth o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree and a' that
For a' that and a' that
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man the warld o'er
Shall brothers be for a' that
For a' that and a' that
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man the warld o'er
Shall brothers be for a' that
A Nation Once Again
When boyhoods fire was in my blood I read of ancient men
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood three hundred and three me
And than I prayed I yet might see our fetters rent in twain
And Ireland long a province be a nation once again
And from that time through wildest woe that I hope was shone afar light
Nor could love's brightest summer grow outshine that solemn starlight
It seemed to watch above my head inform field and fane
Its angel voice sang round my bed a nation once again
It whispered too that freedoms ark and service high and holy
Would be profound by feelings dark and passions vain or lowly
For freedom comes from gods right hand and needs a godly train
And righteous men must make our land a nation once again
So as I grew from boy to man I bent me to that bidding
My spirit of each a selfish plan and cruel passion ridding
For thus I hoped some day to aid oh can such hope be in vain
When my dear country shall be made a nation once again.
A Rebel Song
James Connolly
Come workers, sing a rebel song, a song of love and hate,
Of love unto the lowly, and of hatred to the great
The great who trod our fathers down, who steal our childrens bread,
Whose hand of greed is stretched to rob the living and the dead
Then sing our rebel song, as we proudly sweep along
To end the age-long tyranny that makes for human tears
Our march is nearer done with each setting of the sun,
And the tyrants might is passing with the passing of the years.
We sing no song of wailing, and no song of sights or tears,
High are our hopes and stout our hearts, and banished all our fears
Our flag is raised above us so that all the world may see
'Tis Labour's faith and Labours arm alone can labour free.
Out from the depths of misery we march with hearts aflame,
With wrath against the rulers false who wreck our menhoods name
The serf who licks his tyrants rod may bend forgiving knee.
The slave who breaks his slaverys chain a wrathful man must be.
Our army marches onward with its face towards the dawn,
In trust secure in that one thing the slave may lean upon,
The might within the arm of him who, knowing freedom's worth,
Strikes home to banish tyranny from off the face of earth
A Soldier's Song
Peadar Kearney
We'll sing a song, a soldier's song
With cheering, rousing chorus
As round our blazing fires we throng,
The starry heavens o'er us;
Impatient for the coming fight,
And as we await the morning's light
Here in the silence of the night
We'll chant a soldier's song.
Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland
Some have come from a land beyond the waves.
Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sireland
Shall shelter the despot or the slave;
Tonight we man the bearna baoghal
In Erin's cause, come woe or weal;
'Mid cannon's roar and rifle's peal
We'll chant a soldier's song.
In valley green or towering crag
Our fathers fought before us,
And conquered 'neath the same old flag
That's proudly floating o'er us,
We're children of a fighting race
That never yet has known disgrace,
And as we march the foe to face,
We'll chant a soldier's song.
Sons of the Gael! Men of the Pale!
The long watched day is breaking;
The serried ranks of Innisfail
Shall set the tyrant quaking.
Our camp fires now are burning low;
See in the east a silv'ry glow,
Out yonder waits the Saxon foe,
So chant a soldier's song.
A Song Of The Loyal Irish
Brian O'Higgins
Boys, O Boys! Listen here to me,
We´re going to live in a State that´s Free,
Good English citizens all we´ll be;
And friends of the Princess Royal;
If we only flop on our hands and knees
And swear by George of the lands and seas
To wipe the green from the Irish trees
And for evermore be loyal.
We´ll welcome George with a slavish smile
We´ll greet him in real colonial style,
Back out of his presence half a mile,
Like English Whigs and Tories;
We´ll damn the deeds of the true and brave
Who are sleeping in many an Irish grave
Bow down like beggars and humbly crave
For a share in England´s glories.
We´ll curse the name of the rebel Tone,
And of every rebel our land has known
And all who hated the English throne,
And fought for the Irish Nation,
We´ve torn up every oath and vow,
We´re part of the civilised Empire now,
And the annals of England will teach us how
To make sure of our soul´s salvation!
All hail the glorious Union Jack!
(Though steeped in the blood of the white and the black)
We´ll paste it to Ireland´s bended back
To prove to the world she´s loyal;
We´ll stifle her voice, we´ll drown her cries,
We´ll blacken her face with loyal lies,
Throw royal dust in her angry eyes
And hooray for George the Royal!
A Walk in the Irish Rain
S Spurgin
When the sun goes down o'er Dublin town
The colors last for hours, oh
The lights come on, the night's a song
And the streets all turn to gold.
A gentle mist all heaven kissed
Like teardrops off an angel's wing
Don't you know you'll cleanse your soul
With a walk in the Irish rain.
Oh, Katherine, take my hand
I've got three pounds and change
And I'll sing you songs of love again
And when I get too drunk to sing
We'll walk in the Irish rain.
Forever more I've stepped ashore
My sailing days are over, oh
Through time and tide and by your side
Together we'll grow old.
Oh, Katherine, take my hand
I've got three pounds and change
And I'll sing you songs of love again
And when I get too drunk to sing
We'll walk in the Irish rain.
I threw my sea bag in the bin
And brought these pretty flowers home
Kiss me Kate, we'll celebrate
Before the bloom is gone.
Oh, Katherine, take my hand
I've got three pounds and change
And I'll sing you songs of love again
And when I get too drunk to sing
We'll walk in the Irish rain.
A tinker and a tailor and a drunken old sailor
They all get together and they start to play
Time stands still while they sing their fill
They'll shout 'til the break of day.
Oh, Katherine, take my hand
I've got three pounds and change
And I'll sing you songs of love again
And when I get too drunk to sing
We'll walk in the Irish rain.
A sweet little lady with a glass of stout
Sippin' it down 'til the foam runs out
She'll help her old man home again
With a walk in the Irish rain.
Oh, Katherine, take my hand
I've got three pounds and change
And I'll sing you songs of love again
And when I get too drunk to sing
We'll walk in the Irish rain.
Abide with me
Abide with me fast falls the evening tide
The darkness deepens lord with me abide
When others helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless o abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out of life’s little day
Earths joys grow dim its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O thou who changes not abide with me
I need thy presence every passing hour
What but thy grace can foil the tempters power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be
Thru cloud and sunshine o abide with me
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless
An ill have no weight and tears no bitterness
Where is deaths sting where grave thy victory
I triumph still in thou abide with me
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine thru the gloom and point me to the skies
Heav’ns mourning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death o lord abide with me
Acushla Mine
(Tune- London Derry Air)
Acushla mine, the singing birds are calling
The call of love that meant for lovers true
Tis autumn time and where the leaves are falling
Alone I wait to beg a word with you.
Tis of my love, my I would be pleading
Around my heart your fingers you entwine
The birds above they know how much I’m needing
One little word to bid me hope, Acushla Mine
Acushla mine, your lips are ever sailing
They smile their way into my longing heart
Your roguish eyes to me are so beguiling
I pray the saints that never we may part
When winter comes and all the world in dreary
The sun and stars no longer seem to shine
The world is dark and I am sad and weary
Tis then I need you most of all, Acushla Mine
Acushla mine when birds again are singing
Their mating song and all the land is gay
When at the church the wedding bells are ringing
Mayoureen dear, twill be a happy day
And thru the years no matter what the weather
Around my heart your love will entwine
We’ll wander on, as long as we’re together
And wander into paradise, Acushla Mine.
All For Me Grog
Chorus
And it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
For I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
Where are me boots, me noggin', noggin' boots?
They're all gone for beer and tobacco
For the heels they are worn out
And the toes are kicked about
And the soles are looking out for better weather
Chorus
Where is me shirt, my noggin', noggin' shirt?
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
For the collar is all worn,
And the sleeves they are all torn
And the tail is looking out for better weather
Chorus
And it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
For I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
I'm sick in the head and I haven't been to bed
Since first I came ashore with me slumber
For I spent all me dough on the lassies movin' slow
Far across the Western Ocean I must wander
Chorus x 2
All for the Bull (All for me grog)
Chorus:
All for the bull, the bonnie bonnie bull
All for a bull out of Ulster
That our queen the Royal Medb her command to us
She gave for to field the biggest army we could muster
What is the bull the bonnie bonnie bull the bull
That we all know in Tara
Said the Queen unto Kino I’ve more
Bull than you can sling and we’ll sling it all the
Way to Connemara
Where is my sword my noggin noggin sword
Gone for a bull out of Ulster to the battlefield it went
Now the blade is badly bent and between the blood
And sweat it’s gotten rusted
Where is my spear my noggin noggin spear
Gone for a bull out of Ulster
Oh the point and shaft are broke where I drove it
Thru the cloak of a great Ulidon bloke to out his bluster
Where is my shield my noggin noggin shield
Gone for the bull out of Ulster
Oh I took it to the war now it’s soaked in guts and gore
And most ev’ry part is tore and bent and busted
Oh I’m cut in the head and half my friends are dead
Gone for the bull out of Ulster
But for the glory that we had we could never long be sad
And we’ll find more fighting lads to fill
The roster
All song is sung
Stefan Arndt
The fire is out, we lost our name
But the ghost of our friends to us remain
Pale in the dark
Here was never a god
But we smile with a bleeding heart
Discoloured leaves are falling down
The deadly seeds are sawn
The clay is vile beneath our feed
Hope and love is all we need
The day is done
All song is sung
The hour of lead has just begun
Why should the world be overwise
In counting all our tears and sighs
All the leaves have fallen down
Now, the deadly seeds are grown
Pale in the dark
Here was never a god
But we smile with a bleeding heart
The day is done
All song is sung
The hour of lead has just begun
Why should the world be overwise
In counting all our tears and sighs
Amazing grace
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see
Twas grace that taught my hear to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear?
The hour I first believed
The lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will be my shield
And portion be as long as life endures
Thru many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shinning as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing god’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun
An alarc'h
Traditional
(from Breizh, in Brezhoneg language)
Un alarc'h, un alarc'h tra mor (bis)
War lein tour moal kastell Arvor
Dinn, dinn, daoñ, d'an emgann,
d'an emgann, o !
Dinn, dinn, daoñ, d'an emgann ez an
Neventi vad d'ar Vretoned
Ha mallozh ruz d'ar C'hallaoued
Erru ul lestr e pleg ar mor
E ouelioù gwenn gantañ digor
Degoue'et an Aotrou Yann en-dro
Digoue'et eo da ziwall e vro
D'hon diwall diouzh ar C'hallaoued
A vac'hom war ar Vretoned
Ken e laosker ur youc'hadenn
A ra d'an aod ur grenadenn
Ken e son ar menezioù Laz
Ha froen, ha trid ar gazeg c'hlas
Ken e kan laouen ar c'hleier
Kant lev tro-war-dro, e pep kêr
Deut eo an heol, deut eo an hañv
Deut eo en-dro an Aotrou Yann
An Aotrou Yann a zo paotr mat
Ken prim e droad hag e lagad
Laezh ur Vreizhadez a sunos
Ul laezh ken yac'h evel gwin kozh
Luc'h a daol e c'hoaf p'hen horell,
Ken e vrumenn an neb a sell
Pa c'hoari kreñv, ken kreñv e tarc'h
Ken e taouhanter den ha marc'h
Darc'h atav, dalc'h mat, aotrou dug,
Dav warnehe! ai-ta! bug-ho! bug!
Neb a drouc'h 'vel a douc'hez-te
N'en deus aotrou nemet Doue!
Dalc'homp, Bretoned, dalc'homp mat !
Arsav na truez ! gwad oc'h gwad !
Itron Varia Breizh, skoaz da vro!
Fest erbedenner, fest a vo!
Dare' ar foenn; piv a falc'ho?
Dare' an ed; piv a vedo?
Ar foenn, an ed, piv o fako?
Ar roue gav' gantañ 'raio
Dont a ray a-benn ur gaouad
Gant ur falc'h arc'hant da falc'hat
Gant ur falc'h arc'hant er bro-ni,
Ha gant ur falz aour da vediñ
Mar plije gant ar C'hallaoued
Daoust hag int mank ar Vretoned?
Mar plije gant 'n Aotrou roue
Daoust hag-eñ eo den pe Zoue?
Skrignañ 'ra bleizi Breizh-Izel
O klevet embann ar brezel
O klevet ar youc'h, e yudont
Gant c'hwezh ar C'hallaoued e reont
En heñchoù, e-berr a welour
O redek ar gwad evel dour
Ken yey ruz-glaou brusk an houidi
Hag ar wazi gwenn o neuiñ
Muioc'h a dammoù goaf, e sklent,
Eget skoultroù goude barr-went;
Ha muioc'h a bennoù-marv,
Eget e karnelioù ar vro
Paotred Bro-C'hall 'lec'h ma kouezhint
Betek deiz ar varn e c'hourve'int
Betek deiz ar varn hag ar fust,
Gant an Trubard a ren ar rustl
An diveradur eus ar gwez
'Ray dour benniget war e vez !
Enor, enor d'ar gwenn-ha-du
Ha d'ar C'hallaoued mallozh ruz !
An cailín deas óg
Traditional
An cailín deas óg a bhfuil mé ar a tóir,
Mo chreach mhaidne brón ní castar liom í,
Tráth théim go tigh a óil, chuig damhsa, nó spórt,
Ach leanfad sa ród í ar uair an mheán oích’.
Curfá
Mar is tusa an fear óg a shiúlfas go leor,
Faigh domhsa seod a bheas agam mar mhaoi,
Ná santaigh go deo maoin chaorach nó bó,
Ach inseoidh mé an nós duit ina dtógfaidh tú í.
Bíodh sí lách óg gan mhairg gan ghruaim,
Stuama go leor ar gach uile sheort ní,
Tuicsneach ró-dheas gan an iomarca bróid,
Siúd í mo stóirín da mbéadh sí gan pingin.
Curfá
Mar is tusa an fear óg a shiúlfas go leor,
Faigh domhsa seod a bheas agam mar mhaoi,
Ná santaigh go deo maoin chaorach nó bó,
Ach inseoidh mé an nós duit ina dtógfaidh tú í.
Bíodh sí gan smál i gclú is i gcáil,
Glan ina croí agus séimh ina méin,
Gan gangaid nó gráin i mbriathra a béil
Is aoibh ar a h-éadan ó mhaidin go h-oích’
Curfá
Mar is tusa an fear óg a shiúlfas go leor,
Faigh domhsa seod a bheas agam mar mhaoi,
Ná santaigh go deo maoin chaorach nó bó,
Ach inseoidh mé an nós duit ina dtógfaidh tú í.
Ach inseoidh mé an nós duit ina dtógfaidh tú í.
An Cailín Gaelach
Traditional
B'aite liom féin a bheith 'r thaobh mala shléibhe
'Gus cailín Gaelach a bheith 'mo chomhair
Bheinn dá bréagadh 's a' teannadh léithe
'Gus dar liom féin 'riú gur dheas ár ndóigh
'G éirí dom féin ar maidín an lae ghil
'S mé gabháil fáin choill chraobhaigh 's mé a' seoladh bó
Tharla dom a' spéirbhean 'na suí ar a' léana
'S a fallaing léithe 's í lán de chnónn'
D'fhiafraigh mé dithe go ciúin 's go céillí
'An nglacfaidh tú póg uaim a stór mo chroí?'
D'oscail sí a beilín 'gus labhair sí Béarla
'S é duirt sí 'Pray sir, and let me be'
Nach maith an airí ar na buaibh bheith á santú
'Gus bheinnse á seoladh amuigh sa lá
Im agus bainne iad 'theacht a' tsamhraidh
'S mar gheall ar bhólacht a phóstar mná
//
I would love to be on the mountain side
And to be wed to an Irish girl
I would cajole and hug her
And I think it would always be nice of course
Upon rising at the dawn of a bright day
And going to the thick woods to drive the cows
I met a beautiful girl sitting on the green grass
And her mantle full of nuts
I asked her softly and respectfully
'Will you take a kiss from me, my own true love?'
She opened her little mouth and she spoke English
She said 'Pray sir, and let me be'
Don't the cows deserve to be appreciated
And I could be driving them on through the day
From them comes butter and milk through the summer
And it's because of the cows that maidens marry
An Irish Lullaby
J R Shannon
Over in Killarney
Many years ago,
Me Mither sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In her good ould Irish way,
And l'd give the world if she could sing
That song to me this day.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby.
Oft in dreams I wander
To that cot again,
I feel her arms a-huggin' me
As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a -hummin'
To me as in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep
Outside the cabin door.
Aria
Mick O'Brien
I praise you day by day - father in heaven our saviour -
the golden era leaves us now.
Sadness and loneliness on my heart -
happiness and delight on my thoughts.
A new season on the horizon - long is the day - long is the night.
Praise youth - and it will always be there.
Aulde Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll take a cup of kindness, yes
For auld lang syne
We twa ha’e run a bout the braes
And pu’d the gowans fine
But we’ve wandered mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne
We twa ha’e paidl’t in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid ha’e roar’d
Sin auld lang syne
And here’s a hand my trusty freen’
And gie’s a hand o’ thine
And we’ll take a right gude willy waight
For auld lang syne
An surely ye’ll be your pint stoup
As surely I’ll be mine
And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne
Avondale
Chorus
Oh have you been to Avondale and lingered in it’s lovely vale
Where tall trees whisper and know the tale of Avondale’s proud eagle
Where pride and ancient glory fade so was the land where he was laid
Like Christ, was thirty pieces paid for Avondale’s proud eagle
Chorus
Long years that green and lovely vale has nursed Parnell her grandest Gael
And curse the land that has betrayed fair Avondale’s proud eagle
Chorus
Báidin Fheilidhmidh
Traditional
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Curfá:
Báidín bídeach, Báidín beosach,
Báidín bóidheach, Báidín Fheidhlimidh,
Báidín díreach, Báidín deontach,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Toraigh,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Toraigh,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh briseadh i dToraigh í,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh briseadh i dToraigh í,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
//
Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it
Chorus:
A tiny little boat, a lively little boat,
A foolish little boat, Feidhlim's little boat,
A straight little boat, a willing little boat,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Ballad Of St Anne's Reel
David Mallett
He was stranded in some tiny town on fair Prince Edward Island
Waiting for a ship to come and find him
A one horse place, a friendly face, some coffee and a tiny trace
Of fiddlin' in the distance far behind him
A dime across the counter then, a shy hello, a brand new friend
A walk along the street in the wintry weather
A yellow light, an open door, a "Welcome friend, there's room for more"
Soon they're standing there inside together
He said "I've heard that tune before somewhere but I can't remember when
Was it on some other friendly shore, did I hear it on the wind
Was it written on the sky above, I think I heard it from someone I love
But I never heard it sound so sweet since then
How his feet begin to tap, a little boy says "I'll take your hat"
He's caught up in the magic of his smile
Then leaps the heart inside him when and off across the floor he sends
His clumsy body, graceful as a child
He said "There's magic in the fiddler's arms and there's magic in this town
There's magic in the dancers' feet and the way they put them down
Smiling people everywhere, boots and ribbons and locks of hair
Laughter and old blue suits and Easter gowns"
The sailor's gone, the room is bare, the old piano's sitting there
Someone's hat's left hanging on the rack
Some empty chairs, the wooden floor that feels the touch of shoes no more
Waiting for the dancers to come back
And the fiddle's in the closet of some daughter of the town
Strings are broke and the bow is gone and the case is buttoned down
But often on December nights when the air is cold and the wind is right
There's a melody comes passing through this town
Ballad Of The Sea, The
Marc Gunn, Andrew McKee
I walked alone in foggy dew
Just me and my memories
A voice out seaward beckons thru
A whistle of love for me, for me
A whistle of love for me.
