Some traditional Irish songs

WHISKEY IN THE JAR (trad.)


As I was a going over the fair fit Gilgarra mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced me pistol and I then produced me rapier
Saying stand and deliver for you are a bold deceiver

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar

I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in me pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the woman for they never can be easy

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar

I went into my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and of course it was no wonder
But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with water
Then sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar

It was early in morning before I rose to travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced me pistol for she`d stolen away my rapier
But I couldn`t shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken 

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar

Now there`s some take delight in the carriages and rolling
And others take delight in the hurley and the bolling
But I take delight in the juice of the barley
Courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar

If anyone can aid me to see me brother in the army
If I can find a station in Cork or in Killerney
And if he`ll go with me we`ll go roaming in Kilkenny
And I`m sure he`ll treat me better than me old me sporting Jenny

Mu sha ring du dum du dam da
Whack fol the daddy o
Whack fol the daddy o
There`s whisky in the jar


THE WILD ROVER (trad.)


And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

I`ve been a wild rover for many a year
And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer
And now I`m returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more

And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

I went to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit she answered me nay
Such custom as yours I can have any day

And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

I then took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady`s eyes opened wide with delight
She says I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that you told me were only in jest

And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

I`ll go home to my parents confess what I`ve done
And I`ll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me as oft times before
Sure I will never play the wild rover no more

And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

And it`s no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more


SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS (trad.)


As I went home on Monday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw a horse outside the door
Where my old horse should be
Well I called me wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that horse outside the door
Where my old horse should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s a lovely sow that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I`ve travelled
A hundred miles or more
But a saddle on a sow sure I never saw before

And as I went home on Tuesday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw a coat behind the door
Where my old coat should be
Well I called me wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that coat behind the door
Where my old coat should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s a wollen blanket that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I`ve travelled
A hundred miles or more
But buttons on a blanket sure I never saw before

And as I went home on Wednesday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw a pipe upon the chair
Where my old pipe should be
Well I called me wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that pipe upon the chair
Where my old pipe should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s a lovely tin whistle that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I`ve travelled
A hundred miles or more
But tobacco in a tin whistle sure I never saw before

And as I went home on Thursday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw two boots beneath the bed
Where my old boots should be
Well I called me wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns them boots beneath the bed
Where my old boots should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
They`re two lovely geraniene pots me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I`ve travelled
A hundred miles or more
But laces in geraniene pots I never saw before

And as I went home on Friday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw a head upon the bed
Where my old head should be
Well I called me wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that head upon the bed
Where me old head should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s a baby boy that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I`ve travelled
A hundred miles or more
But a baby boy with whiskers on sure I never saw before

As I went home on Saturday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw two hands upon her breasts
Where me two hands should be
Well I called my wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that hands upon your breasts
Were me two hands should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s a lovely night gown that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I travelled
A hundred miles and more
But fingers in a night gown sure I never saw before

As I went home on Sunday night
As drunk as drunk could be
I saw a thing in her thing
Where me old thing should be
Well I called my wife and I said to her
Will you kindly tell to me
Who owns that thing in your thing
Where me old thing should be

Oh you`re drunk you`re drunk you silly old fool
Still you cannot see
That`s that lovely tin whistle that me mother sent to me
Well it`s many a day I travelled
A hundred miles and more
But hair on a tin whistle sure I never saw before


THE RISING OF THE MOON (trad.)


Now come tell me Sean O`Farrell
Tell me why you hurry so
Hush a bhuachaill
Hush and listen
And his cheeks were all aglow
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 morning light
Murmurs rang along the valley
To the banshee`s 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


I`M A ROVER (trad.)


