BACK HOME IN DERRY
(Bobby Sands)
In 1803 we sailed out to sea, out from the sweet town of Derry
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown, and the marks of our fetters we carried
In our rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains, our good women we left in sorrow
As the main sails unfurled, our curses, we hurled on the English and thoughts of tomorrow
Chorus:
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, I wish I was back home in Derry
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, I wish I was back home in Derry
At the mouth of the Foyle bid farewell to soil, as down below decks we were lying
O'Dougherty screamed woken out of a dream, by a vision of bold Robert dying
The sun it burnt cruel as we dished out the gruel, Dan O'Connor came down with a fever
Sixty rebels today bound Botany Bay, how many will reach their receiver
Chorus
We cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell, our shipped danced like a moth in the firelight
White horses ride high as the devil passed by, taking souls to Hades by twilight
Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three, we buried our comrades each morning
In our own slime we were lost for a time, endless nights without dawning
Chorus
Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man, to live out his whole life in slavery
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law, neither wind nor rain care for bravery
Twenty years have gone by I've ended my bond, my comrade's ghosts walk behind me
A rebel I came, I'm still the same, on the cold winds of night you will find me
Chorus
Chorus
BACK IN DURHAM GAOL
(Jez Lowe)
I'm a poor man as honest as they come I never was a thief until they caught me,
The judge said he swore me hands were red, no matter how I pled they found me guilty,
There was no bail, I'm off to Durham Gaol, I'm going and nothing now can save me,
Calamities they always come in threes, and that's how many months it was they gave me.
Chorus:
And it's no never in the livelong day,
Will you find me back in Durham Gaol.
And it's no never in the livelong day,
Will you find me back in Durham Gaol.
'Twas a gray day when first I went astray, the divil take the man who came to tempt me,
For in no time me life was one of crime, and now you see the trouble that its got me.
There are four bare walls at which stare, me food and me lodgings they are paid for,
You can't see the turning of the key, to hear the turning that is all you wait for.
Chorus
Oh it's sad to say that here I to stay, with only iron bars around to lean on,
I get a bath to dampen down me wrath, though it's barely just a month ago I got one,
God knows I need a suit of clothes, you'd think they could have found a one to fit me
Me boots would be fine if they were both a nine, I'm walking like a fall of stones had hit me
Chorus
And I'm sure that me mother's heart would break, to see me in a state of such repentance,
I'm glad she's not around to see, and I'll be out before she finished her sentence,
The sun will shine, I'll leave it all behind, knowing I've done me time and done me duty,
Then out of the gate on the narrow and the straight, to the place where I've buried all the booty.
BACK TO TUAM
(Moran/Carton)
Seven years since I took the road and caught the magic bus aboard
In the city there's worlds of wonderful stuff I've taken some trips and capture the buzz
But I've had enough of this crowded place, too many people and not enough space
I've got some songs I'd like to put down; I hear Kenny's gone 24 track now
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on my way and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
I miss the walking up the street, every few yards there's someone to meet
Will you go for a pint or I meet have two, the porter tastes great in the afternoon
Meself and herself have broken up, I know you'll that it's all for luck
Time is a healer it heals all wounds, I hope it starts on mine real soon
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on my way and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
They moved the cross; it must feel lakes, walking around the square
Someone told me that Joe Bags skirted, he's gone to God knows where
Are the football men still standing, discussing last Sunday's match
Is the rustic vaults still the same, is there music in the thatch
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on the road and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
I'm goin' back, me bags are packed, I'm goin' back to Tuam
THE BALENA
The noble fleet of whalers came sailing from Dundee
Well manned by British sailors to work upon the sea
On the western ocean passage none with them can compare
For there's not a ship could make the trip as Balena I declare
Chorus:
The wind is on the quarter and her engine working free
And there's not another whaler that sails out from Dundee