T'was two moons 'go her father stole
My love away from me
Arranged to wed a soldier red
My love's gone 'cross the sea, the sea
My love's gone 'cross the sea.
For ten days long our love grew strong
She swore her "love to thee"
Each night up high on mountainside
She'd whistle her love for me, for me
She'd whistle her love for me.
Late one night, my fire alight
Awaiting for her to see
My wait was long, o' what could be wrong
Where could my true love be, love be
Where could my true love be
A light 'cross waters latern glow
Was all mine eyes could see
And from below noise drifted slow
Like a 'gull come back from sea, from sea
Like a 'gull come back from sea.
Her song it haunts me still this day
Notes of uncertainty
If heaven laughs at prayers of mine
Then it never was to be, to be
Then it never was to be.
Bandit Song, The
Westan James
Oh I am a Rover, I roam the land over,
and I'll never settle until I get caught.
From village to township my sword hangs at my hip, an'
you'll never catch me I'll always be sought.
We hold the highways and we hold the hills
steal your silver make off with your tills
call down your kingsmen - we quicken our pace
Drive hard for the forest we live for the chase!
A knave so beguiling that while your still smiling
before you know it I've got all your gold.
And I am so dashing I'll escape the thrashing
so damnably vexing I'll live till I'm old.
We have the forest and we have the moors,
rustle your cattle and take what is yours.
Call the High Sheriff we couldn't care less!
Torture us glady we'll never confess!
No you cannot beat me nor ever defeat me.
I am but a sinner and I have no shame.
To filch all that glimmers purloin all that shimmers.
To nab it and grab it that's our favorite game.
We hold the alley and we hold the night.
We're always ready and willing to fight.
Put all your money right here in the sack!
Just do as we say, there's a knife at your back!
Ah we are hellacious, our greed is voracious
and no one is safe above our plans and schemes
Rogue's from a nightmare, we burgle with great care and
if you can hear this we've stolen your dreams.
We rule the backlands and we know the waste,
sneak into the village and ride off in haste.
We rob and we plunder and sunder and kill,
we wreck and we ruin and threaten with skill.
Yes we're here to scare you to trap and ensnare you,
rakish young devils we scoff at the law!
Remarkably daring, our nostrils a flaring,
make off with yer chattel our plans have no flaw!
We'll take the booty and we'll take the loot!
We all have daggers concealed in our boot.
Call the kings horses and all the lawmen,
we'll just evade them again and again.
Yes we are all blackguards, raise up all the tankards
and drink to the wild ways that led us astray.
Sometimes we are charming but most times alarming,
don't ever forget us or be our next prey!
We hide in shadows and hide behind trees.
We prove that there is no honor among thieves
We'll count up the gain, and you'll count up the loss.
Where is my dagger? In your gullet boss!
So in conclusion we thrive on illusion.
We're all in collusion, keep secrets or die.
We all conspire, around the campfire.
Make plans to go straight, of course I'd never lie.
Battle of Bannockburn
(Jean Smith)
In 1314 we took a little turn
Around the hills an’ heather tee the braes o’ Bannockburn
We took along our pipes an’ we wore our filibegs
An’ we me the bloody British, but they soon took tae their legs
Chorus:
We tuned our drones – a little gentle hummin’
We thocht they’d come tae battle but they turned around tae go
Played one bit tune an’ noo they were a-runnin’
We canna ken the British, they’re an awfu’ flighty foe
Well, we got there first, so we took the higher ground
Leavin’ for our visitors the lovely bogs around
Bruce said it was the thing to tae dae tae save them a’ the climb
As their legs were surely weary noo frae marchin’ a’ the time
So we did a little yellin’ an’ we waved a sword or two
Just limb’rin’ up a bit, ye ken, an’ gettin’ ready noo
But the British seemed tae take it wrong an’ made an awfu’ fuss
You’d think that they had never seen or heard the likes o’ us
Well, we thocht at first that they’d sally forth an’ play
But the sticky mud an’ brambles ‘round them seemed to spoil their day
For their chargers could nae charge an’ their archers could nae draw
So they packed it in an’ a’ went home, they were nae fun at a’
Belfast Brigade
Unknown
Craigavon 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 cannon and grenade,
When he met the first Batallion,
Of the Belfast Brigade.
Glory, glory to old Ireland,
Glory, glory to this island,
Glory to the memory of the men
Who fought and died,
"No surrender" is the war cry of
The Belfast Brigade.
The soldiers came from Holywood,
Equipped with English guns,
There were men by the thousand,
Ammunition by the ton,
But when they got to Belfast,
They were seriously delayed,
By the fighting First Batallion
Of the Belfast Brigade.
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.
Come all you gallant Irishmen,
And join the IRA
We'll strike a blow for freedom,
When it comes a certain day,
You know your country's History,
And the sacrifice it made,
Come join the First Batallion
Of the Belfast Brigade.
Black is the Color
Christy Moore
Black is the color of my true love`s hair
Her lips are like some roses fair
She`s the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground whereon she stands
I love my love and well she knows
I love the ground whereon she goes.
But some times I whish the day will come
That she and I will be as one
Black is the color of my true love`s hair
Her lips are like some roses fair
She`s the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground whereon she stands
I walk to the Clyde for to mourn and weep
But satisfied I never can sleep
I'll write her a letter, just a few short lines
And suffer death ten thousand times
Black is the color of my true love`s hair
Her lips are like some roses fair
She`s the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground whereon she stands
Blood all on the grass
Stefan Arndt, Sue Neaves
There´s a thunder on the wind my friend
Today this tale begun
You here the shouts of fightin´ men
And the beatin´ of the drum
We hear a prayer on every breath
Oh lord, let this all pass
There´re shadows on the far hillside
There´s blood all on the grass
The battle shouts are silent now
In the mud these young men lie
The name of their own dear sweetheart
Their last breath as they die
The pike, the sword, the musket all
Performed the deadly task
A lark sings in the clear blue sky
There´s blood all on the grass
There´s mist all on the quiet field
Where the fox and rabbit run
The glowing sky is growing red
With the setting of the sun
And the blood-red river´s running by
Neath the bridge as it does pass
With the lives and the loves of all young men
There´s blood all on the grass
Bold Fenian Men, The
Michael Scanlan
See who comes over the red blossomed heather
Their green banners kissing the pure mountain air
Heads erect eyes front, stepping proudly together
Freedom sits throned on each proud spirit there
Down the hill twining, their blessed steel shining
Like rivers of beauty that flow from each glen
From mountain and valley, 'tis Liberty's rally
Out and make way for the bold Fenian Men!
We've men from the Nore, from the Suir and the Shannon
Let tyrants come forth, we'll bring force against force
Our pen is the sword and our voice is the cannon
Rifle for rifle and horse against horse
We've made the false Saxon yield many a red battlefield
God on our side we will triumph again
Pay them back woe for woe, give them back blow for blow
Out and make way for the bold Fenian Men!
Side by side for the cause have our forefathers battled
Our hills never echo'd the tread of a slave
In many's a field where the leaden hail rattled
Through the red gap of glory they march'd to their grave
And those who inherit their name and their spirit
Will march 'neath the banners of Liberty then
All who love foreign law, native or Saxon
Must out and make way for the bold Fenian Men!
Bonfire On The Border, The
Brian O'Higgins
Twas on July the twenty-eighth
In the year of thirty-seven,
A fire was lit without a grate
And the flames leaped high to heaven.
Our King and Queen came sailing down
The Lough in the best of order
And we welcomed them to Belfast town
With a bonfire on the Border.
The Queen put a muffler round her neck
Assisted by her weemin,
The King walked up and down the deck
Surrounded by his G-men.
He asked "What is that glare I see?"
The reply was there in order:
"It´s Ireland united in loyalty
With a bonfire on the Border !"
Some say the spark was Ulster´s own
Some say it was extraneous,
A man in Down said it lit on its own
The combustion being spontaneous.
A lad who loves his King and Queen
And stands for Law and Order,
Says the flames were Orange, White and Green
In that bonfire on the Border.
They may prance and dance in Belfast Town,
They may croon ´Whereas´ in Dublin;
They may sever the Empire from the Crown,
But they might as well not be troublin´
Neither Lay Tribunal nor Legal Bench,
Nor turnkey, tout or warder,
Nor all the Boyne water can ever quench
That bonfire on the Border!
Here´s to the lads that played the game,
Here´s to the minds that planned it,
Here´s to the hands that lit the flame,
Here´s to the winds that fanned it:
May it blaze again from shore to shore
Consuming our land´s disorder:
May it leap and roar from shore to shore
Till it burns away the Border!
Boys of the Old Brigade, The
Traditional
Oh, father why are you so sad
On this bright Easter morn’
When Irish men are proud and glad
Of the land that they were born?
Oh, son, I see in mem’ries few
Of far off distant days
When being just a lad like you
I joined the IRA.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
From hills and farms a call to arms
Was heard by one and all.
And from the glen came brave young men
To answer Ireland’s call.
‘T wasn’t long ago we faced a foe,
The old brigade and me,
And by my side they fought and died
That Ireland might be free.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
And now, my boy, I’ve told you why
On Easter morn’ I sigh,
For I recall my comrades all
And dark old days gone by.
I think of men who fought in glen
With rifle and grenade.
May heaven keep the men who sleep
From the ranks of the old brigade.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
Brennan on the Moor
Oh it’s 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 Kilworth Mountain he commenced his wild career
And many a wealthy nobleman before him shook with fear
Chorus (after each verse)
And it’s Brennan on the moor, Brennan on the moor
Bold, brave undaunted was young Brennan on the moor
One day upon the highway as young Willie he went down
He met the mayor of Cashel 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
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 ten penny, as soon as Willie spoke
She handed him a blunderbuss from underneath her cloak
Key D (last line repeat)
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
And it’s Brennan on the moor, Brennan on the moor
Bold, brave undaunted was young Brennan on the moor
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 x 2 (last line repeat)
Brian Bórú
Alan Stivell
(Gaeilge)
Maraíodh Brian Boru chun beatha na hÉireann
Síochain in gCuige Uladh agus i mBaile 'Cliath
Aontacht an teaghlaigh, aontacht na dtuath
Aontacht an domhain is na gCeilteach
(Brezhoneg)
Diouzh nerzh ar c'hadou da nerzh an ehan
Diouzh 'bed doueek bennozh ar c'haroud
(Gaeilge)
O neart an chatha go neart na síochana
On bhith dhiaga beannacht an ghrá
Duirt siad gurbh é seo sochraide ar muintire
Gur choir duine bheinn sollunta féin
Bíodh nach raibh brónach
(Brezhoneg)
Marv Brian Boru 'reiñ buhez 'n Iwerzhon
Dihan e Bro-Ulad ha ba kêr Dulenn
Unded an tiegezh, unded an dud-mañ
Unded ar Gelted hag an douar
(Gaeilge)
Maraíodh Brian Boru chun beatha na hÉireann
Síochain in gCuige Uladh agus i mBaile 'Cliath
Aontacht an teaghlaigh, aontacht na dtuath
Aontacht an domhain is na gCeilteach
(Brezhoneg)
Diouzh nerzh ar c'hadou da nerzh an ehan
Diouzh 'bed doueek bennozh ar c'haroud
(Gaeilge)
O neart an chatha go neart na síochana
On bhith dhiaga beannacht an ghrá
Tá muid 'nos na haimsire
Go h-airid an ghrían
Agus thogh muid áit bhóg cois ashann
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
Buachaill ón Éirne
Traditional
Buachaill ón Éirne mé 's bhréagfainn féin cailín deas óg
Ní iarrfainn bó spré léithe tá mé féin saibhir go leor
'S liom Corcaigh 'a mhéid é, dhá thaobh a' ghleanna 's Tír Eoghain
'S mura n-athraí mé béasaí 's mé n' t-oidhr' ar Chontae Mhaigh Eo
Rachaidh mé 'márach a dhéanamh leanna fán choill
Gan choite gan bád gan gráinnín brach' ar bith liom
Ach duilliúr na gcraobh mar éideadh leapa os mo chionn
'S óró sheacht mh'anam déag thú 's tú 'féachaint orm anall
Buachailleacht bó, mo leo, nár chleacht mise ariamh
Ach ag imirt 's ag 'ol 's le hógmhná deasa fá shliabh
Má chaill mé mo stór ní dóigh* gur chaill mé mo chiall
A's ní mó liom do phóg ná'n bhróg atá'r caitheamh le bliain
A chuisle 's a stór ná pós an seanduine liath
Ach pós a' fear óg, mo leo, mur' maire sé ach bliain
Nó beidh tú go fóill gan ó nó mac os do chionn
A shilfeadh a'n deor tráthnóna nó'r maidin go trom
//
I'm a boy from the Erne and I could charm a nice young girl
I would not ask for her wealth as I am rich enough myself
I own a good part of Cork, two side of the glen in Tir Eoghainn
And not to repeat myself I'm the heir of County Mayo
I will go tomorrow to make ale in the wood
Without a cot without a boat without a pinch of gruel with me
But leaves of the branches as bedclothes over my head
And think well done for you as you watch me from over there
A cowherd, my pet, I've never been accustomed to be
Instead of playing and drinking with the nice young women on the mountainside
If I lost my riches I probably didn't lose my senses
And your kiss is no more to me now than a shoe worn for a year
My darling and my love don't marry the grey old man
But marry a young man, my pet, if he only lives but a year
Or you will be without a descendant to succeed you
And you'd shed sorrowful tears from morning till night
Cad é sin do'n té sin
Traditional
Chuaigh mé chun aonaigh is dhíol mé mo bhó
Ar chúig phunta airgid is ar ghiní bhuí óir
Má ólaim an t-airgead is má bhronnaim an t-ór
Ó cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
Má théim 'na choille chraobhaigh cruinniú smeara nó cró
A bhaint úllaí de ghéaga nó a bhuachailleacht bó
Má shíním seal uaire faoi chrann a dhéanamh só
Ó cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
Má théimse chuig airnéal is rince is spórt
Chuig aonach is rásaí 's gach cruinniú den tsórt
Má chím daoine súgach is má bhím súgach leo
Ó cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
Deir daoine go bhfuil mé gan rath 's gan dóigh
Gan earra gan éadach gan bólacht ná stór
Má tá mise sásta mó chónaí i gcró
Ó cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
Chuaigh mé chun aonaigh is dhíol mé mo bhó
Ar chúig phunta airgid is ar ghiní bhuí óir
Má ólaim an t-airgead is má bhronnaim an t-ór
Ó cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
//
What's It To Anyone?
I went to the fair and I sold my cow
For five pounds of silver and a golden guinnea
If I drink the money and if I spend the gold
Oh what does it matter to those it doesn't concern
If I go to the thick woods to gather berries or nuts
Take apples from the branches or become a cowherd
If I stretch out under a tree for an hour to do it
Oh what does it matter to those it doesn't concern
If I go to night-visiting and dance and have fun
To a fair and races and everything like that
If I see tipsy people and if I'm tipsy with them
Oh what does it matter to those it doesn't concern
People say that I'm good for nothing and a wastrel
Without goods without clothes without kith or kine
If I'm happy with living in a shack
Oh what does it matter to those it doesn't concern
I went to the fair and I sold my cow
For five pounds of silver and a golden guinnea
If I drink the money and if I spend the gold
Oh what does it matter to those it doesn't concern
Caislean Óir
Clannad
Thart orainn
Reált geal san oíche
Tá'n fharraige chiúin
Agus suaimhneas sa ghaoth
An fharraige chiúin
Ina codladh sa ghaoth
Thíos sa ghleann an ghleann an cheo
Riocht na gréine i gCaisleán Óir
Tá'n fharraige chiúin agus suaimhneas sa ghaoth
An fharraige chiúin ina codladh sa ghaoth
Driocht a mheall na daoine roinn
Soilse geala i gCaisleán Óir
Tá'n fharraige chiúin agus suaimhneas sa ghaoth
An fharraige chiúin ina codladh sa ghaoth
Casadh Cam na Feadarnaí
Pádraigin Ní Uallachain, Traditional
Casadh Cam na Feadarnaí
Ag Casadh Cam na Feadarnaí
Ar a dhul isteach sa tsléibh dhuit
Ar thaobh do láimhe deise dhuit
Tá toigh na Caillí Riabhaí.
Curfá:
With a ma ring a doo a day
With a ma ring a doo a daddio.
Bhí Bunnaidh Chinn is Bannaidh Chinn
Is Neidí beag a’ tsléibh’ ann
‘Sé Velvet bocht a d’ársódh duit
Cá mbíonn an Chailleach Riabhach.
Curfá
Oíche roimh mhí Shamhna
A’ tarraingt mhóin a’ Tiarna
Bhí Neansaí Gabha ’s na gasúir
Ag creach na Caillí Riabhaí.
Curfá
Dá bhfeicfeá Mícheál Ó Báinichinn
’S é ag imeacht lena chliabhán
A’ cruinniú ábhar tine
Lena ‘dandy-cap’ a ghrianadh.
Curfá
-oOo-
The Double Bend At Feadarnach
At the double bend at Feadarnach
As you go into the mountain
On your right hand side
Is the house of the Brindled Hag.
Refrain:
With a ma ring a doo a day
With a ma ring a doo a daddio.
Bunnaidh Chinn and Bannaidh Chinn were there
And little Ned from the mountain
It’s poor Velvet who would relate to you
Where the Brindled Hag is.
The night before November
Drawing the landlord’s turf
The Blacksmith’s Nancy and the lads
Were at the plundering of the Brindled Hag.
If you saw Mícheál Ó Báinichinn
Going off with his creel
Gathering fuel for the fire
To sun his dandy cap.
Changing your Demeanor
Her we are we come to call the pipes the flutes
The fiddle sand all.