I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

Though the nicht be dark as dungeon
Not a star to be seen above
I will be guided without a stumble
Into thy airms of my ain true love

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

He stepped up to her bedroom window
Kneelin` gently upon a stone
He whispered through her bedroom window
Me darlin` dear do you lie alone

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

She raised her head from her daun soft pillow
With her arms around her breast
Says what is that at my bedroom window
Disturbin` me at me lang night`s rest

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

Says aye my love it`s thy true lover
Open the door and let me in
For I am come on a lang mates` journey
More than near drenched to the skin

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

She opened the door with the greatest pleasure
She opened the door and she let him in
They baith shook hands and embraced each other
Until the mornin` they lay as one

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

The cocks were crawin`
The birds were whistlin`
The burns they ran free abune the brae
Remember love I`m a ploughman laddie
And the fairmer I must obey

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company

Now my love I must gang and leave thee
To climb the hills they are high above
But I will climb wee with greater pleasure
Since I been in the airms of my love

I`m a rover and seldom sober
I`m a rover o` high degree
It`s when I`m drinking I`m always thinking
How to gain my love`s company


NANCY WHISKEY (trad.)


Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

I am a weaver a Carlton weaver
I am a rash and a roaming blade
I`ve got cillar in my pictures
And I`ll gang follow the Roman trade

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

As I come in by Glasgow city
Nancy Whiskey I chanced a smell
So I got in sat down beside her
Seven long years I loved her well

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

The mere I kissed her the mere I lured her
The mere I lured and the mere she smiled
And I forgot my mothers teacher
Nancy soon had me begiled

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

I woke up early in the morning
To stake my druise it wasn`t my need
I dranked her eyes but I was nay able
For Nancy had me by the heed

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

Come aware landlandy and what`s the reckment
Tell me what I have to pay
Fifteen shillings is the reckment
Pay me quickly and go away

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

As I went to by Glasgow city
Nancy Whiskey I chanced a smell
I get drank four and six
All was left was a crocked scale

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

I`ll gang back to the Carlton weaving
And I`ll surely make the seagulls fly
For I make more at the Carlton weaver
Then ever I did in the Roman trade

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh

Come all you weavers Carlton weavers
And all you weavers wherever you`ll be
Beware of whiskey Nancy Whiskey
She`ll ruin you as she ruined me

Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey whiskey
Nancy ooh


ALL FOR ME GROG (trad.)


And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander

I`m sick in me head and I haven`t been to bed
Since first I came ashore from me plunder
I`ve seen centipedes and snakes
And beer headers full of aches
And I have to take a path full of the old yonder

And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander

Where are me boots
Me noggin noggin boots
They`re all sold for beer and tobacco
See the soals they were tin and the others would let me in
And the heels were looking out for better weather

And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander

Where is me shirt
Me noggin noggin shirt
It`s all sold for beer and tobacco
See the sleaves they were worn out
And the collar were torn about
And the tail was looking out for better weather

And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander

Where is me wife
Me knocking knocking wife
She`s all sold for beer and tobacco
You see her front it was worn out
And her tail it got kicked about
And I`m sure she`s looking out for better weather

And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander

Where is me bed
Me knocking knocking bed
It`s all sold for beer and tobacco
You see I sold it to the girls that to the springs are all in twirls
And the sheeps are looking out for better weather

And it`s all for me grog
Me jolly jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I`ve spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the Western ocean I must wander


THE RAGGLE TAGGLE GYPSY (trad.)


There were three old gypsies came to our house door
They came brave and boldy o
And the one sang high and the other sang low
And the other sang a raggle taggle gypsy o

It was upstairs downstairs the lady went
Put on her suit of leather o
And there was a cry from around the door
She`s away with the raggle taggle gypsy o

It was late that night when the Lord came in
Inquiring for his lady o
And the servant girl she said to the Lord
She`s away with the raggle taggle gypsy o

Saddle for me my milk white steed
The big horse is not speedy o
And I will I ride till I seak my bride
She`s away with the raggle taggle gypsy o

Now he rode East and he rode West
He rode North and South also
Until he came to a wide open plain
It was there that he spied his lady o

How could you leave your goose feather bed
Your blankets strewn so comely o
And how could you leave your newly wedded Lord
All for a raggle taggle gypsy o

What care I for my goose feather bed
With blankets strewn so comely o
Tonight I lie in a wide open field
In the arms of a raggle taggle gypsy o

How could you leave your house and your land
How could you leave your money o
How could you leave your only wedded Lord
All for a raggle taggle gypsy o

What care I for my house and my land
What care I for my money o
I`d rather have a kiss from the yellow gypsy`s lips
I`m away with the raggle taggle gypsy o


THE GALWAY RACES (trad.)


Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day
And as I rode through to Galway Town
To seek for recreation on the seventeenth of August
We might be elevated
There were multitude assembled
Their tickets at the station
Me eys began to dazzle
Are they going to see the races
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

There were passengers form Limerick and passengers from Nína
Passengers from Dublin that`s horsemen from Tipperary
There were passengers from Caíree and the porters of the nation
And I met with mister Highfour to join the Galway blazers
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

There were multitudes from Ireland and members from New Keash
Sure the boys are come the Mara and the Claire of married maidens
People from Cork City who were loyal true and faithful
They brought home the Fenian prisoners
From dying in foreign nations
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

And it`s there you`ll seek confectioners with sugar sticks and danties
The lossages and oranges the lemonades and raisins
Ginger bread and spices to accomodate the ladies
And the big crew beat Fort Robbins
Tip me somthing while you`re able
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

And it`s there you`ll see the gamblers
The pimbles and the gargoyles and the sporting wheel of fortune
With the foreign twenty porters
There was others with outspoken counting what was at poor Maggie
And our daddy well protected tipped me gauking at his daughter
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

And it`s there you`ll see the pipers and the fiddelers compeeting
They nip before the dancers and the trippers and the daisies
There was others shouting to guards and lay the bills for all the races
With the boldness of the jockey and the place of horses agents
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

And it`s there you`ll see the jockeys and they mounted on so stately
The pink the blue the orange and green the emblem of our nation
When the bell was rung for starting all the horses seemed unpatient
I thought they never stood on ground their speed was so amazing
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day

There was half a million people there of all the nominations
The Catholic The Protestant The Jew and Presbyterian
There was yet no anamossity no matter what persuation
But weigh your hospitality in gypsies missed the pately
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day
Gimme wak fol de dew fol de diddeli ey del day


SEVEN DEADLY SINS (trad.)


Some say that kissin`s a sin
But tell me how can that be true
For kissing has been in this world
Since the very first day there was two
Now if it was illegal then the lawyers they would sue
And the prisons would be full of folk who had a kiss or two
And if they didn`t like it then away the girls would run
And if it wasn`t plenty then the pure folk would get none

Some say that gamblin`s a sin
But I`ll bet you fifteen to one
That gambling has been in this world
Since horses and greyhounds could run
Now if it was illegal then the lawyers they would sue
And the prisons would be full of folk who had a bet or two
And if they didn`t like it then away the girls would run
And if it wasn`t plenty then the pure folk would get none

Some say that swearin`s a sin
But where is the man that can tell
For swearing has been in this world
Since the Devil was told go to hell
Now if it was illegal then the lawyers they would sue
And the prisons would be full of folk who had a curse or two
And if they didn`t like it then away the girls would run
And if it wasn`t plenty then the pure folk would get none

Some say that smokin`s a sin
And a pipe now and then is enough
But smoking has been in this world
Since Adam and Eve had a puff
Now if it was illegal then the lawyers they would sue
And the prisons would be full of folk who had a smoke or two
And if they didn`t like it then away the girls would run
And if it wasn`t plenty then the pure folk would get none

Some say that drinkin`s a sin
But a gaggle is fine now and then
For drinking has been in this world
For ever and ever amen
Now if it was illegal then the lawyers they would sue
And the prisons would be full of folk who had a drink or two
And if they didn`t like it then away the girls would run
And if it wasn`t plenty then the pure folk would get none


THE DUNDEE WEAVER (trad.)