Can beat the ould Balena she'll need no trial run
For we challenge all both great and small from Dundee to St. John
It happened on Tuesday three days out of Dundee
The Gale took off the long boat and a couple of men you see
That took away our bulwark out stanchions and our rails
And left the ould Balena a frothing in the gales
There's a new built Terra Nova she's a model with no doubt
There's the “Arctic” and the “Aurora” you've heard so much about
There's Jacklin's model mail-boat the terror of the sea
Couldn't beat the ould Balena boys on a passage from Dundee
Chorus
Bold Jacklin cut the canvas and fairly raised the steam
And Captain Guy with Erin boy goes ploughing through the stream
But Millan says the “Eskimo” could beat the bloomin' lot
But to beat the ould Balena boys they'd find it rather hot
And now that we have landed boys where the rum is mighty cheap
We'll drink success to Captain Guy for getting o'er the deep
And health to all our sweethearts and to our wives so fair
Not another ship could make that trip but the Balena I declare
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF BALLINAMORE
(Fintan Valley)
Leitrim is a very funny place sir a strange and troubled land
All the boys are in the IRA sir all the women in Cumann na Ban
Every tractor has a Nicky Kelly sticker displayed for all to see
Sure it was no wonder that the Gardai made a blunder
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus:
Every bird upon my word is singing "I'm a rebel" sir up in Mohill sir
Every hen indeed is laying hand grenades I do declare sir in Dromahair sir
Every crock of a Leitrim cock is longing to be free
Even sheep are advising there'll be another risin'
Sez your man from RTE
Today Tonight went to Ballinamore sir they were briefed by the Gardai
On the video they showed to them the Provos 'atin curry and drinking tea
The were all wearin' Russian balaclavas each carried an RPG
British scalps around their tummy pockets full of stolen money
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Leitrim is seething with sedition it's Sinn Fein through and through
All the task force have joined the local unit the post office is the GHQ
They've a racetrack underground for training Shergar
"No comment" is all they'll say to me
Subversion here is bubblin' oh please take me back to Dublin
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Oh the other day I traveled down the road sir and spied in a an old boreen
Such a bunch of Fenians there sir dressed in orange white and green
The IRA sent me a time bomb in the mail
So be Jasus and begorrah I'll be gettin' out tomorrow
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF BILLY REID
I'll sing you a song of a terrible wrong,
When the flags they flew at half-mast
And a man he lay dead, he'd been riddled with lead
He died on the streets of Belfast
Chorus:
Oh, the radio said, "There's another shot dead,
And he died with a gun in his hand.”
But they didn't why Billy Reid had to die
He died to free Ireland
It happened one day when the bold IRA
Went out to fight for their land
With an old Thompson gun, they'd the troops on the run
And returning to home was their plan
Chorus
When returning the gun, Billy met British Huns
And when the fight had begun
His position was dire and his gun wouldn't fire
And he died with the old Thompson Gun
Chorus
Although he lay dead, he was kicked in the head
By the hair they dragged him around
They still fear him yet, and they'll never forget
How brave Billy Reid stood his ground
Chorus
If you think he was right, come and join in the fight
And help to free Belfast
For the blood that he shed, and although he lay dead
In our minds his memory will last
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF JACK DOOLIN
There was a wild colonial boy Jack Doolin was his name
Of poor but honest parents he was born near Castlemane
He was his father's only son his mother's pride and joy
And dearly did his parents love their wild colonial boy
At the early of sixteen years he left his native home
And round Australia's sunny shores a bushranger did roam
He robbed the wealthy squatters their stock he did destroy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy
Chorus:
So come along me hearty's we'll roam the mountains high
Together we will plunder and together we will die
We'll wander over valleys and gallop over plains
And scorn to live in slavery bound down in iron chains
In '61 this daring youth commenced his wild career
With a heart that knew no danger, no foeman did he fear
He held up the Beechwood mail coach and robbed judge McEvoy
Who trembling told give up his gold to the wild colonial boy
Well he bade the judge good morning and told him to beware
He never robbed an honest who acted on the square
But a man who'd robbed his mother of her son and only joy
He could expect no mercy from the wild colonial boy
Chorus
One day as he was riding the mountainside along