In case of death we’ve even brought
A keener So if your glum and feeling down just be like
Us and act the clown and soon there’ll be a change in
Your demeanor
Chorus:
Rum tum deedoodle doe hubba dee die dee doodle doe
Rum tum dee doodle doe doe doo dum
Rum tum dee doodle doe hubba dee diddle dee doodle doe
Rum tum dee doodle doe dee doo dum
I put my money on a horse today for with the race
He’d run away or so a friend who’s in the ank
Knows he told me
Twenty lengths ahead and most he proudly cantered
Past the post but woe in me he lost the blooming jockey
Now all the places I’ve seen
From China to Carribean
Are all across the goal compared to Ireland
From Bally Castle to Traline
The Corrib to the liffy
There’s nowhere else on earth quite like
This Island
In Hollywood I long to be
Not on that place across the sea
But in county wicklow Irelands lovely garden
Where no pretenders will you find
But decent people roamin’
And the fox and friendly sheep into the bargain
For your ills don’t take a pill
But take a tender o’er the hills
And listen to the larks lovely warning
In the evening in the company
With music in the key of D (or whatever)
You’ll be dancing Kerry sets until the morning
Clancy Lowered the Boom
Now Clancy was a peaceful man, if you know what I mean
The cops picked up the pieces, after Clancy left the scene
He never looked for trouble, that’s a fact you can assume
But nevertheless, when trouble would pass
Clancy lowered the boom
Chorus:
Oh that Clancy! Oh that Clancy! Whenever they
Got his Irish up, Clancy lowered the boom (repeat)
O’Leary was a fighting man, they all knew he was tough
He strutted ‘round the neighborhood, a shootin’ off his guff
He picked a fight with Clancy, then and there sealed his doom
Before he could shout “O’Leary Lookout”
Clancy lowered the boom
The neighbors all turned out for Kate O’Grady’s wedding night
McDugal said, “Let’s have some fun, I think I’ll start a fight!”
He wrecked the hall, kissed the bride, and pulverized the groom,
Then quick as a wink, before you could think
Clancy lowered the boom
Cockles and Mussels
In Dublin’s fair city where the girls are so pretty
Twas there that I first Met
Sweet Molly Malone
She drove a wheel barrow thro 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!
She was a fishmonger and that was no wonder
Her father and mother were fish Mongers too
They drove wheelbarrows thro streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive alive oh!
She died of the fever and nothing could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
But her ghost drives and barrow thro streets
Broad and narrow, crying cockles and mussels
Alive alive oh!
Colcannon
(The Skillet Pot)
Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream
With greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavored butter that your mother used to make
Chorus:
Oh, you did, so you did, so did he and so did I
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I am to cry
Oh, weren’t they the happy days when troubles we knew not
And our mothers made colcannon in a little skillet pot
Did you ever take potato cake in a basket to the school
Tucked underneath your arm with your book, your slate and rule
And when teacher wasn’t looking sure a great big bite you’d take
Of the creamy flavored buttered soft and sweet potato cake
Did you ever go a-courting as the evening sun went down
And the moon began a-peeping from behind the hill o’ down
As you wandered down the boreen where the leprechaun was seen
And you whispered loving phrases to your little fair colleen
Colleen Malone
It’s been ten years and three since
I first went to sea since I sailed
From old Ireland and home
But those hills lush and green
Were a part of my dreams when
I dreamed of my Colleen Malone
On the day I return to my
Sorrow I learned that the
Angels had called her away
To a grave on a hill overlooking
The mill that’s place where
She’s sleeping today
Chorus:
As the soft breezes blow through
The meadow I go past the mill
With the moss covered stone
Up the pathway I climb through
The woods and the vines to be
With my Colleen Malone
She was faithful each day as
I sailed far away there was no one
But me that she loved and I
Remember those eyes soft and blue
As the skies in her heart
Was as pure as a dove’s
All the years of my life I will
Not take a wife I will live in
This valley alone plantin’
Flowers around in this soft
Gentle ground that is
Holding my Colleen Malone
Come By the Hills
Come by the hills, to a land where fancy is free
And stand where the hill meet the sky and the lochs greet the sea
Where the heather is fair, and the bracken is gold in the sun
And the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
Come by the hills, to a land where life is a song
And sing, while the birds fill the air with their joy all day long
Where the trees sway in time, and even the wind sings in tune
And the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
Come by the hills, to a land where legends remain
Where stories of old fill the heart, and may yet come again
Where the past has been lost, but the future is still to be won
And the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
Come by the hills, to a land where legends remain
Where the glories of old fill our hearts, and may yet live again
Where the past has been lost, but the future is ours to be won
And the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
So, come by the hills, to a land where fancy is free
And stand where the hill meet the sky and the lochs greet the sea
Where the heather is fair and the bracken is gold in the sun
And the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
Yes, the cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done
Comin’ Through the Rye
Gin a body meet a body
Comin’ thru the rye
Gin a body kiss a body need a body cry
Ilka Lassie has her laddie
Nane sae they hae I
Yet a the lads they smile on me
When comin’ thru the rye
Gin a body meet a body, comin’ frae the well
Gin a body kiss a body, need a body tell
Ilka lassie has her laddie ne’er a ane hae I
But a the lads they smile at me
When comin’ through the rye
Gina body, meet a body comin’ frae the toon
Gin a body greet a body need a body frown
Ilka lassie has her lassie
Nane sae they hae I
But a the lads they lo’e me well
And what the waur am I
Amang the train there is a swain
I dearly lo’e myself
But waur his home or what his name
I dinna care to tell
Ilka lassie has her laddie nane they say hae I
But a the lads they lo’e me well
And what waur am I.
Crossmaglen
Éire Óg
Oh I'll sing a song,
Of the bravest men!
That famous fighting unit from Armagh (TIOCFAIDH AR LA)
They are the men,
From Crossmaglen,
Amongst the bravest Irelands ever saw
Chorus
In Crossmaglen,
The fire burns true.
The patriotic flame will never die.
And when you hear the battle cry
It will be the fighting men from Crossmaglen
At night you hear,
Bazookas roar,
Armalites are heard across the land.
The IRA,
Their spirits soar
They know the reckonin has come to hand
Chorus
The British scum,
They do fear,
Never again they'll see their cursed shore.
Because they know
They'll pay dear,
And the RA will even Irelands bloody score.
Chorus
We'll not give up!
Oh Will we fuck!
Until we're free!
Until Irelands out of British hands.
We'll never rest,
Until we see,
The tyrants rule driven from our land (TIOCFAIDH AR LA!)
Cúnla (Irish Gaelic version)
Traditional
Cé hé siúd thíos atá ag leagadh na gclathacha? (3x)
"Mise mé féin," a deir Cúnla.
(curfá)
Chúnla chaoin ná tara níos giorra dhom (3x)
"Maise mur' dtaga," a deir Cúnla.
Cé hé siúd thíos atá ag bualadh na bhfuinneoga? (3x)
"Mise mé féin," a deir Cúnla.
Chúnla chaoin…
Cé hé siúd thíos atá ag tochas mo bhonnacha? (3x)
"Mise mé féin," a deir Cúnla.
Chúnla chaoin…
Cé hé siúd thíos ag tarraingt na pluide dhíom? (3x)
"Mise mé féin," a deir Cúnla.
Chúnla chaoin…
—0—
Who is that there that's rapping the door to me?
Who is that there that's rapping the door to me?
Who is that there that's rapping the door to me?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's tapping the windowpane?
Who is that there that's tapping the windowpane?
Who is that there that's tapping the windowpane?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's climbing the stairs to me?
Who is that there that's climbing the stairs to me?
Who is that there that's climbing the stairs to me?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's pulling the blankets down?
Who is that there that's pulling the blankets down?
Who is that there that's pulling the blankets down?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's tickling the toes of me?
Who is that there that's tickling the toes of me?
Who is that there that's tickling the toes of me?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's tickling the thighs of me?
Who is that there that's tickling the thighs of me?
Who is that there that's tickling the thighs of me?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Who is that there that's raking the fire for me?
Who is that there that's raking the fire for me?
Who is that there that's raking the fire for me?
Only meself, says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Cúnla dear, don't come any nearer me
Yea ra maybe I shouldn't, says Cúnla
Danny Boy
Oh Danny boy the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summers gone and all the roses falling
Tis you tis you must go and I must bide
But come you back when summers on the meadow
Or when the valleys hushed and white with snow
Tis I’ll be there in sunlight or in shadow
Oh Danny boy oh Danny boy I love you so
And if you come when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead as dead I well may be
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an ave for me
And I shall hear tho soft you tread above me
And all my grave shall be warmer sweeter be
And you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall rest in peace until you come to me
Dark Iniseoghain
Traditional
The maidens of beauty and swains so forlorn
That carelessly wander away from your home
I am off by the moonlight and break of the morning
I'll be found in the mountains of dark Iniseoghain
I strayed to a place they call sweet Clonmany
In search of a fair one that I might adore
But a maiden to love me I couldn't find any
From Meendoran Bridge to the Gap of Mamore
Many's the colleen I cast my eye over
From Mary of Malin to the rose of Moville
All sweet were their smiles and eyes filled with laughter
But sure in the end was myself waiting still
At the Bay of Culdaff where the wild waves are breaking
Carndonagh with forest clad mountains and hills
I sat but in vain with a heart that was aching
For one who my dreams of a bride would fulfil
But then in the shades of old Barnan I found you
That valley o'ershadowed by mountains so grand
And I prayed that god's angels would ever protect you
And I placed a keepsake in your little white hand
And now I am stationed in County Fermanagh
Far from the fair one that I do adore
But when I return it will be to my dear one
That I left in the mountains of dark Iniseoghain
Do you love and apple
Do you love and apple
Do you love a pear?
Do you love a laddie
With curly brown hair
Chorus:
O’ yes I love him
I can’t deny him
I’ll be with him
Where ever he goes
When I was a young lass
I wore a brown shawl
But now that I’m married
I wear none at all
He works at the pier
For nine bob a week
Come Saturday night
He comes rolling home drunk
He took me to the alehouse
He bought me some stout
But before I could drink it
He ordered me out
He bought me a handkerchief
Red white and blue
But before I could wear it
He tore it in two
He borrow some money
To buy me a ring
But then he and the jeweler
Went on a fling
He came down the alley
And whistled me out
But the tail of his shirt
From his trousers hung out
There’s cakes in the oven
There’s cheese on the shelf
If you want any more
You can sing it yourself
But still I love him
And can’t deny him
I’ll be with him
Where ever he goes
Dónal agus Mórag
Traditional
Bhí móran daoine uasal ann
Bhí tuatanaigh na h-Alban ann
Bhí ‘n maistir scoile is an ministir ann
Bhí an laoch Mac Amhlaigh ann
Curfá:
Dónal, ‘sé Dónal, ‘sé Dónal a rinne an bhainis
Dónal agus Mórag a rinne an bhainis ainmeall
Bhí cearcan ann, ‘s bhí géanna ann
Bhí corr is doisín sgairbh ann
Seo bha iad is bhí car a’ bí ann
‘Sé cearc na n-éan a b’fhearr dhuibh ann
Curfá
Bhí bradáin ‘s bric ón Éirne ann
Is flúirse feoil na bhfia n-éan ann
Feol mart ‘s lao, ba bhlasta bhí
Bhí uanfheol friochta is oisfheoil ann
Curfá
Bhí ‘n dí go fial ‘s go fairsing ann
Bhí brannda is fíon na Spáinne ann
Bhí póitín stil is mead le mil
Bhí beoir is leann na h-Éireann ann
Don't Get Married
Leon Rosselson
Don't get married girls, you'll sign away your life
You may start off as a woman but you'll end up as the wife
You could be a vestal virgin, take the veil and be a nun
But don't get married girls for marriage isn't fun
Oh, it's fine when you're romancing and he plays the lover's part
You're the roses in his garden, you're the flame that warms his heart
And his love will last forever and he'll promise you the moon
But just wait until you're wedded, then he'll sing a different tune
You're his tapioca pudding, you're the dumplings in his stew
But he'll soon begin to wonder what he ever saw in you
Still he takes without complaining all the dishes you provide
For you see he's got to have his bit of jam tart on the side
So don't get married girls, it's very badly paid
You may start off as the mistress but you'll end up as the maid
Be a daring deep sea diver, be a polished polyglot
But don't get married girls, for marriage is a plot
Have you seen him in the morning with a face that looks like death?
With dandruff on his pillow and tobacco on his breath
And he needs some reassurance with his cup of tea in bed
For he's worried by the mortgage and the bald patch on his head
And he's sure that your his mother, lays his head upon your breast
So you try to boost his ego, iron his shirt and warm his vest
Then you get him off to work, the mighty hunter is restored
And he leaves you there with nothing but the dreams you can't afford
So don't get married girls, men they're all the same
They just use you when they need you, you'd do better on the game
Be a call girl, be a stripper, be a hostess, be a whore
But don't get married girls, for marriage is a bore
When he comes home in the evening he can hardly spare a look
All he says is "What's for dinner?" After all you're just the cook
But when he takes you to a party, well, he eyes you with a frown
For you know you've got to look your best, you mustn't let him down
And he'll clutch you with that "Look-what-I've-got" twinkle in his eyes
Like he's entered for a raffle and he's won you for the prize
Ah, but when the party's over you'll be slogging through the sludge
Half the time a decoration and the other half a drudge
So don't get married, it'll drive you round the bend
It's the lane without a turning, it's the end without an end
Take a lover every Friday, take up tennis, be a nurse
But don't get married girls, for marriage is a curse
Then you get him off to work, the mighty hunter is restored
And he leaves you there with nothing but the dreams you can't afford
Down by the Salley Gardens
Down by the Sally Gardens my love and I did meet
She passed the Sally gardens with the little snow-white feet
She bid me take love easy as leaves grow on the trees
But I being young and foolish with her did not agree
In a field by the river my love and I did stand
And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow while hand
She me take life easy and the grass grows on the weirs
But I was young and foolish and now am full of tears
Dreamcatcher
Nikki Matheson
Hear my silent prayer
Heed my quiet call
When the dark and blue surround you
Step into my sigh
Look inside the light
You will know that I have found you
Drunken Sailor
Unknown
What shall we do with the drunken sailor
early in the morning
Hooray up he rises
early in the morning
Put him in the bed with the captain`s daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain`s daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain`s daughter
early in the morning
Put him in scupper with the horsepipe on him
Put him in scupper with the horsepipe on him
Put him in scupper with the horsepipe on him
early in the morning
Hoist him aboard with a running bowline
Hoist him aboard with a running bowline
Hoist him aboard with a running bowline
early in the morning
Put him in the brig until he`s sober
Put him in the brig until he`s sober
Put him in the brig until he`s sober
early in the mornin
Dúlamán
Traditional
(This version of the song as played by Altan)
A'nion mhin ó, sin anall na fir shuiri,
A mhaithair mhin ó! Cuir na roithlean go dtí me.
Dúlamán na Binne Bui, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, 's e b'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn
Tá cosa dubha dubailte ar an dúlamán gaelach
Tá dhá chluais mhaol ar an dúláman gaelach
(chorus)
Rachaimid go Doire leis an dúlamán gaelach,
Is ceannoimid bróga daora ar an dúlamán gaelach
(chorus)
Broga breaca dubha ar an dúlamán gaelach
Tá bearéad agus trius ar an dúlamán gaelach
(chorus)
O chuir me scéala chuici, go gceannoinn cior di,
'Se an sceal a chuir si chugam, go raibh a ceann ciortha.
(chorus)
O cha bhfaigheann tú mo 'nion, arsa an dúlamán gaelach,
Bheul, fuadoidh mé liom í, arsa an dúlamán maorach.
(chorus)
Dying Rebel, The
Unknown
The night was dark, and the fight was over,
The moon shone down O'Connell Street,
I stood alone, where brave men perished
Those men have gone, their God to meet.
My only son was shot in Dublin,
Fighting for his country bold,
He fought for Ireland, and Ireland only,
The Harp and Shamrock, Green, White and Gold.
The first I met was a grey-haired father
Searching for his only son,
I said "Old man, there's no use searching
For up to heaven, your son has gone".
The old man cried out broken hearted
Bending o'er I heard him say:
"I knew my son was too kind hearted,
I knew my son would never yield".
The last I met was a dying rebel,
Bending low I heard him say:
"God bless my home in dear Cork City,
God bless the cause for which I die."
Easy and Slow
'T was down by Christ Church
That I first met with Annie
A neat little girl and not a bit shy
She told me her father who came from Dungannon
Would take her back home in the sweet by and by
Chorus
And what's it to any man whether or no
Whether I'm easy or whether I'm true
As I lifted her petticoat easy and slow
And I tied up me sleeves for to buckle her shoe
All along Thomas Street and way down to the Liffey
The sunshine was gone and the evening grew dark
Along by King's Bridge and begod in a jiffy
Me arms were around her beyond in the park
(Chorus)
From city or country, a girl is a jewel
And well known for gripping as most of them are
But any young fella is really a fool
If he tries it the first time to go a bit far
Chorus
And what's it to any man whether or no
Whether I'm easy or whether I'm true
As I lifted her petticoat easy and slow
And I tied up me sleeves for to buckle her shoe
And if ever you go to the town of Dungannon
You can search till your eyeballs are empty or blind
Be you lyin' or walkin' or sittin' or runnin'
A girl like Annie, you never will find
Chorus x 2 (Repeat last line and slow)
Eileen Aroon
I know a valley fair Eileen Aroon
I know a cottage there Eileen Aroon
Far in the valley shade I know a tender maid
Flow’r of the hazel glade Eileen Aroon
Who in the song so sweet Eileen Aroon
Who in the dance so fleet Eileen Aroon
Dear are her charms to me dearer her laughter free
Dearest her constancy Eileen Aroon
Where she no longer true Eileen Aroon
What would her lover do Eileen Aroon
Fly with a broken chair far o’er the sounding main
Never to love again Eileen Aroon
Youth will in time decay Eileen Aroon
Beauty must fade away Eileen Aroon
Castles are sacked in war Chieftain are scattered far
Truth in a fixed star Eileen Aroon
Eoghainín Ó Ragadáin
Altan
Is trua gán mé thiar ag Eoghainín
Seachtain nó dhó go gcóiríodh s m’fhallaing domh
Mise gach neoin a bheith ‘seoladh a chuid eallaigh dó
‘S mé bheith ag baint chnó faoi theorainn an bhaile seo
Curfá
Is Ailín na rún
Na rún is na rún
Do Úna Ní Ailleagáin
Corraigh do chroí
Tá cailín beag thíos anseo a bhfuil páirc mhaith phise aici
Knot ina cúl is níl imeacht ar fhear aici
Sílidh sí féin go bhfuil spalpaire fir aici
Ach bheirimse an leabhair duit ré fear ar bith aici
Curfá
Nuair a thigimsa ón tsliabh bíonn cliabh den mhóin orm
Suímsa síos bíonn fuacht agus tuirse orm
‘Sé duirt ainnir na gcliabh gan stiall de do bhrat agam
Is trua gan do ghiall beag thiar faoi fhód agam
Curfá
Is trua gán mé thiar ag Eoghainín
Seachtain nó dhó go gcóiríodh s m’fhallaing domh
Mise gach neoin a bheith ‘seoladh a chuid eallaigh dó
‘S mé bheith ag baint chnó faoi theorainn an bhaile seo
Curfá
Corraigh do chroí
Corraigh do chroí
O, corraigh do chroí
Erin Go Bragh
Peadar Kearney
I'll tell you a story of a row in the town,
When the green flag went up and the Crown rag came down,
'Twas the neatest and sweetest thing ever you saw,
And they played the best games played in Erin Go Bragh.