Oh I am the Dundee weaver and I come from bunny Dundee
I met a Glasgow fellie and he kept courtin` me
He took me out to walking down by the Calvin Hall
And there the dirty wee rascals roam thinking me jiggly whore
There the dirty wee rascals roam taking me jiggs to war

He took me out to walking down by the rocking drem
He shoved to me thee bunny wee buds and he shoved a bonnie wee hen
He shoved to me thee bunny wee buds free linen to your cloth
And he shove to me the bad the son taking me jigs to war
He shove to me the bad the son taking me jiggs to war

Now I`ll gang back to Dundee Loch in one the young one fair
I`ll part tie the buckle and shoe and tie it by bonnie wool hair
I`ll part tie the cause to fight to my buckle look small
And whole my rosy cheeck me taking me jiggs to war
And whole my rosy cheeck me taking me jiggs to war

Oh all you Dundee weavers take this advice from me
Never let the fair lady and then she`ll bow your knee
Never stand at the back of your clothes they`re up against the wall
For if you dear can safely say your taking me jiggs to war
For if you dear can safely say your taking me jiggs to war


BLACK VELVET BAND (trad.)


In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice the trade I was bound
And many an hour of sweet happiness
Have I spent in that neat little town
A sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll down Broadway
Not meaning to go very far
When who should I met but this pretty fair maid
Came a trapecing along the highway
She was both fair and handsome
Her neck it was just like a swan
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And the gentlemen passing us by
Well I knew she ment the doing of him
By the look in her roagish black eye
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing that I said was
Obsessed to the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

Before the judge and jury
Next morning I had to appear
The judge she says to me young man
Your case it is proved and clear
We`ll give you seven years peane servetude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

So come on you jolly young fellows
Go on and take me mead
When you are out in the town me lads
Bevare of the pretty Colleens
They`ll feed you with strong drink me lads
`Til you are unable to stand
And the very first thing that you know is
You`ve landed in Van Diemens Land

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band


MORMON BRAES (trad.)


Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie

As I went in by stricken tune
I heard the fair maid moaning
She was making circomplaint
For her true love near returning

Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie

As many a horse has slipped and fell
Then risen again right early
As many a lass has lost her love
Then got another right fairly

Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie

There`s as good fish into the sea
As ever yet were taken
I cast my nets and try again
For I`m only once forsaken

Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie

So I look put on my gown of bree
That`s a forsaken token
And after let the young lads know
That the ones I love are broken

Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie

So I`ll gang back to Strickan Town
Where I was bread and born in
And I`ll will get another young lass
To marry me in the morning

Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For of times I`ve been cheerie
Fare thee well me Mormon Braes
For it`s there I`ve lost me dearie


KELLY, THE BOY FROM KILLAN (trad.)


What`s the news what`s the news oh my bold Shelmalier
With your long barreled gun of the sea
Say what wind from the south blows your messenger here
With his hymn of the dawn for the free
Goodly news goodly news do I bring you forth
Goodly news shall you hear Bargy Man
For the boys march at dawn from the South to the North
Led by Kelly the boy from Killann

Tell me who is the giant with the gold curling hair
He who strides at the head of your band
Seven feet is his height with some inches to spare
And he looks like a king in command
Ah my boys that`s the pride of the bold Shelmaliers
Amongst the greatest of heroes a man
So fling your beavers aloft and give three ringing cheers
For John Kelly the boy from Killann

Enniscorthy`s in flames and old Wexford is won
And  tomorrow the Barrow we`ll cross
On a hill over the town we have planted a gun
That will batter the gateway to Ross
All the forth men and Bargy men will march over the heath
With the brave Harvey to lead in the van
But the foremost of all in the grim gap of death
Will be Kelly the boy from Killann

But the gold sun of freedom grew darkened at Ross
And it set by the Slaney`s red waves
And poor Wexford stripped naked hung high on a cross
With her heart pierced by traitors and slaves
Glory oh glory oh to the brave men who died
For the cause of long down trodden men
Glory oh to Mount Leinster`s own darling pride
Dauntless Kelly the boy from Killann


THE ENNISKILLEN DRAGOONS (trad.)