Listening to the kookaburra's pleasant laughing song
He spied three mounted troopers Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
With a warrant for the capture of the wild colonial boy
Surrender now Jack Doolin you see we're three to one
Surrender in the King's high name you are a highwayman
Jack drew a pistol from his belt and waved it like a toy
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy
Chorus
He fired at trooper Kelly that brought him to the ground
And in return from Davis he received his fatal wound
All shattered through the jaw he lay still firing at Fitzroy
And that's the way they captured him the wild colonial boy
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF JAMES LARKIN
(Donagh MacDonagh)
In Dublin City in 1913 the boss was rich and the poor were slaves
The women working, the children starving, then on came Larkin like a mighty wave
The workmen cringed when the boss man thundered, seventy hours was his weekly chore
He asked for little and less was granted, lest gettin' little, then he'd ask for more
But on came Larkin in 1913, a mighty man with a mighty tongue
The voice of labor, the voice of justice, and he was gifted and he was young
God sent Larkin in 1913, a labor man with a union tongue
He raised the workers and gave them courage; he was their hero, the worker's son
It was in August the boss man told us, no union man for him could work
We stood by Larkin and told the boss man, we'd fight or die, but we would not shirk
Eight months we fought and eight months we starved; we stood by Larkin through thick and thin
But food less homes and the crying of children, they broke our hearts, we could not win
When Larkin left us we seemed defeated. The night was black for the working man,
But on came Connolly with hope and counsel. His motto was that we'd rise again
In 1916 in Dublin city, the English soldiers they burnt our town
They shelled the buildings, and shot our leaders; the harp was buried beneath the crown
They shot McDermott and Pearse and Plunkett; they shot McDonagh and Clarke the brave.
From bleak Kilmainham the took their bodies to Arbour Hill to a quicklime game
But last of all of the seven leaders I sing the praise of James Connolly
The voice of labor, the voice of justice, he gave his life that men might be free
THE BALLAD OF LYNCH'S ARMY
Jack Lynch came out from Dublin and he had 10,000 men
He marched them up to the border and he marched back again
But such an armored column lads the like was never seen
500 mounted bicycles all-wearing of the green
Chorus:
Let him go let him tarry let him sink or let him swim
He does give a damn for us nor we a damn for him
He sits on his ass in Dublin and hope he does enjoy
Selling out his country for he's England's little boy
Well, the Special Branch in are something for to see
They'll crawl out of the castle to inform on you and me
But the day is coming soon me boys you'll hear those rifles bark
The only snakes in Ireland will be in the Phoenix Park
Chorus
Well, Jack where were you last August with all your merry men
Ah were you on the Falls Road or in the Bogside then
No you were phoning London and squealing all you knew
On every Irish rebel that would hold a gun it's true
Chorus
When we finally get our freedom we'll make them understand
Scrap Fianna Fail Gestapo and all their rotten band
But we want a true Republic with the workers in command
That won't betray their countrymen of sell them out of hand
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF RONNIE'S MARE
(Phil Coulter/Bill Martin)
You can sing of all your sport'n hero's like Mr. McGrath and the rest
But there's a horse in the county of Wicklow that's beaten all of the best
The slowest humper, the lowest jumper and great for a stroll 'round the park
Chorus:
The servant lasses, the upper classes and daughters of millionaires
They all appear from far and near for a ride on Ronnie's mare
For a ride on Ronnie Drew's mare
In Greystone's town on a Sunday morning a crowd will always appear
To catch a glimpse of the famous mare they call the horse of the year
She's the best at racin', but sees no disgracin'
Pulling a big old milk cart
Chorus
In the Barnaby bar boys talked of the horse show and they said she ought to be showed
She was tutored and trained by the two Evans boys on the grass by the side of the road
Though she won up in Dublin without any troublin',
Next day she was back in the cart
Chorus
Joe Sweeny the punter suggested one day they should enter her in for a race
So all was arranged, Billy Fox would be jockey and New Castle would be the place
But the boys all agreed it, even if she succeeded,
She'd go back to deliverin' milk
Chorus
Well, the boys where there to lay out their ready's and cheer the horse past the post
But when Fox had a look at the competition, he turned as white as a ghost
We'll have some hassle to beat Willy Castle
Says Ronnie "for jeez sake!"