One of our comrades was down at Ring's end,
For the honor of Ireland to hold and defend,
He had no veteran soldiers but volunteers raw,
Playing sweet Mauser music for Erin Go Bragh.
Now here's to Pat Pearse and our comrades who died
Tom Clark, MacDonagh, MacDiarmada, McBryde,
And here's to James Connolly who gave one hurrah,
And placed the machine guns for Erin Go Bragh.
One brave English captain was ranting that day,
Saying, "Give me one hour and I'll blow you away,"
But a big Mauser bullet got stuck in his craw,
And he died of lead poisoning in Erin Go Bragh.
Old Ceannt and his comrades like lions at bay,
From the South Dublin Union poured death and dismay,
And what was their horror when the Englishmen saw
All the dead khaki soldiers in Erin Go Bragh.
Now here's to old Dublin, and here's her renown,
In the long generation her fame will go down,
And our children will tell how their forefathers saw,
The red blaze of freedom in Erin Go Bragh.
Erin's Green Shore
Mick Moloney
One evening of late as I rambled
On the banks of a clear purling stream
I sat down on a bed of primroses
And I gently fell into a dream
I dreamed I beheld a fair female
Her equal I had ne’er seen before
As she sighed for the wrongs of her country
As she strayed along Erin’s green shore.
I went to her and quickly addressed her
Fair maid, will you tell me your name?
And why through this wild wooded country
In the midst of these dangers you came?
I’m a daughter of Daniel O’Connell
And from England I have lately come o’er
I have come to awaken my brethren
Who slumber on Erin’s green shore.
Her eyes were like two sparkling diamonds
Or the stars of a bright frosty night
Her cheeks were like two blooming roses
And her teeth of the ivory so white
She resembled the Goddess of Freedom
And green was the mantle she wore
Bound ‘round with the shamrock and roses
As she strayed along Erin’s green shore
In transports of joy I awoke then
And found I had been in a dream
For this beautiful damsel had fled me
And I longed for to slumber again
May the heavens above be her guardian
For I know I shall see her no more
May the sunbeams of glory shine o’er her
As she strays along Erin’s green shore.
Fairy’s Love Song
Why should I sit and sigh?
Pulling bracken, pulling bracken
Why should I sit and sigh?
On the hill so dreary
When I see the plover rising
Or the curlew wheeling
Then I trow my mortal lover
Back to me is stealing
Tha mi sqith s’mi leam fhin
Buain a rainich buain a rainich
Th mi sqith s’mi leam fhin
Buain a rainch doonan
Sui an tomain braighan tomain
Cui an tomain bhoidhich
Cui an tomain braighan tomain
Huile lotha m’onar
Fare well Night
Fare well night with mists o’er shrouded
Fare well star and twilight gloom
Welcome sunshine un be clouded
Winter makes for mayday room
Chorus:
Heaven and earth Isle and ocean
Frith and firth sing for mirth
Gold bright sun of springs new morning
Rising o’er the crests of hills
Dance now in thy robes of splendor
White the Easter clarion trills
Earth’s fair mantle green and glistening
Soften’d by the April showers
Burgeon forth to great life’s hero
Yield your ransom scent and flowers
Farewell to Nova Scotia
Chorus:
Farewell to Nova Scotia ye seabound cost
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away o’er the ocean briny tossed
Will ye ever heave a sigh or wish for me
The sun was setting in the west
The birdies sang on every tree
All nature seemed inclined for to rest
But still there is ne’er a rest for me
I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all
And the parents that I love so well
And the bonny, bonny lassie I do adore
The drums they do beat and the wars they so roar
Our captain calls and we must obey
So farewell to Nova Scotia and all of it’s charms
For it’s early in the morning and far, far away
I have 3 brothers, they are at rest
There arms are folded on their breast
And my father’s sword which should belong to me
Is resting at the bottom of the salt, salt sea
Father's Blessing
Unknown
Children's laughter children tears
Childish joys of childhood years
Are just memories of our once happy home
Its not death that brings the pain
I would face it all again
But it grieves me so to leave you all along
Do the wee ones still sigh when they hear their daddy's name
Do they sadly ask you why I won't be home again
How hard it is to know I'll never see them grow
Let my dying bring for them a better land
May they never know the fears
That blighted my young years
Of the shackles that have bound my native land
May they see the joy of life
And not cruel civil strife
Foreign laws imposed by brutal strangers hands
Let them grow in love and truth
Let them blossom into youth
Guided by their mother's loving hand
Let them cherish Ireland's pride
For this Joe McDonnell died
Let them know their father loved them and his land
Fear a Bhata
Unknown
I climb the hilltop, I search the ocean
To see my boatman, my heart´s devotion
When will I see him, today, tomorrow
Wil´t ever come, love, to comfort me?
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
So fare thee well love, where´er ye be
From passing boatmen I´d soon discover
If they had seen him, my only lover
They never answer, I´m always chided
´Tis foolish here to wait for thee
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
So fare thee well love, where´er ye be
What of the promise to bring his lady
A silken gown and a tartan plaidie
A ring of gold that would show his portrait
That gown and ring I will never see
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
So fare thee well love, where´er ye be
I cannot hide it my heart´s devotion
Is not a season´s brief emotion
His love since girlhood enthralled has held me
And ne´er shall fade ´til my dying day
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
Fear a bhata na horo eile
So fare thee well love, where´er ye be
Fenians
Chris Byrne
Pump your fist if you love freedom
Pump your fist if you love culture
For 150 years you've been creatin us
Be hatin like Satan
By beratin us in Punch cartoons
You depicted us as swill
And wack TV shows like that dead fool Benny Hill
Amazing you never came to your senses
Figured out you would have to face the consequences
Sent us across the water but you didn't scope the tide
And now the tide is rising worldwide
From Devoy to O'Neill and John O'Mahoney
To Joe McGarrity and Michael Flannery
Seditions are tradition and it won't just go away
Say it loud say it proud I will stay an
Unrepentant Fenian bastard
Unrepentant Fenian bastard
Unrepentant Fenian bastard
Respect to all who refuse to be mastered
Fiddler’s Green
Intro - Last line of chorus
As I roamed by the dockside one evening so fair
To view the still water and take the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing this song
Won't you take me away boys me time is not long
Chorus
Wrap me up in me oil-skin and jumper
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell me old shipmates, I'm taking a trip mates
And I'll see you some day in Fiddler's Green
Now Fiddler's Green is a place I heard tell
Where the fishermen go if they don't go to hell
Where the skies are all clear and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away
Chorus
When you get on the docks and the long trip is through
There's pubs and there's clubs and there's lassies there too
Where the girls are all pretty and the beer it is free
And there's bottles of rum growing from every tree
Chorus
Now, I don't want a harp nor a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
I'll play me old squeeze-box as we sail along
With the wind in the rigging to sing me a song
Chorus x 2
Fire in the Glen
The old days have gone that had a use for a man
Who supported his lairdship protecting his land
Who in times of unrest would have died for his lord
Now the soldiers of England have taken his broad sword
Chorus:
And there’s fire in the glen, fire in the glen
But no fire in the eyes of our highland men
And the laird has a smile for the makers of graves
For the builders of Empires, and the keepers of slaves
For he kept his great house, losing nothing but pride
Though his kins man lay huddled along the shore side
So beware of their banners and the general’s lies
There’s no glory for the poor man, no glittering prize
For we gave all we had, now our homes they’ve pulled down
And I cry out “Republic” and “Allegiance to the Crown”
The old ways have gone, that had use for a man
Who supported his lairdship, protecting his land
Who in times of unrest, he would have died for his lord
Now the soldiers of England, have taken his broadsword
Flower Of Scotland, The
Roy Williamson
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are passed now
And in the past they must remain
But we can still rise now
And be the nation again
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Follow Me up to Carlow
Lift MacCair og your face, brooding o’er the old disgrace
That black Fitzwilliam stormed your place and drove you to the fern
Grey said victory was sure soon the firebrand he’d secure
‘Till he met at the Glen malure with Fiach MacHugh O’Byrne
Chorus:
Curse and swear, Lord Kildare, Fiach will do what Fiach will dare
Now Fitzwilliam have a care fallen is your star low
Up with Halberd, out with sword, on we go for by the lord
Fiach MacHugh has given his word, follow me up to Cartow
See the swords of Glen Imall, a flashin o’er the English pale
See all the children of the gael beneath O’Byrne’s banner
Rooster of a fighting stock would yet let a saxon cock
Crow out upon an Irish Rock, fly up and teach him manners
Now from Saggert to Clonmore flows a stream of Saxon gore
And great is Rory Oge O’More at sending loons to hades
White is sick and grey has fled, now for black Fitzwilliam’s head
We’ll send it over dripping red
To Liza and her ladies
Four Green Fields
What did I have, said the fine old woman
What did I have, this proud old woman did say
I had four green fields, each one was a jewel
But strangers came and tried to take them from me
I had fine strong sons, who fought to save my jewels
They fought and they died, and that was my grief said she
Long time ago, said a fine old woman
Long time ago, this proud old woman did say
There was war and death, plundering and pillage
My children starved, by mountain, valley and sea
And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens
My four green fields ran red with their blood, said she
What have I now, said the fine old woman
What have I now, this proud old woman did say
I have four green fields, on of them in bondage
N strangers hands, that tried to take it from me
But my sons had sons, as brave as were their fathers
My fourth green field shall be fu once again, said she
Free The People
Phil Coulter, Bill Martin
Laws were made for people
And the law can never scorn
The right of a man to be free
Free the people!
Let them have their say
Free the people!
Let them see the light of day
A dismal dawn was breaking when they took her man away
Not knowing what was his crime
Just what he was guilty of not one of them could say
But they'll think of something in time
He says: "Goodbye and remember
We shall overcome"
Free the people!
Let them have their say
Free the people!
Let them see the light of day
Comforting her children softly crying in the night
She tries very hard to explain
You know, your Daddy never did a thing that wasn't right
So soon he's bound to be home again
He is a good man
And he shall overcome
Free the people!
Let them have their say
Free the people!
Let them see the light of day
What does it profit him
The right to be born
If he suffers the loss of liberty?
Laws were made for people
And the law can never scorn
The right of a man to be free
We are the people
And we shall overcome
We are the people
And we shall overcome
Free the people!
Let them have their say
Free the people!
Let them see the light of day!
Free the people!
Let them have their say
Free the people!
Let them see the light of day
Gleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair
Proinsias Ó Maonaigh
Céad slán ag sléibhte maorga chondae Dhún na nGall
Agus dhá chéad slán ag an Earagal árd, ina stua os cionn caor ‘s call
Nuair a ghluais mise thart le loch Dhún Lúich, go ciún sa ghleann ina lui
I mo dhiaidh bhí Gleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair, is beag nár bhris mo chroí
Ag taisteal domh amach frid chnoic Ghleann Domhain, ‘s an Mhucais ar mo chúl
Ní miste domh ‘rá le brón ‘s le crá, ghur fhreasach a shil mise súil
Go ‘Meiriceá siar, a bhí mo thriall, i bhfad thar an fharraige mhór
D’fhag mé slán ar feadh seal ag Dún na nGall, ‘s ag Gleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair
Níorbh é mo mhiansa imeacht ariamh ó mo thír bheag dhilis féin
Ach trom lámh Gall, le cluain ‘s le feall, a thiomáin mé i gnéill
B’é rún mo chroíse pilleadh arís, nuair a dhéanfainn beagán stór
‘S deireadh mo shaoil a chaitheamh lem ghaoil, fá Ghleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair
Slán, slán go fóill a Dhún na nGall, a chondae shéimh gan smál
‘S do d'fheara bréa in am an ghá, nár umhlaigh riamh roimh Ghall
Tá áit i mo chroí do gach fear a gach mnaoi, ‘s gach páiste beag agus mór
Áta beo go buan, gan bhuairt gan ghruaim, fá Ghleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair
-oOo-
The Green Glens of Gaoth Dobhair
Farewell to the noble mountains of Donegal
And twice farewell to tall Erigal, arching over rowen and ash tree
When I passed by Dunlewey Lake, lying quietly in the glen
Behind me were the green glens of Gaoth Dobhair, and it nearly broke my heart
Traveling through Glendowan's Hills, and Muckish behind me
I don't mind saying with sorrow and grief, that tears fell from my eyes
Westward to America was my journey, far across the wide sea
I said farewell for a while to Donegal, and the green glens of Gaoth Dobhair
I never wanted to leave my own beloved land
But the foreigner's heavy handed deceipt and treachery drove me away
It would be my heart's desire to return again, when I should get a little money
To spend the end of my life with my family, 'round the green glens of Gaoth Dobhair
Yet farewell, farewell to Donegal County fine and fair
And to your brave men who in time of need, did not ever cower before the foreigner
There's a place in my heart for each man and woman, each child big and small
Who live in peace, without sorrow or grief, in the green glens of Gaoth Dobhair
Go On Home British Soldiers
Go on home British soldiers, go on home.
Have you got no fuckin' homes of your own ?
For eight hundred years we've fought you without fear
And we will fight you for eight hundred more.
If you stay British soldiers, if you stay
You will never ever beat the IRA
The fourteen men in Derry are the last that you will bury
So take a tip and leave us while you may.
No, we're not British, we're not Saxon, we're not English
We're Irish! and proud we are to be.
So fuck your union jack we want our country back
We want to see old Ireland free once more.
Well we're fighting British soldiers for the cause
We'll never bow to soldiers because
Throughout our history we were born to be free
So get out British soldiers, leave us be.
Golden Golden
Golden golden is her hair
Like the morning sun over fields of corn
Golden golden flows her love
So sweet and clear and warm
Slowly slowly walk the path
And you might never stumble or fall
Slowly slowly walk the path
And you might never fall in love at all
Lonely lonely is the heart
That ne’er another can call it’s own
Lonely lonely lies the part
That has to live all alone
Wildly wildly beats the heart
With a rush of love like a mountain stream
Wildly wildly play your part
As free as a wild birds dream
Good Woman’s Skill
You sweet pretty lasses where e’er you may be
Now just pay attention and listen to me
I will not defend you depend on my word
I will sing you a verse or two such as I’ve heard
Chorus:
For the men, they may bother and say what they will
But there’s nothing can equal a good woman’s skill
They say that the woman’s the pride of the land
We know she’s the joy and the comfort of man
A man may as well put an end to his life
For to think to live single without a good wife
Some men say they wish their wives were dead
It would ease all their woes to be no longer wed
But ask any man who’s been widowed of late
If his hand is as good as a deep hearted mate
Then there are the men who say they’re grand in bed
They brag of the things they can do with their head
But while they’re off bragging to all their old pals
There’s a lusty liason between just the gals
Gouganburra
So you left sweet Gouganburra where the freedom linnets sing
To wear the fancy uniform of his majesty the king
But he sent you home quite sprightly when you eyes
Could no longer see and with all your hero trappings
You said you loved me
Chorus:
Soldiers count your cannons soldier show you braid
When the dankness is unending even heroes are afraid
Oh you canna see my beauty you canna see my winning ways
For you’ve traded in the knowledge for you regimental pay
And you thought I’d find another who was strong of limb reye
Who would take me far fro ‘burra where the freedom linnets fly.
So you’re left in Gouganburra where the freedom linnets sing
To wear out that fancy uniform of his majesty the king
And you’ll be a 9-day wonder with your pension checks and lies
Til your songs no longer please them and the wonder of you dies
So we’ll stay in Gouganburra and I’ll learn never age in days
I’ll be your eyes and vision and I’ll never age in days
Always in your mind a maiden who wears your wedding ring
A fine soldier and his lady where the freedom linnets sing
Last Chorus:
Soldier count cannons soldier show your braid
When the darkness is unending there’s no
Need to be afraid
Grace
Intro 2 bars - C
As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jail
I think about the last few weeks: Oh will they say we’ve failed
From our schooldays they have told us we must yearn for liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here with me.
Chorus:
Oh Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger
They take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your finger
There won’t be time to share our love for we must say goodbye
Now I know it’s hard for you, my love, to ever understand
The love I bear for these brave men, my love for this dear land
But when Padraic called me to his side down in the G.P.O.
I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go
Chorus
Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too
On this May morn as I walk out my thoughts will be of you
And I’ll write some words upon the walls so everyone will know
I loved you so much that I could see his blood upon the rose.
Chorus x 2
Harmony
When I was a boy choir used to meet
In the little white church just down the street
Bunch of kids learning how to sing but lord
We loved to make that little church ring with Harmony
When I got a little older used to get with the guys
And hour after hour we would harmonize
Before we knew it we had ourselves a band Saturday
Nights we were upon the stand singing harmony
Chorus:
One voice makes me want to sing
Two voices make me feel like a king
Three voices is getting out of hand
Four like to take me to the Promised Land singing harmony
Now I never had much but this old guitar
Til that blue-eyed girl she stole my heart
Now she cant sing and she can’t play but the
Lord above knows she got her own way
Of making harmony
Now I've got a little boy comes up to my knee
He loves nothing better than to sing with me
One of these days he’ll look me in the eye
And say you take the low and I’ll take the high harmony
Now the day I wake up and can’t sing a song
That’s the day I’ll be movin' on
Got a reservation and it always stands
They’re savin me a place in the angel band
Singing harmony
Hills of Connemara, The
Gather up the pots and the old tin cans
The mash, the corn, the barley and the bran.
Run like the devil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from rising, Barney.
Keep your eyes well peeled today
The excise men are on their way
Searching for the mountain tay
In the hills of Connemara.
Swinging to the left, swinging to the right
The excise men will dance all night
Drinkin' up the tay till the broad daylight
In the hills of Connemara
Gather up the pots and the old tin cans
The mash, the corn, the barley and the bran.
Run like the devil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from rising, Barney.
A gallon for the butcher and a quart for John
And a bottle for poor old Father Tom
Just to help the poor old dear along
In the hills of Connemara.
Stand your ground, for it's too late
The excise men are at the gate.
Glory be to Paddy, but they're drinkin' it straight
In the hills of Connemara
Gather up the pots and the old tin cans
The mash, the corn, the barley and the bran.
Run like the devil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from rising, Barney.
Gather up the pots and the old tin cans
The mash, the corn, the barley and the bran.
Run like the devil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from rising, Barney.
Homestead on the farm
Oh I wonder how the old folks are at home?
I wonder if they miss me when I’m gone?
I wonder if they’ll pray for the boy who went away,
And left his dear old parents all alone?
Chorus:
You can hear the cattle low’n in the lane
You can almost see the fields of bluegrass green
You can almost hear them cry as they kissed their boy goodbye
Oh I wonder how the old folks are at home?