Fare thee well Enniskillen
Fare thee well for awhile
And all around the borders of Erin`s green isle
And when the war is over we`ll return in full bloom
And we`ll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons

A beautiful damsel of fame and renown
A gentlemans daughter from Monaghan Town
As she drove by the barracks this beautiful maid
Stood up in her coach to see Dragoons on parade

Fare thee well Enniskillen
Fare thee well for awhile
And all around the borders of Erin`s green isle
And when the war is over we`ll return in full bloom
And we`ll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons

They were all dressed out like gentlemen`s sons
Their fine shining rapiers and their carabine guns
Their silver mounted pistols she observed them full soon
Because she loved them Enniskillen Dragoons

Fare thee well Enniskillen
Fare thee well for awhile
And all around the borders of Erin`s green isle
And when the war is over we`ll return in full bloom
And we`ll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons

Flora dear Flora your pardon I claim
It`s now and forever that I`ll be your slave
Your parents have insulted me both morn night and noon
Because you would wed an Enniskillen Dragoon

Fare thee well Enniskillen
Fare thee well for awhile
And all around the borders of Erin`s green isle
And when the war is over we`ll return in full bloom
And we`ll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons

Willie dearest Willie don`t heed what they say
For children their parents are bound to obey
But when the wars are over they`ll all change their tune
And you`ll hold me in your arms by the light of the moon

Fare thee well Enniskillen
Fare thee well for awhile
And all around the borders of Erin`s green isle
And when the war is over we`ll return in full bloom
And we`ll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons


GENTLEMAN SOLDIER (trad.)


It`s all a gentleman soldier as a century he would stand
He saluted the fair maid by the waving of his hand
So boldy then he kissed her and he passed it off as a joke
He drilled her up in a centry box wrapped up in soldiers poke

And the drums they go a rattatata and the fives they hourly pay
Fare thee well Polly me dear I must be going away

All night they tossed and tumbled til daylight did appear
The soldiers rose but honest to loss sing fare you well me dear
For the drums they are a sounding and the fives they sweetly pay
If it weren`t for that dear Polly then along with you I`ll stay

And the drums they go a rattatata and the fives they hourly pay
Fare thee well Polly me dear I must be going away

Oh come you gentleman soldier won`t you marry me
Oh no me dearest Polly since things never can be
For I`ve a wife already and children I have three
Two wifes aren`t allowed in the army but one`s to many for me

And the drums they go a rattatata and the fives they hourly pay
Fare thee well Polly me dear I must be going away

If anyone comes a courting you you can treat them to a glass
If anyone comes a courting you you can say you`re a country lass
You don`t have to tell them that ever you played this joke
That you were drilled in a centry box wrapped up in a soldiers poke

And the drums they go a rattatata and the fives they hourly pay
Fare thee well Polly me dear I must be going away

Oh come you gentleman soldier why didn`t you tell me so
My parents will be angry when this they come to know
And for nine long months I`ve come and passed the porgaltry brought shame
She had a little militia boy and he didn`t know his name

And the drums they go a rattatata and the fives they hourly pay
Fare thee well Polly me dear I must be going away


A MUIRSHEEN DURKIN (trad.)


In the days I went a courtin` I was never tired resortin`
To an alehouse or a playhouse and many`s the house beside
But I told me brother Seamus l`d go off and be right famous
And l`d never would return again `til  l`d roam the world wide

Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin sure l`m sick and tired of workin`
No more I`ll dig the praties and no longer I`ll be fooled
As sure as me name is Carney I`ll be off to California
Where instead of diggin` praties I`ll be diggin` lumps of gold

I`ve courted girls in Blarney in Kanturk and in Killarney
In Passage and in Queenstown that is the Cobh of Cork
Goodbye to all this pleasure l`ll be off to take me leisure
And the next time that you hear from me will be a letter from New York

So it`s goodbye Muirsheen Durkin l`m sick and tired of workin`
No more I`ll dig the praties and no longer I`ll be fooled
As sure as me name is Carney I`ll be off to California
Where instead of diggin` praties I`ll be diggin` lumps of gold

Goodbye to the girls at home l`m going far across the foam
To try and make me fortune in far America
There`s gold and jewels in plenty for the poor and for the gentry
And when I return again I never more will say

Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin sure l`m sick and tired of workin`
No more I`ll dig the praties and no longer I`ll be fooled
For as sure as me name is Carney I`ll be off to California
Where instead of diggin` praties I`ll be diggin` lumps of gold


WEILA WAILA (trad.)