Chorus
The race it was tough, but the mare she was flyin' they knew that she couldn't loose
But in the midst of the celebrations arrived some tragic news
In her finest hour all the milk had gone sour
So now she was out of a job
Chorus
BALLAD OF ST. ANNE'S REEL
He was stranded in some tiny town of 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 fiddling in the distant far behind him
A dime across the counter then, a shy hello, a brand new friend
Walk along the street in the wintry weather
A yellow light, an open door, a welcome friend, there's room for more
And then they're standing there inside together
He said I've heard that tune some where before, but I can't remember when
Was it on some other friendly shore, did I hear it in the wind
Was it written on the sky above, I think I heard from someone I love
But I've never heard it sound so sweet since then
And now his feet begin to tap, a little boy says, 'I'll take your hat'
And he's caught up in the magic of his smile
And leap the heart within him went, when off across the floor he's sent
His clumsy body graceful as a child
He said there's magic in the fiddler's arm, there's magic in the town
There's magic in the dancer's feet and the way they put them down
Smiling people everywhere, boots and ribbons, locks of hair
Laughter, 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
The empty chairs, the wooden floors, 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
The strings are broke, the bow is gone, and the case is button down
But sometime on December nights, when the air is cold and the wind is right
There's a melody comes passing through the town
(Bobby Sands)
In 1803 we sailed out to sea, out from the sweet town of Derry
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown, and the marks of our fetters we carried
In our rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains, our good women we left in sorrow
As the main sails unfurled, our curses, we hurled on the English and thoughts of tomorrow
Chorus:
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, I wish I was back home in Derry
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, I wish I was back home in Derry
At the mouth of the Foyle bid farewell to soil, as down below decks we were lying
O'Dougherty screamed woken out of a dream, by a vision of bold Robert dying
The sun it burnt cruel as we dished out the gruel, Dan O'Connor came down with a fever
Sixty rebels today bound Botany Bay, how many will reach their receiver
Chorus
We cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell, our shipped danced like a moth in the firelight
White horses ride high as the devil passed by, taking souls to Hades by twilight
Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three, we buried our comrades each morning
In our own slime we were lost for a time, endless nights without dawning
Chorus
Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man, to live out his whole life in slavery
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law, neither wind nor rain care for bravery
Twenty years have gone by I've ended my bond, my comrade's ghosts walk behind me
A rebel I came, I'm still the same, on the cold winds of night you will find me
Chorus
Chorus
BACK IN DURHAM GAOL
(Jez Lowe)
I'm a poor man as honest as they come I never was a thief until they caught me,
The judge said he swore me hands were red, no matter how I pled they found me guilty,
There was no bail, I'm off to Durham Gaol, I'm going and nothing now can save me,
Calamities they always come in threes, and that's how many months it was they gave me.
Chorus:
And it's no never in the livelong day,
Will you find me back in Durham Gaol.
And it's no never in the livelong day,
Will you find me back in Durham Gaol.
'Twas a gray day when first I went astray, the divil take the man who came to tempt me,
For in no time me life was one of crime, and now you see the trouble that its got me.
There are four bare walls at which stare, me food and me lodgings they are paid for,
You can't see the turning of the key, to hear the turning that is all you wait for.