(Acapella)
Just a village and a homestead on the farm
And a mother’s love to keep your from all harm
A Sweetheart great and true
A place we love so dear, just a village and a
Homestead on the farm….
Instrumental
Chorus
Instrumental
Chorus
How are things in Glocca Mora
I hear a bird, Londonderry bird, It well may be
He’s bringing me a cheering word, I hear a breeze
A River Shannon breeze, it well may be, its followed me
Across the seas, then tell me please.
Chorus:
How are things in Glocca Mora?
Is that little brook still leaping there?
Does it still run down to Donny Coye, thru Killy begs
Killkerry and Kildare?
How are things in Glocca Mora? Its that willow tree
Still weeping there, does that laddie with the twinklin’ eye
Come whistling by and does he walk away,
Sad and dreamy not to see me there?
So I ask each weeping willow, each brook along the way
And each lad that comes a whistlin’ tooralay
How are things in Glocca Mora?
I Know Where I’m Going
Intro – 2bars (C Chord)
I know where I’m going and I know who’s going with me
I know who I love but the dear knows who I’ll marry
Some say he’s dark and some say he’s bonny
But the fairest of them all is my handsome, winsome Johnny
I have stockings of silk and shoes of fine green leather
Combs to buckle my hair and a ring for every finger
Change Key to D (2 bar intro – D Chord)
Instrumental Verse
I know where I'm going and I know who's going with me
I know who I love but the dear knows who I'll marry
Feather beds are soft and painted rooms are bonny
But I would leave them all for my handsome, winsome Johnny
I Never Will Marry
One morning I rambled down by the seashore
The wind it did whistle and the waters did roar
I heard some fair maiden give a pitiful cry
It sounded so lonesome in the water nearby
Chorus:
I never will marry, I’ll be no man’s wife
I expect to stay single the rest of my life
My love’s gone and left me, he’s the one I adore
I never will see him, no never, no more
The shells in the ocean shall be my deathbed
While the fish in deep water swim over my head
She cast her fair body in the water so deep
And closed her sweet blue eyes forever to sleep
I.R.E.L.A.N.D
Dermot Henry
Come all ye lads and lassies and sit you down with me,
And I will tell the truth about a land that`s dear to me,
You`ve read it in the papers and you`ve seen it on TV,
But I will spell it out for you, what Ireland means to me.
I is for internment of the innocent and free
R is for resistance to the laws of tryany
E is for the English who have torn our land apart
L is for the love of freedom in every Irish heart
A is for the answer we`re all searching for
N is for one nation and an end to this long war
D is for the dream of millions longing to be free.
That`s how I spell Ireland, that`s what Ireland means to me.
This land was once respected for it`s saints and scolars too
But now the bomb and bullet that`s all that makes the news
I know that it`s confusing and it`s hard to understand,
But I will spell it out for you by spelling Ireland
I’ll take you home again Kathleen
I’ll take you home again Kathleen
Across the ocean wild and wide
To where your heart has ever been
Since first you were my bonny bride
The roses all have left you cheek
I’ve watched them fade away and die
Your voice is sad when’er you speak
And tears bedim your loving eyes
Oh I will take you back Kathleen
To where you hear will feel no pain
And when the fields are fresh and green
I will take you to your home again
I’ll Tell Me Ma
Chorus:
I’ll tell me ma when I go home
The boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pull my hair, they stole my comb
And that’s all right till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty
She’s the belle of Belfast city
She is courting’ one, two, three
Oh, please won’t you tell me, who is she?
Albert Mooney says he loves her
All the boys are fighting for her
They rap at the door and they ring at the bell
Saying oh, my true love are you well
Out she comes as white as snow
Rings on her fingers, bells on her toes
Old Jenny Murphy says she’ll die
If she doesn’t get the fellow with the rovin’ eye
Let the wind and the rain and the hail blow high
And the snow come tumbling from the sky
She’s as nice as apple pie
She’ll get her own lad by and by
When she gets a lad of her own
She won’t tell her ma when she goes home
Let them all come as they will
But it’s Albert Mooney she loves still
She is handsome, she is pretty
She’s the belle of Belfast city
She’s a courting’, one, two, three
Oh, please won’t you tell me, who is she
Ireland
(Garth Brooks)
They say Mother Earth is breathing
With each wave that finds the shore
Her soul rises in the evening
For to open twilight’s door
Her eyes are the stars in Heaven
Watching o’er us all the while
And Her heart it is in Ireland
Deep within the Emerald Isle
We are forty against hundreds
In someone else’s bloody war
We know not why we’re fighting
Or what we’re dying for
They will storm us in the morning
When the sunlight turns to sky
Death is waiting for its dance now
Fate has sentenced us to die
Chorus:
Ireland, I am coming home
I can see your rolling fields of green
And fences made of stone
I am reaching out
Won’t you take my hand
I’m coming home, Ireland
Oh, the captain he lay bleeding
I can hear him calling me
These men are yours now for the leading
Show them to their destiny
As I look us all around me
I see the ragged tired and torn
And I tell them to make ready
‘Cause we’re not waiting for the morn
Now the fog is deep and heavy
As we forge the dark and fear
We can hear their horses breathing
As in silence we draw near
And there are no words to be spoken
Just a look to say good bye
I draw a breath and night is broken
As I scream our battle cry
Yes, I am home, Ireland
We were forty against hundreds
Ireland Unfree
In a dimly lit room by the smouldering fire
Sat an old man so lonely so sad and so tired
Once he struggled for freedom, now he struggles to live
With his few small possessions and his past to relive
There´s a faded old picture on the wall all alone
A dusty old picture, the pride of his home
With a harp and a shamrock with these words underneath
"Ireland unfree shall never be at peace"
And his thoughts wander back to the days of his prime
Oh it seems now there´s nothing goes faster than time
To his comrades of old he remembers the day
When he marched behind Pearse and the bold IRA
And it´s to Easter week and his thoughts wander back
Oh those leaders of men sure no courage did lack
But now he´s just left with his memories of old
For his name nor his story will never be told
He gazed at that picture and gave a sad smile
For each wrinkle and line told the struggle of time
Then he gazed once again and his eyes filled with tears
For the man in that picture was his friend Padraic Pearse
Irish Ways and Irish Laws
Once upon a time there was
Irish ways and Irish laws,
Villages of Irish blood
Waking in the morning,
Waking in the morning.
Then the Vikings came around,
Turned us up and turned us down,
Started building boats and towns.
They tried to change our living,
They tried to change our living.
Cromwell and his soldiers came,
Started centuries of shame,
But they could not make us turn.
We are a river flowing,
We are a river flowing.
Again, again the soldiers came,
Burnt our houses, stole our grain,
Shot the farmers in their fields,
Working for a living,
Working for a living.
Eight hundred years we have been down.
The secret of the water sound
Has kept the spirit of the man
Above the pain descending,
Above the pain descending.
Today the struggle carries on,
I wonder will I live so long
To see the gates being opened up
To a people and their freedom,
A people and their freedom
Jimmy Be Fair
Well Jimmy be fair, and Jimmy be fine
He wants me for to wed
And I would marry Jimmy but me father
Up and said-
“I’m said to tell you daughter, what
your mother never knew, but Jimmy
is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you”
Well Johnny be fair, and Johnny be fine
He wants me for to wed
And I would marry Johnny but me father
Up and said-
“I’m said to tell you daughter, what
your mother never knew, but Johnny
is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you”
Well Billy be fair, and Billy be fine
He wants me for to wed
And I would marry Billy but me father
Up and said-
“I’m said to tell you daughter, what
your mother never knew, but Billy
is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you”
Well never you’ve seen a girl so sad sorry as
I was. All the boys in town are kin an me
Father is the cause. If life should thus continue
I might die a single miss
So I went up to me Mother to complain
To her of this.
Well I haven’t I told you to forgive and forget
Your father may be father to all the boys
In town but still, he’s not the one
Who sired you. So marry who you will
Journey of Dreams and Memories
There’s never a path that’s so friendly
Never a journey so warm
Never a star that’s so guiding
As the one that brings you home
They say you can never go home again
They tell you that when you leave
But I will return to my heart again
Within my dreams and memories
Never a journey so happy
Never the steps so light
Never a voice so compelling
As the one that leads you home
As the wave and the wind goes out and comes in
So I will journey to come home again
To the arms of my family
The home of dreams and memories
Never a path that’s so friendly
Never a journey so light
Never a star so guiding
As the one that brings you home
Lads O’ the Fair
Come bonnie lass lie near me
And let the brandy cheer ye
For the road from Fife to Falkirks (Faw-kirk)
Lang an’ cold an’ weary
My trade it t’is the weavin
A the bonnie toon o’ leven
An’ I’ll drink to the health o the farmers dames
Wha’ll buy my cloth the morn
Chorus:
For ye can see them a’ the lads o’ the fair
Lads or the forth an’ the Carron water
Workin’ lads and lads w’ gear
Lads wha’ll see ye the Provost’s daughter
Soldiers back frae the English wars
Pedlars up frae the borders
An’ lassies wi’ an eye for mair then the kyne
At the Trystin Fair at Falkirk
O Geordie lead the pony
For the path is steep and and stony
An’ we’re 3 long weeks frae the Isle of Skye
An’ the beasts are thin an’ bony
We’ll take the last o’ the siller
An’ we’ll buy oursel’s a gill or two
An’ we’ll drink tae the lads
Wha’ll buy our kyne in Falkirk toon the morn
O Stan here an’ I’ll show ye
There’s a toon below ye
But ye’d best bide here in the barn
The nicht for the nicht watch dinna know ye
My brother he’s a ploughman
And I’m for the feain now man
An’ we’ll drink tae the price
O’ the harvest corn
In Falkirk toon the morn
The work o’ the weavers over
Likewise the day o’ the drover
An’ the ploughboy sits on a wagon (tractor)
Now too high to see the clover
The workin’s no sae steady
But the lads are a’ still ready
To drink to the health o’ the workin’ man
In Falkirk toon the morn
Lament for Erin
(Ellen Cannon Reed)
When I think today how the Emerald Isle
Is afire with hatred’s flame
I wonder if we weren’t better off
Ere the day that St. Patrick came
Chorus:
When the fires of Bride burned on every hill
And Danu held us in Her hand
And the music of Tallesin’s harp
Brought the old ones to Erin’s land
Now in the name of God, Revenge
We worship with bomb and gun
One we called our gods by a hundred names
But we knew that They all we One
The Morrigan’s ravenwings marked the sky
And the seven-tined stag ran strong
How the hills rang out with the Dagda’s laugh
When we heard the lapwing’s song
Now we live in a time when a man’s beliefs
Are an easy excuse to kill
And I say a prayer that St. Patrick failed
And the old ones are with us still
Let the fires of Bride burn on every hill
Let Danu hold us in her hand
Let the music of Tallesin’s harp
Bring the old ones to Erin’s land
Bring the old ones to Erin’s land
Lamp Lighting Time in the Valley
Oh, there’s a lamp shining bright in a cabin
In a window, it’s shining for me
And I know that my mother is praying
For the boy she is longing to see
Chorus:
When it’s lamp lighting time in the valley
In my dreams I go back to my home
Oh, I can see that old lamp in the window
It will guide me wherever I roam
Oh, when the lamp lights tonight, I can see her
As she rocks in her chair, to and fro
Oh, she’s praying that I’ll come back to see her
And I know that I never can go
Let Erin Remember
Thomas Moore
Let Erin remember the days of old
Ere her faithless sons betrayed her
When Malachy wore the collar of gold
That he won from the proud invader
When her kings with standards of green unfurled
Led the Red Branch Knights to danger
Ere the emerald gem of the Western World
Was set in the crown of a stranger
On Lough Neagh's banks as the fisherman strays
In the clear cold eve declining
He sees the round towers of other days
In the waters 'neath him shining
Thus shall memory often in dreams sublime
Catch a glimpse of the days that are over
Thus sighing, look through the waves of time
For the long-faded glories they cover
Loch Lomond
By yon bonnie banks, By yon bonnie brae
The sun it shines on Loch Lomond
Where me and my true love will never meet again
on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
'Twas there we parted by yon bonnie brae
On the steep side of Ben Lomond
For a broken heart know no second Spring
Resigned we must be while we're parted
You take the high road
And I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland before you
For me and my true love will never meet again
on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
On my bonnie banks
On my bonnie banks
Londonderry Air
Would god I were the apple blossom
That floats and falls from off the twisted bough
To lie and faint within your silken bosom
Within your silken bosom as that does now!
Or would I were a little burnished apple
For you to pluck me gliding by so cold
While sun and shade, your robe of lawn will dapple
Your robe of lawn and your hairs spun gold
Yea would to god I were among the roses
That lean to kiss you as you float between
While on the lowest branch, a bud uncloses
A bud uncloses to touch you my queen
Nay since you will not love, would I were not growing
A happy daisy in the garden path
That so your silver foot might press me growing
Might press me going even unto death
March of Cambreadth
Axes flash, broadsword swing,
Shining armour's piercing ring
Horses run with polished shield,
Fight Those Bastards till They Yield
Midnight mare and blood red roan,
Fight to Keep this Land Your Own
Sound the horn and call the cry,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!
Follow orders as you're told,
Make Their Yellow Blood Run Cold
Fight until you die or drop,
A Force Like Ours is Hard to Stop
Close your mind to stress and pain,
Fight till You're No Longer Sane
Let not one damn cur pass by,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!
Guard your women and children well,
Send These Bastards Back to Hell
We'll teach them the ways of war,
They Won't Come Here Any More
Use your shield and use your head,
Fight till Every One is Dead
Raise the flag up to the sky,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!
Dawn has broke, the time has come,
Move Your Feet to a Marching Drum
We'll win the war and pay the toll,
We'll Fight as One in Heart and Soul
Midnight mare and blood red roan,
Fight to Keep this Land Your Own
Sound the horn and call the cry,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!
Medb Abu
(John Hughes)
Underneath the sky of blue
Across all Erie Fair
No fairer queen will ever see
Then she of flaming hair
Come all to Medb an’ serve her will
She will return in due
A woman she of loyalty
Our highness, Medb Abu
Chorus:
Medb abu
Medb abue
Ban ri an Connachta
Medb abu
I sing of day when men were bold
An women wove their will
Tho many a man did plot an plan
Our Medb knew better still
Tho nine did sit in kingly robes
One thing all people knew
The strength of all
Was in her word
Her will is
Medb abu
Ever haughty, ever free
No man could bend her will
Yet any man could catch her eye
He would be smitten still
No coward, Medb
Would set her mind
To do what she would do
A woman she of purpose great
Come join in Medb abu
Her regal grace, her highest place
Her form an feature fine
To honor all
Her gaze will fall
An’ an all Erin shrine
To stand or fall
We heed her call
Her words are wisdom true
All virtue, glory, good and gold
We follow, Medb abu
Melville Castle
Chorus:
Willies gane tae Melville Castle
Boots an’ spurs an’ a’
Tae bid the ladies all fareweel
Afore he gaes awa’
Willie’s young an’ blithe an’ bonnie
Lu’d by yane an’ a’
O what wi’ a’ the lassies dae
When Willie gaes awa’
The first he met was Lady Cate
She led him thru the ha’
An’ wae a sad an’ sorry head
She’s let the tears doon fa’
Beside the fire stood Lady Grace
Said ne’er a word at a’
She thought that she was shed o’ him
Afore he gaed awa’
Then through the door came Lady Belle
Said troth ye need not craw
Maybe the lad wi’ fancy me
An’ disappoint ye a’
Then doon the stair came Lady Jean
The fair o’ mind an’ ba’
Oh lassies thrust in Providence
An’ ye’ll get husbands a’
Then on his horse he rad awa’
They gathered through the door
He gave wave his bonnet blue
They set up sic a gore
Their crys and tears brought Willie back
He’s kissed them one an’ a’
Oh ladies bide til I come home an’ then I’ll wed ye a’
Men of Harlech
Men of Harlech in the hollow do you hear like rushing billow
Wave on wave that surging fellow battle’s distant sound
‘Tis the tramp of Saxon foemen, Saxon spearmen, Saxon bowmen
Be the knights or hinds or yeomen, they shall bite the ground
Loose the folds asunder flag we conquer under
The placid sky now calm on high shall launch its bolts of thunder
Onward ‘tis our country needs us he is bravest he who leads us
Honor’s self now proudly heeds us freedom, god, and right
Rocky steeps and passes narrow flash with spear and flight of arrow
Who would think of death or sorrow? Death is glory now
Hurl the reeling horsemen over let the earth dead foemen cover
Fate of friend or wife or lover trembles on a blow
Strands of life are riven, blow for blow is given
In deadly lock or battle shock and mercy shrieks to heaven
Men of Harlech young or hoary would you win a name in story
Strike for home for life for glory Freedom, God, and Right.
Mingulay Boat Song
Heel yo ho boys, let her go boys
Bring her head round into the weather
Heel yo ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
What care we though, white the Minch is?
What care we for wind and weather?
Let her go boys, every inch is
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
Wives are waiting by the pier head
Or looking seaward from the heathers
Pull her round boys, then you’ll anchor
Ere the sun sets on Mingulay
Ships return now, heavy laden
Mothers holdin’ bairns a-cryin’
They’ll return through when the sun sets
They’ll return to Mingulay
Minstrel Boy, The
Thomas Moore
The minstrel boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him
His father's sword he hath girded on
And his wild harp slung behind him
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard
"Though all the world betrays thee
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder
And said "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"
Mountain Tay
Chorus:
Gather up the pots an’ the old tin cans, the mash
The corn, the barley an’ the bran
Run like the devil from the excise man
Keep the smoke from risin’ Barney
Keep your eyes well peeled taday
Bthe big tall men are on their way
Searching for the mountain tay
In the hills of Connamara
Mountain breezes as they blow
Hear them echo in the glen below
The country men are on the go
In the hills of Connamara
A gallon for the butcher, a quart for Tom
A bottle for poor old Father John
To help his prayers and hymns along
In the hills of Connamara
Stand yer ground boys, it’s too late
The excise men are at the gate
Glory be tae God
They’re drinkin’ it nate (neat)
In the hills of Connamara
Swing tae the left, and swing tae the right
The excise man will dance all night
Drinkin’ up the tay in the broad daylight
In the hills of Connamara
My Heart Is In Ireland
Brian Warfield
In the East End of London I met an old man
He kept a bar called The Horses and Tram
My parents were Irish, they loved that dear land
The cockney he smiled and he shook my old hand
My heart is in Ireland, it´s there I long to be
Her hills and her valleys are calling to me
Though born here in this land, my heart is in Ireland
The land of the old folk is calling to me.