And there was an auld woman
And she lived in the woods
A weila weila waila
There was an auld woman
And she lived in the woods
Down by the riverside

She had a baby three months old
A weila weila waila
She had a baby three months old
Down by the riverside

She had a penknife long and sharp
A weila weila waila
She had a penknife long and sharp
Down by the riverside

She stuck the penknife in the baby`s head
A weila weila waila
She stuck the penknife in the baby`s head
Down by the riverside

There was three loud knocks coming knocking on the door
A weila weila waila
Three loud knocks coming knocking on the door
Down by the riverside

There was two policemen and a man
A weila weila waila
Two policemen and a man
Down by the riverside

They took her away and they put her in the jail
A weila weila waila
They took her away and they put her in the jail
Down by the riverside

They put the rope around her neck
A weila weila waila
They put the rope around her neck
Down by the riverside

They pulled the rope and she got hung
A weila weila waila
They pulled the rope and she got hung
Down by the riverside

Now that was the end of the woman in the woods
A weila weila waila
That was the end in the fabby tune
Down by the riverside


MAID OF SWEET BROWN KNOWE (trad.)


Come on all ye lads and lassies and listen to me a while
I`ll sing to you a verse or two that`ll surely make you smile
Concerning a young man I am going to tell you now
Who has lately come a courting the maid of the Sweet Brown Knowe

This young man says me pretty maid will you come along with me
We`ll both fly off together and happy we will be
We`ll join our hands in wedlock as am I speaking with you now
And I`ll do me best and ever for the maid of the Sweet Brown Knowe

This fair and fickle young thing she knew not what to say
Her eyes that shine like diamonds bright and merrily did play
She says young man your love`s subdue for I`m not ready now
And they spend another season at the foot of the Sweet Brown Knowe

The young man said me pretty maid how can you answer so
See down the yonder valley where me crops they gently grow
Down the yonder valley I have horses and my plough
And at their daily labour for the maid of the Sweet Brown Knowe

If their at their daily labour kind sir it`s not for me
I`ve heard of you behaviour I have kind sir said she
There is an inn where you drop in and I`ve heard the people say
That you rap and you call and you pay for all or come home at the break of day

If I rap and I call and I pay for all me money is all me own
I`ll never spend your fortune for I hear that you`ve got none
You thought you had me poor heart won by meeting with you now
But I lay you where I found you at the foot of the Sweet Brown Knowe


WHEN WILL WE BE MARRIED (trad.)


When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed
When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed

You have your eye on Jimmy
Long Jimmy Lee
You have you eye of Jimmy and a fine man he
You have your eye on Jimmy but you`d better let him be
`Cause when you go Molly o
You`ll be gone with me

When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed
When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed

You have your eye on Johnny
Thin Johnny Fee
You have your eye on Johnny and a fine man he
You have your eye on Johnny but you`d better let him be
`Cause when you go Molly o
You`ll be gone with me

When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed
When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed

I made a black bow for your pretty head
When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
I made a black bow for your bonnie head

When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed
When will we be married Molly when will we be wed
When will we be bedded in the same bed


DARBY O`LEARY (trad.)