Chorus
Oh it's sad to say that here I to stay, with only iron bars around to lean on,
I get a bath to dampen down me wrath, though it's barely just a month ago I got one,
God knows I need a suit of clothes, you'd think they could have found a one to fit me
Me boots would be fine if they were both a nine, I'm walking like a fall of stones had hit me
Chorus
And I'm sure that me mother's heart would break, to see me in a state of such repentance,
I'm glad she's not around to see, and I'll be out before she finished her sentence,
The sun will shine, I'll leave it all behind, knowing I've done me time and done me duty,
Then out of the gate on the narrow and the straight, to the place where I've buried all the booty.
BACK TO TUAM
(Moran/Carton)
Seven years since I took the road and caught the magic bus aboard
In the city there's worlds of wonderful stuff I've taken some trips and capture the buzz
But I've had enough of this crowded place, too many people and not enough space
I've got some songs I'd like to put down; I hear Kenny's gone 24 track now
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on my way and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
I miss the walking up the street, every few yards there's someone to meet
Will you go for a pint or I meet have two, the porter tastes great in the afternoon
Meself and herself have broken up, I know you'll that it's all for luck
Time is a healer it heals all wounds, I hope it starts on mine real soon
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on my way and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
They moved the cross; it must feel lakes, walking around the square
Someone told me that Joe Bags skirted, he's gone to God knows where
Are the football men still standing, discussing last Sunday's match
Is the rustic vaults still the same, is there music in the thatch
Chorus:
As true as God I'm telling you straight, I'm on the road and I just can't wait
Will you air the bed in my old room, cause I'm goin' back to Tuam
I'm goin' back, me bags are packed, I'm goin' back to Tuam
THE BALENA
The noble fleet of whalers came sailing from Dundee
Well manned by British sailors to work upon the sea
On the western ocean passage none with them can compare
For there's not a ship could make the trip as Balena I declare
Chorus:
The wind is on the quarter and her engine working free
And there's not another whaler that sails out from Dundee
Can beat the ould Balena she'll need no trial run
For we challenge all both great and small from Dundee to St. John
It happened on Tuesday three days out of Dundee
The Gale took off the long boat and a couple of men you see
That took away our bulwark out stanchions and our rails
And left the ould Balena a frothing in the gales
There's a new built Terra Nova she's a model with no doubt
There's the “Arctic” and the “Aurora” you've heard so much about
There's Jacklin's model mail-boat the terror of the sea
Couldn't beat the ould Balena boys on a passage from Dundee
Chorus
Bold Jacklin cut the canvas and fairly raised the steam
And Captain Guy with Erin boy goes ploughing through the stream
But Millan says the “Eskimo” could beat the bloomin' lot
But to beat the ould Balena boys they'd find it rather hot
And now that we have landed boys where the rum is mighty cheap
We'll drink success to Captain Guy for getting o'er the deep
And health to all our sweethearts and to our wives so fair
Not another ship could make that trip but the Balena I declare
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF BALLINAMORE
(Fintan Valley)
Leitrim is a very funny place sir a strange and troubled land
All the boys are in the IRA sir all the women in Cumann na Ban
Every tractor has a Nicky Kelly sticker displayed for all to see
Sure it was no wonder that the Gardai made a blunder
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus:
Every bird upon my word is singing "I'm a rebel" sir up in Mohill sir
Every hen indeed is laying hand grenades I do declare sir in Dromahair sir
Every crock of a Leitrim cock is longing to be free
Even sheep are advising there'll be another risin'
Sez your man from RTE
Today Tonight went to Ballinamore sir they were briefed by the Gardai
On the video they showed to them the Provos 'atin curry and drinking tea
The were all wearin' Russian balaclavas each carried an RPG
British scalps around their tummy pockets full of stolen money
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Leitrim is seething with sedition it's Sinn Fein through and through
All the task force have joined the local unit the post office is the GHQ
They've a racetrack underground for training Shergar
"No comment" is all they'll say to me
Subversion here is bubblin' oh please take me back to Dublin
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Oh the other day I traveled down the road sir and spied in a an old boreen
Such a bunch of Fenians there sir dressed in orange white and green
The IRA sent me a time bomb in the mail
So be Jasus and begorrah I'll be gettin' out tomorrow
Sez your man from RTE
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF BILLY REID
I'll sing you a song of a terrible wrong,
When the flags they flew at half-mast
And a man he lay dead, he'd been riddled with lead
He died on the streets of Belfast
Chorus:
Oh, the radio said, "There's another shot dead,
And he died with a gun in his hand.”