Near a coalmine in Wales by a roadside cafe
A young girl came smiling to me and did say
Well, my folks are from Ireland me dad he hopes one day
When he leaves the mines sure we´ll go back to stay
Then I went through the midlands to each city and town
I found there were Irish in each place I roamed
And I drank and I sang in a pub they called The Crown
With the Birmingham Irish we sang songs of home
Then I went north to Scotland to Glasgow on the Clyde
I met with some young lads, said Celtic´s our side
All our folks are from Ireland, the island of the green
That country we love, but it's a place we´ve not seen.
© Brian Warfield
My Irish wild rose
My wild Irish rose, the sweetest flower
That grows you may search everywhere
But none can compare with my
Wild Irish rose
My wild Irish rose, the dearest flower
That grows and someday for the sake
She may let me take the bloom from
My wild Irish rose
Ned of the hill
Oh dark is the evening and silent the hour
Oh who is that minstrel by yon shady tower
Whose harp is so tenderly touching with skill
Oh who could it be, but young Ned of the Hill
And he sings lady love will you come with me now
O come and live merrily under the bough
I’ll pillow you head where the light fairies tread
If you will be wed with young Ned of the Hill
Ned’s own true lady love, young Eileen by name
Is high bred and born to a family of great fame
With tears in her eyes, she speaks sad and slow
I do love you Ned, but with you cannot go
My father’s forbid me to marry but one
His dearest and best friends only cruel son
So unless you can steal me away this night
I bid you not stay but quickly take flight
A true minstrel, Ned, though he comes from the hill
Has learned all he can from his bardic skill
Of lovers before who righted the wrong
And he takes and idea from one favorite song
He sings to his love and the moon takes it flight
Be ready my heart to leave this very might
And when you next hear my harp’s gentle cry
We both from this place like birds will fly
Young Ned of the hill has no castle or hall
No bowmen or spearmen to come at his call
But one little archer of exquisite skill
Has loosed a bright shaft for young Ned of the Hill
It is hard to escape to this young lady’s bower
For high is the castle and guarded the tower
But there is a way where’re there’s a will
And young Eileen is gone with young Ned of the Hill
Never Wed an Old Man
An old man came courtin' me hey ding doorum down
An old man came courtin’ me, me being young
An old man came courtin’ me wanted to marry me
Maids when your young never wed an old man
Chorus:
For they’ve got no faloorum falldiddle loorum
They’ve got no faloorum falldiddle all day
They’ve got no faloorum they’ve lost their din doorum
Now maids when your young never wed an old man
When we went to church hey ding
When we went to church, me being young
When we went to church he let me in the lurch, maids
When we went to tea hey
When we went to tea me being young
When we went to tea he started teasing me, maids
When we went to bed hey
When we went to bed me being young
When we went to bed, he lay as if he were dead, maids
So when he went to sleep hey
So when he went to sleep, me being young
When he went to sleep out the bed I did crept
Into the arms of a handsome young man
Chorus II:
And I found his faloorum falldiddle loorum
I found his faloorum falldiddle all day
I found his faloorum, he got my ding doorum now
Maids when your young never wed and old man
O’ Donnell Abu
Proudly the note of the trumpet is sounding
Loudly the war cries arise on the gale
Fleetly the steed by Lough Swilley is bounding
To join the thick squadrons on Saimlers green vale
Oh every mountaineer strangers to flight or fear
Rush to the standard of dauntless red Hugh
Bonn aught and gallowglass throng from each
Mountain pass. Onward for Erin O’Donnell Abu
Princely Oniell to our aid is advancing
With many a chieftain and warrior clan
A thousand proud steeds in his vanguard are prancing
‘Neath the borders brave from the banks of the Bann
Many a heart shall quail under its coat of mail
Deeply the merciless foemen shall rue
When on his ear shall ring bounne on the breeze’s wing
Tir Connell’s dread war cry O’Donnell Abu
Wildly o’er Desmond the war wolf is howling
Fearless the eagle sweeps over the plain
The fox in the streets of the city is prowling
And all who would scare them are banished or slain
On with O’Donnell then fight the old fight again
Sons of Tir Connell are valiant and true
Make the proud Saxon feel Erin’s avenging steel
Strike for your country O’Donnell Abu
October winds
The October winds lament around
The castle of dromore
But peace is in her loftily hall
My love and treasure stor
Though autumn leaves may dropp and die
A bud of spring are you
Chorus:
Sing hush a bye loo la loo lo lan
Sing hush a bye loo lo lan
Bring no ill will to hinder us
My helpless babe and me
Dread spirit of the black water
Clan Owens wild ban sidhe
And holy Mary pitying us
In heaven for grace does sue
Take time to thrive my ray of hope
In the garden of dromore
Take heed young eaglet til thy wings
Are feathered fit to soar
A little rest and then the world
Is full of work to do.
Only Our Rivers Run Free
Michael McConnell
When apples still grow in November
When Blossoms still bloom from each tree
When leaves are still green in December
It's then that our land will be free
I wander her hills and her valleys
And still through my sorrow I see
A land that has never known freedom
And only her rivers run free
I drink to the death of her manhood
Those men who'd rather have died
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage
To bring back their rights were denied
Oh where are you now when we need you
What burns where the flame used to be
Are ye gone like the snows of last winter
And will only our rivers run free?
How sweet is life but we're crying
How mellow the wine but it's dry
How fragrant the rose but it's dying
How gentle the breeze but it sighs
What good is in youth when it's aging
What joy is in eyes that can't see
When there's sorrow in sunshine and flowers
And still only our rivers run free
Oró Sé Do Bheatha 'Bhaile
Pádraig Pearse
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Anois ar theacht an tsamhraidh!
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile,
Anois ar theacht an tsamhraidh!
'Sé do bheatha a bhean ba léanmhar,
B' é ár gcreach tú bheith i ngéibhinn,
Do dhúiche bhreá i seilibh meirleach…
Is tú díolta leis na Gallaibh!
Tá Gráinne Mhaol ag teacht thar sáile,
Óglaigh armtha léi mar gharda,
Gaeil iad féin is ní Gaill ná Spáinnigh…
Is cuirfidh siad ruaig ar Ghallaibh!
A bhuí le Rí na bhFeart go bhfeiceann,
Muna mbíonn beo ina dhiaidh ach seachtain,
Gráinne Mhaol is míle gaiscíoch…
Ag fógairt fáin ar Ghallaibh!
//
Óró! You are welcome home!
Óró! You are welcome home!
Óró! You are welcome home!
Now that summer is coming
Welcome Oh woman who was so afflicted,
It was our ruin that you were in bondage,
Our fine land in the possesion of theives,
And sold to the foreigners
Grainne Mhaol is coming over the sea,
Armed warriors along with her as guard,
They are Irishmen, not English or Spanish,
And they will rout the foreigners
May it please the God of Miracles that we may see,
Although we only live a week after it,
Grainne Mhaol and a thousand warriors,
Dispersing the foreigners
Prayer
Rolf Lovland, Fionnuala Sherry
Hush - lay down your troubled mind
The day has vanished and left us behind
And the wind - whispering soft lullabies
Will soothe - so close your eyes
Let your arms enfold us
Through the dark of night
Will your angels hold us
Till we see the light
Sleep - angels will watch over you
And soon beautiful dreams will come true
Can you feel spirits embracing your soul
So dream while secrets of darkness unfold
Queen of all Argyll
Gentlemen it is my duty to inform you of one beauty
Though I’d ask of you a favor no to seek her for
Awhile, though I own she is a creature of character
A feature, no words can paint the picture of
The Queen of Argyll
Chorus:
And if you could’ve seen her there boy if you had just been
There she swam was in her movement an the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden they bow and ask her pardon for
Not one could match the beauty of the Queen of Argyll
On the evening that I mention I passed with light intention
Thru apart of our dear country known for beauty and for style
A place of noble thinkers of scholars and great drinkers
Rare Ould Times, The
Pete St. John
Raised on songs and stories, heroes of renown
The passing tales and glories that once was Dublin Town
The hallowed halls and houses, the haunting childrens rhymes
That once was Dublin City in the rare ould times
Ring a ring a rosey, as the light declines
I remember Dublin City in the rare ould 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
And I courted Peggy Dignam, as pretty as you please
A rogue and child of Mary, from the rebel Liberties
I lost her to a student chap, with skin as black as coal
When he took her off to Birmingham, she took away my soul
Ring a ring a rosey, as the light declines
I remember Dublin City in the rare ould times
The years have made me bitter, the gargle dims me 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
Ring a ring a rosey, as the light declines
I remember Dublin City in the rare ould times
Fare thee well sweet Anna Liffey, I can no longer stay
And watch the new glass cages, that spring up along the quay
My mind's too full of memories, too old to hear new chimes
I'm part of what was Dublin, in the rare ould times
Ring a ring a rosey, as the light declines
I remember Dublin City in the rare ould times
Ring a ring a rosey, as the light declines
I remember Dublin City in the rare ould times
Ready for the Storm
The waves crash in and the tide pulls out
It's an angry sea but there is no doubt
That the lighthouse will keep shining in the night
To warn the lonely sailor
The lightning strikes and the wind cuts cold
Through the sailor's bones, to the sailor's soul
'Till there's nothing left that he can hold
Except the roaring ocean
But I am ready for the storm, yes oh ready I'm
I'm ready for the storm, I'm ready for the storm
Give me mercy for my dreams, 'cause every confrontaion
Seems to tell me what it really means to be a lonely sailor
But when the sky begins to clear and the sun it melts away my fear
I cry a silent, weary tear at those that mean to love me
And I am ready for the storm, yes oh ready I'm
I'm ready for the storm, I'm ready for the storm
Distance it is no real friend, and time will take its time
And you will find that in the end it brings you near a lonely sailor
But when you take me by your side, you love me warm, you love me
And I should've realized I had no reason to be frightened
And I am ready for the storm, yes oh ready I'm
I'm ready for the storm, I'm ready for the storm (x2)
Rebel Heart
Francis A Fahy
From rebel veins my life I drew,
In rebel arms I lay,
From rebel lips the lessons drew
That led me day by day.
And, rocked to rest on rebel breast
And nursed on rebel knee,
There woke and grew for weal or rue
A rebel heart in me.
A rebel heart, a rebel heart,
From taint of thralldom free,
God strengthen still through good or ill
The rebel heart in me.
My home was where the Moher heights
Rise rugged o´er the wave,
And nature´s sounds and nature´s sights
Forbade me live a slave.
The breakers on the crags that crashed
Loud thundered ´Liberty!´
And at the cry throbbed fast and high
The rebel heart in me.
I read my country´s chequered page;
I sang her deathless songs;
I wept her woes from age to age,
And burned to right her wrongs,
And when I saw to British law
She never bent the knee,
O prouder yet for Ireland beat
The rebel heart in me.
I found my brothers scattered wide
Still faithful to their own;
I found the tyrant in his pride
A knave upon a throne.
God ne´er designed a soulless hind
Should Lord of Ireland be
And strove in vain to break her chain
The rebel heart in me.
I´ve wandered east, I´ve wandered west,
Mid scenes and faces strange,
And passing years have in my breast
Worked many a wondrous change,
One hope of old still firm I hold
And cold in death I´ll be
E´er sinks or quails or shrinks or fails
The rebel heart in me!
Rebel's Sermon, The
Eva of the Nation
My brothers all, who hear me now,
Give ear to what I say;
The words are solemn that I speak
On this my dying day:
For Ireland´s love, for England´s hate,
I swore a solemn vow,
And if I swore it once before
I swear it ten times now!
For Ireland! For Ireland
Upon this drop I stand;
For Ireland, for Ireland,
My own native land!
Thrice blacker be the face of death,
Thrice brighter be the sky!
And yet for such a cause as this,
I´m well content to die!
I never knew what ´twas to fear,
And still I do not know;
And for the wrongs that tore my heart
I strove to deal a blow.
You´ll follow! You´ll follow!
The path I went before,
Like brave men, to save, men
Their old island shore!
I did the duty of a man;
I care for life no more;
If death will bring the cause some good,
Its stroke I won't deplore.
If one more throb of stern resolve
It raise in any breast,
If one more pulse of bitter hate
´Gainst England´s robber crest
´Tis welcome! ´Tis welcome!
Right merrily to me;
Victorious and glorious
The last hour I see!
And now the word I´d leave behind
Is Vengeance! Vengeance still!
O´er every plain I´d ring it out,
On every lofty hill.
Who cares a straw for life and limb
Deserves not to be free;
Who thinks of caution or of fear
Will frighten liberty.
Still daring, uncaring,
For all the might of man,
There is no other way, my boys,
To carry out your plan!
Red is the Rose
Come over the hills my bonnie Irish lass
Come over the hills to your darlin’
You choose the rose love and I’ll make the vow
And I’ll be your true love for ever
Chorus
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any.
‘Twas down by Killarney’s green woods that we strayed
And the moon and the stars they were shining
The moon shone it’s rays on her locks of golden hair
And she swore she’d be my love for ever
Chorus
It’s not for the parting of my sister Kate
It’s not for the grief of my mother
It’s all for the loss of my bonnie Irish lass
That my heart is breaking for ever
Chorus x 2
Rising Of The Moon, The
And come tell me Sean O'Farrell tell me why you hurry so
Husha buachaill hush and listen and his cheeks were all a glow
I bear orders from the captain get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon
And come tell me Sean O'Farrell where the gathering is to be
At the old spot by the river quite well known to you and me
One more word for signal token whistle out the marching tune
With your pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon
Out from many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed warning light
Murmurs rang along the valley to the banshees lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
All along that singing river that black mass of men was seen
High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor! Whistle out the marching tune
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon
'tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon
Riverdance
Hear me cry
In my hungering search for you
Taste my breath on the wind
See the sky
As it mirrors my colours
Hinds and whispers begin
I am living to nourish you, cherish you
I am pulsing the blood in your veins
Feel the magic and power of surrender to life
(Uisce Beatha)
Every finger is touching and searching
Until your secrets come out
In the dance as it endlessly circles
I linger close to your mouth
Roll Of Honour
Gerry O'Glacain
Read the roll of honour for Ireland's bravest men
We must be united in memory of the ten,
England you're a monster, don't think that you have won
We will never be defeated while Ireland has such sons.
In those dreary H-Block cages ten brave young Irishmen lay
Hungering for justice as their young lives ebbed away,
For their rights as Irish soldiers and to free their native land
They stood beside their leader - the gallant Bobby Sands.
Now they mourn Hughes in Bellaghy,
Ray McCreesh in Armagh's hills
In those narrow streets of Derry they miss O'Hara still,
They so proudly gave their young lives to break Britannia's hold
Their names will be remembered as history unfolds.
Through the war torn streets of Ulster the black flags did sadly sway
To salute ten Irish martyrs the bravest of the brave,
Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty
They gave their lives for freedom with Thomas McElwee.
Michael Devine from Derry you were the last to die
With your nine brave companions with the martyred dead you lie
Your souls cry out "Remember, our deaths were not in vain.
Fight on and make our homeland a nation once again !"
Rosin the Bow
(Chorus after each verse = last phrase of verse twice, followed by last line of verse)
I’ve traveled all over this world and now to another I go
And I know that good quarters are waiting to welcome old Rosin the Bow
Chorus
To welcome old Rosin the Bow, to welcome old Rosin the Bow
And I know that good quarters are waiting to welcome old Rosin the Bow
When I’m dead and laid out on the counter, a voice you will hear from below
Saying, ‘Send down a hogshead of whiskey to drink with old Rosin the Bow
To drink with old Rosin the Bow, to drink with old Rosin the Bow
Saying, ‘Send down a hogshead of whiskey to drink with old Rosin the Bow
And get a half dozen stout fellows and stack them all up in a row
Let them drink out of half gallon bottles to the memory of Rosin the Bow
Get this half dozen stout fellows and let hem all stagger and go
And dig a great hole in the meadow and in it put Rosin the Bow
Get ye a couple of bottles. Put one at me head and me toe
With a diamond ring scratch upon them the name of old Rosin the Bow
I feel that old tyrant approaching, that cruel remorseless old fool
And I lift up me glass in his honour to drink with old Rosin the Bow
Scots Wha Hae
Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled
Scots whom Bruce has often led
Welcome to you gory bed, or to victry
Nows the day an’ nows the hour
See the front of battle lour,
see approach proud Edwards pow’r
Chains an’ slavery
Wha will be a traitor knave,
wha can fill a cowards grave
Wha sae base as be a slave
Let him turn an flee
Wha for Scotland’s king an law
Freedom’s sword we’ll strangely draw
Freeman stand or freeman fa’
Let him follow me!
By oppressions woes and pains,
by our son’s in servile chains
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free
Lay the proud usur per’s low
Tyrant’s fa in every foe
Liberty’s in every blue
Let us do or dee!
Set Ireland Free
We read in history pages
Of the heroes of great fame.
The deeds they done and battles won
And how they made their name.
But the boys who wrote the history
Of the Orange, White and Green,
Are the boys who died in Dublin town in 1916.
There were some boys from Kerry,
Some boys from County Clare.
From Carlow, Wexford, Donegal,
And boys from old Kildare.
Some boys came from America,
From Boston and New York.
But the boys who bate the Black 'n' Tans
Were the boys from County Cork
We seem to be divided but I really don't know why.
We had brave men and heroes, and for Ireland they did die.
Now why not get together and join in unity,
The North, the South, the East and West
Will set old Ireland free.
From Cork came brave McSweeney,
A hero he did die.
From Wicklow came Paul Brady
In days so long gone by.
And Dublin gave us Padraic Pearse,
McBride and Cathal Brugha.
De Valera from America
Had to lead our country through.
Shall My Soul Pass Thru Old Ireland?
In a dreary British prison where an Irish rebel lay.
By his side a priest waits standing were his soul to pass away.
As he gently murmurs father, the priest takes him by the hand.
Father tell me if I die shall my soul pass through Ireland.
Shall my soul pass thru old Ireland pass thru Cork city grand.
Shall I see the old Cathedral where Saint Patrick made his stand.
Shall I see the little chapel where I placed my heart in hand.
Father tell me when I die shall my soul pass through Ireland.
Was for loving dear old Ireland in this prison cell I lie.
Was for loving dear old Ireland in this foriegn land I die.
When you see my little daughter won't you make her understand.
Father tell me if I die shall my soul pass through Ireland.
With his soul pure as a lily and his body sanctified.
In that dreary British prison our brave Irish rebel died.
Prayed the priest his wish be granted as his blessing he did (give).
Father grant this brave man's wish may his soul pass through Ireland.
She Moved Through the Fair
My young love said to me, "My mother won't mind
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind."
And she stepped away from me and this she did say
It will not be long, love, till our wedding day."
As she stepped away from me and she moved through the fair
And fondly I watched her move here and move there
And then she turned homeward with one star awake
Like the swan in the evening moves over the lake.
The people were saying, no two e'er were wed
But one had a sorrow that never was said
And I smiled as she passed with her goods and her gear
And that was the last that I saw of my dear.
Last night she came to me, my dead love came in
So softly she came that her feet made no din
She came close beside me and this she did say,
"It will not be long, love, 'til our wedding day."