One evening of late as I happened to stray
To the County Tipperary I straight took me way
To dig the potatoes and work by the day
For a farmer called Darby O`Leary

I asked him how far we were bound for to go
The night being dark and the cold wind did blow
I was hungry and tired and my spirits were low
For I got neither whiskey nor water

The dirty old miser he mounted his steed
To the Galbally Mountains he rode in great speed
I followed behind `til my poor feet did bleed
When we stopped when his old horse was weary

When we came to his cottage I entered it first
It seemed like a kennel or a ruined old church
Says I to myself I am left in the lurch
In the house of old Darby O`Leary

I well recollect it was Michalmass night
To a hearty geld supper he did me invite
A cup of sour milk that was more green than white
And it gave me the trotting disorder

The wet old potatoes would poison the cats
And the barn where my bed was was swarming with rats
The fleas would have frightened the fearless St. Pat
Who banished the snakes o`er the border

He worked me by day and he worked me by night
While he held an old candle to give me some light
I wished his potatoes would die of the blight
Or himself would go off with the fairies

It was on this old miser I looked with a frown
When the straw was brought in  for to make me shakedown
And I wished I had never seen him nor his town
Nor the sky above Darby O`Leary

I`ve worked in Kilconnel I`ve worked in Killmore
I worked in Knoockannie and Shamballamore
In Kalisanaker and Sollahed Moore with farmers so decent and cheery

I`ve worked in Tipperary the Rag and Ross Green
At the mount of Killfegal the Bridge of Orleans
But such woeful starvation I never yet seen
As I got from old Darby O`Leary


POOR PADDY ON THE RAILWAY (trad.)


In eighteen hundred and forty one
My corduroy breeches I put on
My corduroy breeches I put on
To work upon the railway
The railway
I`m weary of the railway
Poor Paddy works on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty two
From Hartlepool I moved to Grove
And found myself a job to do
Working on the railway
I was wearing
Corduroy breeches
Digging ditches
Pulling switches
Dodging hitchers
I was working on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty three
I broke me shuffle across me knee
I went to work for the company
And leave me seldom railway
I was wearing
Corduroy breeches
Digging ditches
Pulling switches
Dodging hitchers
I was working on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty four
I landed on the Liverpool shore
Me belly was empty me hands were raw
With working on the railway
The railway
I`m weary of the railway
Poor Paddy works on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty five
When Daniel O`Connell he was alive
And Daniel O`Connell he was alive
And working on the railway
I was wearing
Corduroy breeches
Digging ditches
Pulling switches
Dodging hitchers
I was working on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty six
I changed me trade from carrying bricks
Changed me trade from carrying bricks
To working on the railway
I was wearing
Corduroy breeches
Digging ditches
Pulling switches
Dodging hitchers
I was working on the railway

In eighteen hundred and forty seven
Poor Paddy was thinking of going to Heaven
Poor Paddy was thinking of going to Heaven
To work upon the railway
The railway
I`m weary of the railway
Poor Paddy works on the railway

I was wearing
Corduroy breeches
Digging ditches
Pulling switches
Dodging hitchers
I was working on the railway


TIBBY DUNBAR (trad.)


Oh wilt ago wi` me sweet Tibby Dunbar
Oh wilt ago wi` me sweet Tibby Dunbar
Wilt thy ride on a horse or be drawn in a cart
Or walk by my side sweet Tibby Dunbar

I care no thy daddy his land or his money
I care nor thy kin say high and say low
But say don`t tame me for better or worse
And come in your courty sweet Tibby Dunbar

I offer you nay thing a cillar of land
What men could determin the price of your hand
But gimme concent we`d be richer by far
Oh wilt ago wi` me sweet Tibby Dunbar

Oh wilt thy be known as a poor beggars lady
And sleep in the heather right up in my playdee
The sky for a roof and your candle a star
My love for a fire sweet Tibby Dunbar

Oh wilt ago wi` me sweet Tibby Dunbar
Oh wilt ago wi` me sweet Tibby Dunbar
Wilt thy ride on a horse or be drawn in a cart
Or walk by my side sweet Tibby Dunbar


DIRTY OLD TOWN (E. McColl)


I met my love
By the gas works wall
Dreamed a dream
By the old canal
I kissed my girl
By the factory wall
Dirty old town
Dirty old town