But they didn't why Billy Reid had to die
He died to free Ireland
It happened one day when the bold IRA
Went out to fight for their land
With an old Thompson gun, they'd the troops on the run
And returning to home was their plan
Chorus
When returning the gun, Billy met British Huns
And when the fight had begun
His position was dire and his gun wouldn't fire
And he died with the old Thompson Gun
Chorus
Although he lay dead, he was kicked in the head
By the hair they dragged him around
They still fear him yet, and they'll never forget
How brave Billy Reid stood his ground
Chorus
If you think he was right, come and join in the fight
And help to free Belfast
For the blood that he shed, and although he lay dead
In our minds his memory will last
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF JACK DOOLIN
There was a wild colonial boy Jack Doolin was his name
Of poor but honest parents he was born near Castlemane
He was his father's only son his mother's pride and joy
And dearly did his parents love their wild colonial boy
At the early of sixteen years he left his native home
And round Australia's sunny shores a bushranger did roam
He robbed the wealthy squatters their stock he did destroy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy
Chorus:
So come along me hearty's we'll roam the mountains high
Together we will plunder and together we will die
We'll wander over valleys and gallop over plains
And scorn to live in slavery bound down in iron chains
In '61 this daring youth commenced his wild career
With a heart that knew no danger, no foeman did he fear
He held up the Beechwood mail coach and robbed judge McEvoy
Who trembling told give up his gold to the wild colonial boy
Well he bade the judge good morning and told him to beware
He never robbed an honest who acted on the square
But a man who'd robbed his mother of her son and only joy
He could expect no mercy from the wild colonial boy
Chorus
One day as he was riding the mountainside along
Listening to the kookaburra's pleasant laughing song
He spied three mounted troopers Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
With a warrant for the capture of the wild colonial boy
Surrender now Jack Doolin you see we're three to one
Surrender in the King's high name you are a highwayman
Jack drew a pistol from his belt and waved it like a toy
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy
Chorus
He fired at trooper Kelly that brought him to the ground
And in return from Davis he received his fatal wound
All shattered through the jaw he lay still firing at Fitzroy
And that's the way they captured him the wild colonial boy
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF JAMES LARKIN
(Donagh MacDonagh)
In Dublin City in 1913 the boss was rich and the poor were slaves
The women working, the children starving, then on came Larkin like a mighty wave
The workmen cringed when the boss man thundered, seventy hours was his weekly chore
He asked for little and less was granted, lest gettin' little, then he'd ask for more
But on came Larkin in 1913, a mighty man with a mighty tongue
The voice of labor, the voice of justice, and he was gifted and he was young
God sent Larkin in 1913, a labor man with a union tongue
He raised the workers and gave them courage; he was their hero, the worker's son
It was in August the boss man told us, no union man for him could work
We stood by Larkin and told the boss man, we'd fight or die, but we would not shirk
Eight months we fought and eight months we starved; we stood by Larkin through thick and thin
But food less homes and the crying of children, they broke our hearts, we could not win
When Larkin left us we seemed defeated. The night was black for the working man,
But on came Connolly with hope and counsel. His motto was that we'd rise again
In 1916 in Dublin city, the English soldiers they burnt our town
They shelled the buildings, and shot our leaders; the harp was buried beneath the crown
They shot McDermott and Pearse and Plunkett; they shot McDonagh and Clarke the brave.