Repeat last line ending on high note
Sing, Irishman, Sing
I dream of a beautiful picture
No more need we think of the past
They're singing and dancing in Ireland
And the people are happy at last.
Sing, Irishman, sing
So the sound of your voices will ring
And let the world know, it really is so
Sing, Irishman, sing.
There's laughter in Belfast and Derry
The music rings over the land
In Calvin, Kilkenny and Kerry.
Oh, boys, I can tell you, it's grand.
No more need little ones suffer
The rifles will bring no more pain
They're singing and dancing in Ireland
And the people are happy again.
I know that it's only a dream now
But my hopes will always remain
To see the sun shine over Ireland
And the people are happy again.
Siuil a ruin
I wish I was on yonder hill
Tis there Id sit and cry my fill
Till every tear would turn a mill
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.
Siuil, siuil, siuil a ruin
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh liom
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
Ill sell my rock, Ill sell my reel
Ill even sell my spinning wheel
to buy my love a sword of steel
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
Siuil, siuil, siuil a ruin
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh liom
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
I'll dye my petticoats, I'll dye them red
and it's round the World I will beg for bread
until my parents would wish me dead.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
Siuil, siuil, siuil a ruin
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh liom
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
I wish my love would return from France,
his fame and fortune there advanced.
If we meet again, 't will be by chance.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
Siuil, siuil, siuil a ruin
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh liom
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan
Sleep
Curl up, close your eyes and sleep
Sleep through the dark of night
Sleep till the morning light
Curl up, close your eyes and sleep
Curl up, close your eyes and dream
Think of the want you feel
Dream now, and dream it real
Curl up, close your eyes and dream
Tomorrow the world will be yours
Tomorrow will be so fine -
The heavens will smile, the sun will shine
Tomorrow the world will be yours
Curl up, close your eyes and sleep…
Song For Ireland
June Colclough, Phil Colclough
Walking all the day
Near tall towers where falcons build their nests
Silver-winged they fly
They know the call of freedom in their breasts
Saw Black Head against the sky
Where twisted rocks they run to the sea
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
I stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland
Drinking all the day
In old pubs where fiddlers love to play
Saw one touch the bow
He played a reel which seemed so grand and gay
Stood on Dingle Beach and cast
In wild foam we found Atlantic bass
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
I stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland
Talking all the day
With true friends who try to make you stay
Telling jokes and news
Singing songs to pass the time away
Watched the Galway salmon run
Like silver dancing, darting in the sun
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
I stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland
Dreaming in the night
I saw a land where no one had to fight
Waking in your dawn
I saw you crying in the morning light
Sleeping where the falcons fly
They twist and turn all in your air-blue sky
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
I stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland
Song For The Brave
Brian O'Higgins
I heard a song in Antrim,
I heard a song in Clare,
And in the homes of Ireland
I heard it everywhere.
The little children sang it
Beside the glowing fire
Twas lilted in the brown fields
By son and aged sire:
God be with the brave boys,
God be with the true,
Who gave their young and gallant lives
Dear Ireland for you!
Bright be their memory
In every town and glen;
God speed the day when to the fray
Their likes will march again!
I heard a prayer in Ireland
When people told their beads
And placed with God above them
Their sorrows and their needs:
It rose from many a sad heart,
And many a proud one too,
That gave its best and dearest
To one called Róisín Dubh:
I heard a call in Ireland
It rang from hill to hill,
And where it went a warrior host
Came thronging with a will
To march along the old road,
However hard it be
And fight again the old fight
For Ireland´s liberty.
Song Of The Celts
There's a blossom that blows, that scoffs at the snows
And it faces root fast the rage of the blast
It sweetens the sod no slave ever trod
Since the mountains upreared their altars to God
The flower of the free, the heather, the heather
The Bretons and Scots and Irish together
The Manx and the Welsh and Cornish forever
Six nations are we all Celtic and free
Our blossom is red as the life's blood we shed
For Liberty's cause against alien laws
When Lochiel and O'Neill and Llewellyn drew steel
For Alba's and Erin's and Cambria's weal
The flower of the free, the heather, the heather
The Bretons and Scots and Irish together
The Manx and the Welsh and Cornish forever
Six nations are we all Celtic and free
Let the Saxon and Dane bear the rule o'er the plain
On the hem of God's robe is our scepter and globe
For the Lord of all light revealed in his height
For heaven and earth rose up in his sight
The flower of the free, the heather, the heather
The Bretons and Scots and Irish together
The Manx and the Welsh and Cornish forever
Six nations are we all Celtic and free
Star Of The County Down
Near Banbridge town in the County Down one morning last July
Down a Boreen green came a sweet coleen 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 myself, for to see I was really there
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the brown coleen that I met in the County Down
As she onward sped, sure I scratched my head and I looked with a feeling rare
And 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 Irelands crown
Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann she's the star of the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the brown coleen that I met in the County Down
At the harvest fair she'll be surely there, so I'll dress in my Sunday clothes
With my shoes shone bright and my hat cocked right, for a smile from my nut-brown rose
No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke, til my plough is a rust-coloured brown
Til a smiling bride by my own fireside, sits the star of the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the brown coleen that I met in the County Down
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the brown coleen that I met in the County Down
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bono
I can't believe the news today
Oh, I can't close my eyes
And make it go away
How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight
Broken bottles under children's feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won't heed the battle call
It puts my back up
Puts my back up against the wall
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
And the battle's just begun
There's many lost, but tell me who has won
The trench is dug within our hearts
And mothers, children, brothers, sisters
Torn apart
How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight, tonight
Wipe the tears from your eyes
Wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Oh, wipe your blood shot eyes
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
And it's true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
The real battle just begun
To claim the victory Jesus won
On…
Tá mé i mo shuí
Tá mé 'mo shuí ó d’éirigh an ghealach aréir,
Ag cur teineadh síos gan scíth 's á fadú go géar,
Tá bunadh a’ tí 'na luí is tá mise liom féin,
Tá na coiligh ag glaoch 's tá 'n saol ina gcodladh ach mé.
Sheacht mh’anam déag, do bhéal, do mhalaí 's do ghrua,
Do shúil ghorm ghlé gheal fa’r thréig mé aiteas is suairc,
Le cumhaidh i do dhiaidh ní léir domh an bealach a shiúl,
Is a charaid mo chléibh, tá na sleibhte 'dul idir mé is tú.
Deireann lucht léinn gur cloíte an galar an grá,
Char admhaigh mé é go raibh sé 'ndhaiidh mo chroí 'stigh a chrá,
Ó aicíd ró-ghéar, faraor nár sheachnaigh mé í,
Chuir sí arraing 's céad go géar frid cheartlár mo chroí.
Casadh bean sí domh thíos ag Lios Bhéal an Áth’,
'S d’fhiafraigh mé díthe an scaoilfeadh glais ar bith grá,
'Sé duirt sí os íseal i mbriathra soineanta sámh’,
"Nuair a theann sí fan chroí, cha scaoiltear as é go brach."
//
I am awake since the moon arose last night
The fires have dwindled to greeshaigh red-bright
The rest of the household's asleep, but I weep on alone
The rooster is crowing, not knowing the cause of my moan.
The blessings of God on your brow and the red of your mouth
Your eyes blue and bright like the sky kissed by sun in the south
For love unrequited I'm blighted and driven astray
And the mountains now rear up between us to darken the way.
The sages maintain that love's pain is a strength-sapping plague
I do not deny that it aches like a colic or ague
There was no escape when it struck and I woke with a start
And a hundred and one piercing arrows shot straight through my heart.
Down Lisballina way I met a banshee with blue eyes
I begged and beseeched her love's leech from my poor heart to prise
She spoke soft and low, "It's a woe that will waste you away
When it pierces the heart it will smart until the crack of Doomsday."
Táimse im' chodhladh
Tráthnóinín déanach i gcéin cois leasa dom
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Sea dhearcas lem' thaobh an spéirbhean mhaisiúil
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Ba bhachallach péarlach dréimreach barrachas
A carnfholt craobhach ag titim léi ar bhaillechrith
'S í ag caitheamh na saighead trím thaobh do chealg mé
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Is mó buachaillín óg a thógadh go ceannasach
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Do cuireadh le foirmeart anonn thar farraige
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Go bheicfeadh an lá a mbeidh ár ar Shasanaigh
Ughaim ar a ndroim is iad ag treabhadh is ag branar dúinn
Gan mise a bheith ann mura dteannam an maide leo
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Ba bhachallach péarlach dréimreach barrachas
A carnfholt craobhach ag titim léi ar bhaillechrith
'S í ag caitheamh na saighead trím thaobh do chealg mé
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
Táimse im' chodhladh is ná dúistear mé
The Ash Grove
The ash grove how graceful, how plainly ‘ tis speaking
The wind through it playing has language for me
When over its branches the sunlight is breaking
A host of kind faces is gazing on me
The friends of my childhood again are before me
Fond memories waken as freely I roam
With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o’er me
The ash grove the ash grove that shelter’d my home
My laughter is over my step loses lightness
Old country side measures steal soft on my ear
I only remember the past and its brightness
The dear ones I mourn for again gather here.
From out of the shadows their loving looks great me
And wistfully searching the leafy green dome
I find other faces fond bending to greet me
The ash grove the ash grove alone is my home
The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee
Intro. 2 bars
Oh 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 seemed bright
Ere I dreamed that those joys would decay
My heart was as light as the fair wind that blows
Down the Mardyke through each elm tree
Where I sported and played ‘neath each green leafy shade
On the banks of my own lovely Lee
Where I sported and played ‘neath each green leafy shade
On the banks of my own lovely Lee
And then in the springtime of laughter 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’s sun’s sinking to rest
Sheds it’s 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
It’s gems shed their light on the world
And her faithful sons bore through ages of wrong
The banner St. Patrick unfurled
Oh would I were there with the friends I love best
And my fond bosom partner with me
We’d roam thy bank over and when weary we’d rest
By thy waters, my own lovely Lee
Yes we’d roam thy bank 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-gilded shore
While the steel-feathered eagle, oft splashing the brine
Brings longing for freedom once more
Oh all that upon earth I wish for or crave
That my last crimson drop be for thee
To moisten the grass on my forefathers grave
On the banks of my own lovely Lee
Yes to moisten the grass on my forefathers grave
On the banks of my own lovely Lee
Slow last line
The Banks of the Roses
On the Banks of the Roses my love and I sat down
And I took out my fiddle for to play my love a tune
In the middle of the tune oh she smiled and she said
Oh my Johnny lovely Johnny don’t you leave me
When I was a young lad I heard my father say
That he’d rather see me dead and be buried in the clay
Sooner than be married and a rovin’ runaway
By the lovely sweet Banks of the Roses
Chorus
Well now I am a runaway and sure I’ll let them know
That I can take the bottle or can leave it alone
And if her Daddy doesn’t like me he can keep his daughter home
And young Johnny will go rovin’ with another
Chorus
And if ever I get married t’will be in the month of May
When the leaves they are green and the meadows they are gay
And me and my true love will sit and sport and play
By the lovely sweet Banks of the Roses
Chorus x 2 (last line slow)
The Bard of Armagh
Oh list’ to the tale of a poor Irish Harper
And scorn not the string of his old withered hands
But remember those fingers they once could move sharper
To raise up the strains of his dear native land
It was long before the shamrock, dear isle’s lovely emblem
Was crushed in its beauty by the Saxons lion paw
And all the pretty colleens around me would gather
Call me their bold Phelim Brady, the Bard of Armagh
How I love to muse on the days of my boyhood
Though four score and three years have fled by them
It’s king’s sweet reflection that every young joy
For the merry hearted boys make the best of old me
At a fair or a wake I would twist my shillelah
And trip through a dance with my brogues tied with straw
There all the pretty maidens around me would gather
Call me their bold Phelim Brady, the Bard of Armagh
In truth I have wandered this wide world over
Yet Ireland’s my home and dwelling for me
And, oh let the turf that my old bones shall cover
Be cut from the land that is trod by the free
And when sergeant death in his cold arms doth embrace
And lull me to sleep with old Erin go Bragh
By the side of my Kathleen, my dear pride, oh place me
Then forget Phelim Brady, the Bard of Armagh
The Bergen
Sleep, why you wake me with these dreams that you bring
Dreams came to me where I lay
Deep the melody the wild waves sing
My love is far, far away
Chorus:
Pity the heart, the wild waves part
My love sails the bonny barque, the Bergen
They keep their nets on the deck by the light
Dreams came to me where I lay
They creep out gentle in the dead of night
My love is far, far away
They reap their heart from the cold night sea
Dreams came to me where I lay
It reeks with herring in the hold for me
My love is far, far away
Steep waves ride above his cold fair head
Dreams came to me where I lay
Keep him safe to lie here in my bed
My love is far, far away
It weeps with rain tonight where my love lies
Dreams came to me where I lay
Oh, wipe the foreign sands from out of his eyes
My love is far, far away
The Bold O Donoghue
Well here I am from Paddy’s land, a land of high renown
I broke the hearts of all the girls for miles from Keady town
And when they hear that I’m away they’ll raise a hullabaloo
When they hear about the handsome lad that they call O Donoghue
Chorus (Chords same as Verse)
For I’m the boy can please her and I’m the boy can squeeze her
And I’m the boy can tease her ach and I’ll tell you what I’ll do
I’ll court her like an Irishman with me brogue and blarney too as me plan
With me rollickin’, swollickin’, holliickin’ wollickin’ Bold O Donoghue
I wish me love was a red, red rose growin’ on yon garden wall
And for me to be a dew drop and upon her brow I’d fall
But perhaps now she might think of me as a rather heavy dew
And no more she’d love that handsome lad that they call O Donoghue
Chorus
They say that Queen Victoria has a daughter fine and grand
Perhaps she’d take it into her head for to marry an Irishman
And if only I could get the chance to have a word or two
I’m sure she’d take a notion for the bold O Donoghue
Chorus x 2
The Broom of Cowdenknowes
How blyth was I each morn tae see
My lass come o’er yon hill
She tripped a burn and ran tae me
I net her wi’ good will
Chorus:
Oh, the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
The broom o the Cowdenknowes
Fain wad I be in my ain countrie
Herding my faither’s yowes
Hard fate that I should banish be
Gang wearily and mourn
Because I loo’d the fairest lass
That every yet was born
Fareweel ye Cowdenknowes fareweel
Fareweel all ye pleasures there
Tae wander by her side again
Is all I crave or care
The Connemara Cradle Song
On wings of the wind oe’r the dark rolling deep
Angels are coming to watch oe’r thy sleep
Angels are coming to watch over thee
So list to the wind coming over the sea
Chorus
Hear the wind blow dear
Hear the wind blow
Hang your head over
And hear the wind blow
Oh winds of the night may your fury be crossed
May no one that’s dear to our island be lost
Blow the wind gently, calm be the foam
Shine the light brightly to guide them home
Chorus
The currachs are sailing way out in the blue
Laden with herring of silvery hue
Silver the herrin’ and silver the sea
And soon there’ll be silver for baby and me
Chorus
The currachs tomorrow will stand on the shore
And Daddy goes sailing, sailing no more
The nets will be drying, the nets heaven blessed
And safe in my arms dear contented he’ll rest
Chorus x 2
The Fisherman’s Song
By the storm torn shoreline a woman is standing
The sprays strung like jewels in her hair
And the sea tore the rocks near that desolate landing
As though it had known it stood there
Chorus:
For she had come down to condemn that wild ocean
For the murderous loss of her man
His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning
And it’s feared she’s gone down with all hands
Oh white were the wave caps and wild was their parting
So fierce is the warring of love
But she prayed to the Gods both of men and of sailors
Not to cast their cruel nets o’er her love
There’s a school on the hill where the sons of dead fathers
Are led to-wards tempests and gales
Where their God given wings are clipped close to their bodies
And their eyes are bound round with ship’s sails
What force leads a man to a life filled with danger
Aye and seas are a mile underground
It’s when need is his master and poverty’s no stranger
And there’s no other work to be found
The girl I left behind me
The dames of france are fond and free
And Flemish lips are willing
And soft the maids of Italy
And Spanish eyes are thrilling
Still though I bask beneath their smile
Their charms do fail to bind me
And my heart falls back to Erin’s Isle
To the girl I left behind
The Hawk and the Crow
Said the Hawk to the Crow one day, why do you in mourning stay?
I was in love and it didn’t prove fact
And ever since then I wear the black singing *Ri the diddle
Ri the diddle ri the diddley dum, singing ri the diddle
Ri the diddle ri the diddley dum* I was once in love and I
Didn’t prove fact, and ever since I wear the black
And next there spoke the Willy Wagtail, I was once in love and I did prevail
I was once in love and I did prevail, ever since I wag my tail **
I was once in love and I did prevail, and ever since I wag my tail
And next there spoke a little brow thrush
Who was sitting in yon holly bush, the way to court I’ve hear them say
Is to court all night and sleep all day **
The way to court I’ve heard them say, is to court all night and sleep all day
And last there spoke a Jeannie Wran
Do you know what I’d do if I was a man? For fear that one
Would wriggle and go, I would wear two strings upon my brow **
For fear that once would wriggle and go
I’d wear two strings upon my brow
The Irish Rover
On the fourth of July 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, she was rigged fore and aft
And how the trade winds drove her
She could stand several blasts in her twenty seven masts
And we called her the Irish Rover
We had one million bags of the best Sligo rags
We had two million barrels of stones
We had three million sides of old blind horses hides
We had four million barrels of bone
We had five million hogs, six million dogs
Seven million barrels of porter
We had eight million bales of old nanny goats tails
In the hold of 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 called Malone
There was Slugger O'Toole who was drunk as a rule
And fighting Bill Tracy from Dover
There was Dolan from Clare, just as strong as a bear
All aboard on the Irish Rover
We had sailed seven years when the measles broke out
And our ship lost it's way in the fog
Then the whole of the crew was reduced down to two
Just myself and the captain's old dog
The ship struck a rock, Lord what a shock
And nearly tumbled over
Turned nine times around and the poor old dog was drowned
I'm the last of the Irish Rover
(Last 2 lines slow)
(Repeat 2nd pair of lines and end)
The Juice of the Barley
In the sweet County Limerick one cold winter’s night
All the turf fires were burning when I first saw the light
And a drunken oul midwife went tipsy with joy
As she danced round the floor with her slip of a boy
Chorus:
Singing bainne na mbo is an gamhna *
And the juice of the barley for me
Well when I was a gossoon of eight years or so
With me turf and me primer to school I did go
To a dusty old schoolhouse without any door
Where lay the schoolmaster blind drunk on the floor
At the learning I wasn’t such a genius I’m thinkin’
But I soon beat the master entirely at drinkin’
Not a wake or a wedding for five miles around
But meself in the corner was sure to be found
One Sunday the priest read me out from the altar
Saying “You’ll end up your days with your neck in a halter
And you’ll dance a fine jig between heaven and hell
And his words they frighten me, truth for to tell
So the very next morning as the dawn it did break
I went down to the vestry the pledge for to take
And there in that room sat the priests in a bunch
Round a big roaring fire drinking tumblers of punch
Well form that day to this I have wandered alone
I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none
With the sky for me roof and the earth for me floor
And I’ll dance out me days drinking whiskey galore
Chorus (slow last line)
*Gaelic meaning ‘the milk of the cows and the calf’
Pronounced ‘ bawn-ya na mo is (as in this) an gown-na’
The Lily of the West
When first I came to Ireland
Some pleasure for to find
It’s there I spied a damsel fair
Most pleasing to my mind
Her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes
Like arrows pierced my breast
They call her lovely Molly O
The lily of the west
One day I was walking
Down by a shady grove
I spied a lord of high degree
Conversing with my love
As she sang a song delightfully
While I was sorely pressed
Saying I bid adieu to Molly O
The lily of the west
Well, I stepped up with my rapier
And my dagger in my hand
And I dragged him from my false love
And boldly bid him stand
Being mad with desperation
I swore I’d pierce his breast
I was then deceived by Molly O
The lily of the west
I then did stand my trial
And boldly I did plea
A flaw was in my indictment found
And that soon had me free
That beauty bright I did adore
The judge did her address
No go you faithless Molly O
The lily of the west
Now that I’ve gained my liberty
A roamin’ I will go
I’ll ramble through ol’ Ireland
And travel Scotland o’er
Though she thought to swear my life away
She still disturbs my rest
I still must style her Molly O
The lily of the west
The Mermaid
One Friday morn as we set sail and we were not far from the land
Our Captain he spied a mermaid so fair with a comb and a glass in her hand
Chorus
And the ocean waves do roll and the stormy winds do blow
And we poor sailors were skipping at the top
While the land lubbers lie down below, below, below
While the land lubbers lie down below.
Then up spoke the Captain of our gallant ship and a fine young Captain was he
This mermaid so fair has warned me of our doom that we’ll sink to the bottom of the sea
Then up spoke the first mate of our gallant ship and a fine spoken man was he
Saying ‘I have a wife in Brooklyn by the sea and tonight a widow she will be’
Then up spoke the cabin boy of our gallant ship and a fine young fellow was he
Oh I have a sweetheart in Salem by the sea and tonight she’ll be weeping there for me
Key A
Then up spoke the cook of our gallant ship and a crazy old butcher was he
I care much more for my pots and my pans than I do for the bottom of the sea
Three times round spun our gallant ship and three times spun she
Three times round spun our gallant ship then she sank to the bottom of the sea
Chorus x 2
vThe Ramblin' Rover
Chorus:
Oh there sober men a plenty and drunkards barley twenty
There are men of over ninety that have kissed a girl
But gie me a ramblin' rover and fae Orkney doun to Dover
We will roam the country over
And together we’ll face the world
I've roamed through all the nations
Ta’en delight in all creation
And I've tried a wee sensation
When the company did prove kind
And when parting was no pleasure
I've drunk another measure
To the good friends that we treasure
For they always are in our minds
Oh there’s many who feign enjoyment
From merciless employment
Their ambition was this deployment
From the minute they left the school
They saved and scrape and ponder
While the rest go out and squander
See the world and rove and wander
And they’re happier as a rule
If you’re bent with arthritis
Your bowls have got colitis
You’ve got gallopin’ bollocktis
And your thinking it’s time you died
If you’ve been a man of action
Though your lyin' there in traction
You may gain some satisfaction thinkin’
Jesus at least I tried.
Chorus 2x
The Rose Of Tralee
The pale moon was rising above the green mountain
The sun was declining beneath the blue sea
When I strayed with my love to the pure crystal fountain
That stands in the beautiful vale of Tralee
Chorus
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer
Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me
Oh no ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary the Rose of Tralee
Instrumental Verse
The cool shades of evening their mantles were spreading
And Mary all smiling sat listening to me
The moon through the valley her pale rays were shedding
When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee
Chorus
Repeat last line slow
The Streams of Bunclody
Oh were I at the moss house where the birds do increase
At the foot of Mount Leinster or some silent place
By the streams of Bunclody where all pleasures meet
And all I would ask is one kiss from you sweet
The streams of Bunclody they flow down so free
By the streams of Bunclody I’m longing to be
A-drinking strong liquor in the height of my cheer
Here’s a health to Bunclody and the lass I love dear
Oh ‘tis why my love slights me as you might understand
For she has a freehold and I have no land
She has great stores of riches and a fine sum of gold
And everything fitting a house to uphold
If I were a clerk and could write a good hand
I would write my love a letter that she would understand
For I am a young fellow that is wounded in love
Once I lived in Bunclody but now must remove
So fare thee well father and mother,adieu
My sisters and brothers farewell unto you
I am bound for America my fortune to try
When I think of Bunclody I’m ready to die
The Valley of Strathmore
By the clear an’ the winding streams
In the valley of Strathmore
Where my love an’ I have been
Where we’ll wander never more
Chorus:
But if time was a thing a man could buy
All the money that I have in store
I would give for one day by her side
In the valley of Strathmore
From the glen of the Golden an’ Green
I left for a land far away
Where sadness has never been seen
Aye an’ joy only costs a day’s pay
In Strathmore there’s a long working day
For a man wi’ his hands on the ploo
But it’s work I’d be happy tae dae
If at night I were laying wi’ you
As I take a long draught from my glass
O I’m dringin’ alone here again
An’ I try no’ tae think o’ my lass
For the old days will ne’er come again
They Wounded Old Ireland
Come gather 'round you freeborn men
And draw your chairs to mine.
And I'll tell you of my country,
That you might understand.
And of the English armies,
That marched in for to stay.
Oh that night they wounded Old Ireland,
And she's bleeding to this day.
Their dogs of war were loosed to run
And hunt the rebels down
They hoped to rule this land by fear
And hold it for the Crown
But a mighty thought was born in Men
When they killed James Connolly
Oh that night they wounded Old Ireland
And she's bleeding to this day.
The Border lies like an open wound
That only love can heal
For bitterness and cruelty
They will never close the weal
The mean of vision built a dream
Which the blind men stole away
Ah that night they wounded old Ireland
And she's bleeding to this day.
My heart it holds a vision clear
That thousands more can see
Of Ireland free from hatred
And death and bigotry
Where Irishman to Irishman
Can in friends clasp a hand
If we banish fright from the Ulster night
Then we'll free Old Ireland.
Three Score And Ten
Methinks I see a host of craft spreading their sails a-lea
As down the Humber they do glide, bound for the cold North Sea
Methinks I see on each small craft, a crew with hearts so brave
Going of to earn their daily bread upon the restless wave
Chorus (Repeat after each verse)
And it's three score and ten boys and men were lost from Grimsby Town
From Yarmouth down to Scarborough many hundreds more were drowned
Their herring craft, their trawlers, their fishing smacks as well
Had gone to fight that bitter night and battle with the swell
Methinks I see them yet again as they leave this land behind
Casting their nets into the sea,the herring shoals to find
Methinks I see them yet again and they all on board alright
With the nets rolled in and the decks cleaned up and the sidelights burning bright
Key D
Methinks I hear the Captain say "Me lads we'll shot and sail
For the sky to all appearances looks like approaching gale
Methinks I see them yet again and the midnight hour was past
Their little craft a-battling there all with the icy blast
October's night brought such a sight,t'was never seen before
There was masts and yards and broken spars washed up upon the shore
There was many a heart of sorrow,there was many a heart so brave
There was many a fine and noble lad to find a watery grave
Repeat last line of chorus
Tiocfaidh an samhradh
Altan
Tiocfaidh an samhradh agus fásfaidh an fhear
Tiocfaidh an duilliúr ghals ar bharr na gcraobh
Tiocfaidh mo rún searc le bánú an lae
Agus buailfidh sí tiúin suas le cumhaidh i mo dhiadh
Is óg’s is óg a chuir mé dúil l ngreann
Dhéanfainn súgradh le mo rún ar faill
Níl bailc cuain ar bith ‘a ngluaisfinn ann
Nach bhfaighinn maighdean óg dheas a thrialladh liom
Splóid ar an fharraige ná is í atá mór
Is í atá a gabhail idir mé is mo mhíle stór
D’fhag sí ar an bhaile seo mé a déanamh bróin
Is gan aon súil lena feiceál arís níos mó
Scairt mé aréir ag an doras ann
Scairt mé arís ar mo rún go teann
‘Sé duirt a daidí liom nach raibh sí ann
Ná gur ealaigh sí aréir leis an buachaill donn
Tóigfidh mé mo sheolta
Tóigfidh mé mo sheolta go Dúiche Sheoigheach ar maidin
Ar cuairt chuig mo mhíle stóirín is go deo deo ní chasfad
Go dtaga bláth buí ar an eorna is go dtosaí an Fómhar ag gabháil chun finne
Is nach breá deas an rud í an óige is i ndiaidh mo stóirín atá mise.
Mo dhílleachtín cráite 'sea fágadh mé gan athair
'S dá mbeadh mo chliú i ndán dom cér chás dhom a bheith folamh
Níl aon fhear in Éirinn a dhéanfadh éagóir ar mo shamhail
Nár dheacair dhó a leas a dhéanamh ná ' gabháil ar aon chor go na flaithis.
Thuas i gciumhais a' tsléibhe atá an péarla a bhíos mo mhealladh
Buachaillín na gruaige báine a bhfuil fáinne a' gháire faoina hata
Agus gheall sé dhom go bpógfadh sé mo rós-bhéilín meala
Ach ní léir dhom na bóithrí ag na deora do mo dhalladh.
Tá 'fhios ag na daoine gur iomaí smaoineamh crua deacrach
Ag imeacht thrí m'intinn gach oíche ar mo leaba
Ach más fortún é atá i ndán dom is nach bhfuil fáil a'm a dhul thairis
Bí romham ag na crosbhóithrí is beidh muid pósta roimh an mhaidin.
Tá féar fada agus fásach i ngleanntaí álainn i bhfad ó bhaile
A mbíonn úllaí agus áirní ann fásta ar bharra crannna
Is cuma liomsa céard déarfas aon neach ní hé mo chéad searc a déarfas tada
Más í do mháithrín atá 'do dhiaidh orm, fuil a croí amuigh ar leac an teallaigh.
-oOo-
I'll set off for Dúiche Sheoigheach in the morning,
to visit my darling and never will I return;
until the barley turns to marigold and the Autumn begins to brighten.
Youth is a fine thing, but it's after my love I am.
I was left a tormented orphan without a father
and if my honour were intact I'd not mind being poor;
any man in Ireland who'd cause harm to one like me,
would find it difficult to do well or to gain entrance to heaven.
Up at the edge of the mountain lives the pearl who charms me,
the boy with fair hair and a great smile below his hat.
He promised he'd kiss my sweet mouth,
but I cannot see the road, the tears are blinding me.
People know that it's many a difficult and bitter thought
enters my mind each night on my bed,
but if this is my fate and there is no escape from it,
meet me at the crossroads and we'll be wedded before morning.
There is long grass and rich pasture in lovely faraway glens
where apples and sloes grow on treetops;
I don't care what anyone says, my first love won't fault me.
If it's your mother who disapproves of me, may her blood flow on the hearthstone.
Wearing Of The Green, The
"O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a cruel law ag'in the Wearin' o' the Green."
I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor ould Ireland, and how does she stand?"
"She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen,
For they're hanging men and women there for the Wearin' o' the Green."
"So if the color we must wear be England's cruel red
Let it remind us of the blood that Irishmen have shed;
And pull the shamrock from your hat, and throw it on the sod
But never fear, 'twill take root there, though underfoot 'tis trod.
When laws can stop the blades of grass from growin' as they grow
And when the leaves in summer-time their color dare not show,
Then I will change the color too I wear in my caubeen;
But till that day, please God, I'll stick to the Wearin' o' the Green."
When I Was Single
When I was single I wore a plaid shawl
Now that I’m married I’ve nothing at all
Chorus
Ah but still I love him I’ll forgive him
I’ll go with him wherever he goes
He came up our alley and he whistled me out
But the tail of his shirt from the trousers hung our
Chorus
(Key D – repeat last line of chorus)
He bought me a handkerchief red, white and blue
But before I could wear it he tore it in two
Chorus
He brought me to an alehouse and he bought me some stout
But before I could drink it he ordered me out
Chorus
(Key E – repeat last line of chorus)
He borrowed some money to buy me a ring
Then he and the jeweler went off on a fling
Chorus
There’s cakes in the oven, there’s cheese on the shelf
If you want anymore you can sing it yourself
Chorus
(repeat last line of chorus…’yes, I’ll go with …….’ )
When Irish eyes are smiling
There’s a tear in your eye and I’m wondering why
For it should never be there at all
With such a pow’r in your smile, sure a stone you’d beguile
So there’s never a tear drop should fall
When your sweet lilting laughter’s like some fairy song
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be
You should laugh all the while and all other times smile
And now smile a smile for me.
Chorus:
When Irish eyes are smiling sure it like a morn in spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy all the worlds seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they’ll steal your heart away
For your smile is a part, of the love in your heart
And it makes even sunshine more bright
Like the linnets sweet song crooning all the day long
Comes your laughter so tender and light
For the springtime of life is the sweetest of all
There is ne’er a real care or regret
And while springtime is ours
Throughout all of youth’s hours
Let us smile each chance we get.
Whistling Gypsy
Chorus:
Ha le du ha le du da day
Ha le du ha le day de, He whistled and he sang
‘Til the green woods rang, An’ he won
The heart of the lady
Whistling gypsy came o’er the hill, down thru
The valley so shady, he whistled and he sang til
The green woods rang, and he won the heart of the lady
She left her fathers castle gate, she left own fond lover
She left her servants and her estate
To follow the gypsy rover
Her father saddled his fastest steed
Roamed the valley all over
Sought out his daughter at great speed and the whistling
Gypsy rover
He came at last to a castle fine down by the river glyde
An’ there was music and there was wine
For the gypsy and his lady
He is no gypsy my father, she said
But lord of these lands all over
An I will stay til my dying day
With my whistling gypsy rover.
Will ye go lassie go
(Wild Mountain Thyme)
Oh the summer is coming and the trees are
Sweetly blooming, an the wild mountain thyme grows
Around the bloomin heather will ye go lassie go.
Chorus:
An we’ll all go together to pluck wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go
I will build my love a tower near yon pure crystal
Fountain an around it I will plant
All the flowers of the mountain
We’ll ye go lassie go
I will roam through the wide and the wild Glenn sae dreary
An return wi my plunder tae the tower o my dreary
Will ye go lassie go
If my true love will no ha me, I can surely find another
Where the wild mountain thyme
Grows around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go
Woad
(Tune of “March of the Men of Harlech)
What’s the use of wearing braces
Hats or spats or shoes with laces
Vests and pants you buy in places
Down on Brompton Road
What’s the use of shirts of cotton
Studs that always get forgotten
These affairs are simply rotten
Better far is woad
Woad’s the stuff to show men
Woad to scare your foe men
Boil it to a brillieant blue
And rub it on your legs and abdomen
Ancient Britain’s never hit on
Anything as good as woad to fit on
Neck or knees or where you sit on
Tailors you be blowed
Romans came across the channel
All dressed up in tin and flannel
Half a pint of woad per man’ll
Clothe us more than these
Saxons you may save your stitches
Building beds for bugs in britches
We have woad to clothe us which is
Not a nest for fleas
Romans keep your armors
Saxons your pajamas
Hairy coats were made for goats
Gorillas, yaks, retriever dogs and llamas
March on snow dawn with your woad on
Never mind if you get rained or snowed on
Never need a button sewed on
Good for us today
Women Are Worse Than the Men, The
Now there was an old man lived at Kellyburn braes
And he had a wife was he plague of his days.
The divil he came to the man at the plough,
Saying, "One of your family I must take now."
Said he, "My good man, I've come for your wife,
For I hear she's the plague and torment of your life,"
So the divil he hoisted her up on his back,
And landed at Hell's hall-door with a crack,
There were two little divils a playing with chains,
She upp'd with her stick, and knocked out their brains.
There were two other divils looked over the wall
They said,"Take her away or she'll murder us all."
So the divil he hoisted her up on his back,
And back to the old man hurried the pack.
They were seven years going and nine coming back,
Yet she asked for the scrapings she left in the pot.
Said he, "My good man, here's your wife back again,
For she wouldn't be kept, not even in Hell!
Now, I've been a divil the most of my life,
But I ne'er was in Hell till I met with your wife,"
So it's true that the women are worse than the men,
For they went down to Hell and were threw out again.
Wrap The Green Flag Round Me, Boys
J. K. O'Reilly
Wrap the green flag round me, boys,
To die were far more sweet,
with Erin's noble emblem boys,
To be my winding sheet.
In life l loved to see it wave,
And follow where it led,
But now my eyes grow dim - my hand
Would grasp its last bright shred.
Then wrap the green flag round me, boys,
To die were far sweet
With Erin's noble emblem boys,
To be my winding sheet.
And I had hoped to meet you, boys,
On many a well-fought field,
When to our sacred banner, boys,
The traitorous foe would yield,
But now, alas! I am denied
My dearest earthly prayer,
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe,
But l shall not be there.
But though my body moulders, boys,
My spirit will be free,
And every comrade's honour, boys,
Will yet be dear to me.
And in the thick and bloody fight
Let not your courage lag.
For I'll be there and hovering near
Around the dear old flag.
You'll Never Walk Alone
Oscar Hammerstein
When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don't be afraid of the dark,
At the end of a storm, there's a golden sky,
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown…
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone…
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone…
Your Daughters And Your Sons
Tommy Sands
They wouldn't hear your music and your paintings they pulled down,
they wouldn't read your writings and they banned you from town.
But they couldn't stop you thinking and a victory you've won,
for you've sowed the seed of freedom in your daughters and your sons.
Chorus:
In your daughters and your sons, in your daughters and your sons,
sowed the seeds of freedom in your daughters and your sons.
Your weary smile it proudly hides the chain marks on your hands,
as you bravely strive to realize the rights of every man.
Though your bodys bent and low, a victory you've won,
for you've sowed the seed of justice in your daughters and your sons.
Chorus
I don't know your religion gut one day I heard you pray,
for a world where everyone could work and children they could play.
Though you never realized a victory you've won,
for you've sowed the seed of equality in your daughters and your sons.
Chorus
They tortured you in Belfast and they taunted you in Spain
and in that Warsaw ghetto they tied you up in chains.
In Vietnam and Chile they came with tanks and guns,
It's there you sowed the seed of Peace in your daughters and your sons.
Chorus
Now your music's playing and the writing's on the wall
and all the dreams you've painted can be seen by one and all.
Now you've got them thinking and a victory you've won,
for you've sowed the seed of freedom in your daughters and your sons.
Chorus