From bleak Kilmainham the took their bodies to Arbour Hill to a quicklime game
But last of all of the seven leaders I sing the praise of James Connolly
The voice of labor, the voice of justice, he gave his life that men might be free
THE BALLAD OF LYNCH'S ARMY
Jack Lynch came out from Dublin and he had 10,000 men
He marched them up to the border and he marched back again
But such an armored column lads the like was never seen
500 mounted bicycles all-wearing of the green
Chorus:
Let him go let him tarry let him sink or let him swim
He does give a damn for us nor we a damn for him
He sits on his ass in Dublin and hope he does enjoy
Selling out his country for he's England's little boy
Well, the Special Branch in are something for to see
They'll crawl out of the castle to inform on you and me
But the day is coming soon me boys you'll hear those rifles bark
The only snakes in Ireland will be in the Phoenix Park
Chorus
Well, Jack where were you last August with all your merry men
Ah were you on the Falls Road or in the Bogside then
No you were phoning London and squealing all you knew
On every Irish rebel that would hold a gun it's true
Chorus
When we finally get our freedom we'll make them understand
Scrap Fianna Fail Gestapo and all their rotten band
But we want a true Republic with the workers in command
That won't betray their countrymen of sell them out of hand
Chorus
Chorus
THE BALLAD OF RONNIE'S MARE
(Phil Coulter/Bill Martin)
You can sing of all your sport'n hero's like Mr. McGrath and the rest
But there's a horse in the county of Wicklow that's beaten all of the best
The slowest humper, the lowest jumper and great for a stroll 'round the park
Chorus:
The servant lasses, the upper classes and daughters of millionaires
They all appear from far and near for a ride on Ronnie's mare
For a ride on Ronnie Drew's mare
In Greystone's town on a Sunday morning a crowd will always appear
To catch a glimpse of the famous mare they call the horse of the year
She's the best at racin', but sees no disgracin'
Pulling a big old milk cart
Chorus
In the Barnaby bar boys talked of the horse show and they said she ought to be showed
She was tutored and trained by the two Evans boys on the grass by the side of the road
Though she won up in Dublin without any troublin',
Next day she was back in the cart
Chorus
Joe Sweeny the punter suggested one day they should enter her in for a race
So all was arranged, Billy Fox would be jockey and New Castle would be the place
But the boys all agreed it, even if she succeeded,
She'd go back to deliverin' milk
Chorus
Well, the boys where there to lay out their ready's and cheer the horse past the post
But when Fox had a look at the competition, he turned as white as a ghost
We'll have some hassle to beat Willy Castle
Says Ronnie "for jeez sake!"
Chorus
The race it was tough, but the mare she was flyin' they knew that she couldn't loose
But in the midst of the celebrations arrived some tragic news
In her finest hour all the milk had gone sour
So now she was out of a job
Chorus
BALLAD OF ST. ANNE'S REEL
He was stranded in some tiny town of 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 fiddling in the distant far behind him
A dime across the counter then, a shy hello, a brand new friend
Walk along the street in the wintry weather
A yellow light, an open door, a welcome friend, there's room for more
And then they're standing there inside together
He said I've heard that tune some where before, but I can't remember when
Was it on some other friendly shore, did I hear it in the wind
Was it written on the sky above, I think I heard from someone I love
But I've never heard it sound so sweet since then
And now his feet begin to tap, a little boy says, 'I'll take your hat'
And he's caught up in the magic of his smile
And leap the heart within him went, when off across the floor he's sent
His clumsy body graceful as a child
He said there's magic in the fiddler's arm, there's magic in the town
There's magic in the dancer's feet and the way they put them down
Smiling people everywhere, boots and ribbons, locks of hair
Laughter, 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
The empty chairs, the wooden floors, 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
The strings are broke, the bow is gone, and the case is button down
But sometime on December nights, when the air is cold and the wind is right
There's a melody comes passing through the town