Clouds are drifting
Across the moon
Cats are prowling
On their beat
Spring`s a girl
From the streets at night
Dirty old town
Dirty old town

I heard a siren
From the docks
Saw a train
Set the night on fire
I smelled the spring
On the smoky wind
Dirty old town
Dirty old town

I`m going to make
Me a big sharp axe
Shining steel
Tempered in the fire
I`ll chop you down
Like an old dead tree
Dirty old town
Dirty old town

I met my love
By the gas works wall
Dreamed a dream
By the old canal
I kissed my girl
By the factory wall
Dirty old town
Dirty old town
Dirty old town
Dirty old town


BOYS FROM THE COUNTY HELL (S. MacGowan)


On the first day of March it was raining
It was raining worse than anything that I have ever seen
I drank ten pints of beer and I cursed all the people there
And I wish that all this rain would stop falling down on me

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

At the time I was working for a landlord
And he was the meanest bastard that you have ever seen
And to lose a single penny would grieve him awful sore
And he was a miserable bollocks and a bitch`s bastard`s whore

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

I recall that we took care of him one Sunday
We got him out the back and we broke his fucking balls
And maybe that was dreaming and maybe that was real
But all I know is I left that place without a penny or fuck all

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

But now I`ve the most charming of verandahs
I sit and watch the junkies the drunks the pimps the whores
Five green bottles sitting on the floor
I wish to Christ I wish to Christ that I had fifteen more

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

The boys and me are drunk and looking for you
We`ll eat your frigging entrails and we won`t give a damn
Me daddy was a blue shirt and my mother a madam
And my brother earned his medals at Mai Lei in Vietnam

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

On the first day of March it was raining
It was raining worse than anything that I have ever seen
Stay on the other side of the road `cause you can never tell
We`ve a thirst like a gang of devils we`re the boys of the county hell

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning

And it`s lend me ten pounds I`ll buy you a drink
And mother wake me early in the morning


YOUNG NED OF THE HILL (T. Woods / R. Kavana)


Have you ever walked the lonesome hills and heard the curlews cry
Or seen the raven black as night upon the windswept sky
To walk the purple heather and hear the westwind cry
To know that`s where the rapparee must die

Yeah since Cromwell pushed us westward to live our lowly lives
Some of us have deemed to fight from Tipperary mountains high
Noble men with wills of iron who are not afraid to die
And who`ll fight with gaelic honour held on high

A curse upon you Oliver Cromwell you who raped our Motherland
I hope you`re rotting down in hell for the horrors that you sent
To our misfortunate forefathers whom you robbed of their birthright
To hell or Connaught
May you burn in hell tonight

Of one such man I`d like to speak a rapparee by name and deed
His family dispossessed and slaughtered they put a price upon his head
His name is know in song and story and his deeds are legends still
And murdered for blood money was the Young Ned of the Hill

Well you robbed our homes and fortunes even drove us from our land
You tried to break our spirit but you`ll never understand
The love of dear old Ireland that will forge and iron will
As long as there are gallant men like Young Ned of the Hill

A curse upon you Oliver Cromwell who raped our Motherland
I hope you`re rotting down in hell for the horrors that you sent
To our misfortunate forefathers whom you robbed of their birthright
To hell or Connaught
May you burn in hell tonight


AISLING (S. MacGovan)


See the moon is once more rising
Above our land of black and green
Hear the rebels voice is calling
I shall not die though you bury me
Hear the Aunt in bed a dying
Where is my Johnny
Faded pictures in the hallway
Which one of these brown ghosts is he

Fare thee well me black haired diamond
Fare the well my own Aisling
Thoughts of you and dream will haunt me
`Til I come back home again

And the wind it blows to the North and South
And blows to the East and West
I`ll be just like that wind my love
For I will have no rest
`Til I return to thee

And the wind it blows to the North and South
And blows to the East and West
I`ll be just like that wind my love
For I will have no rest
`Til I return to thee

Bless the wind that shakes the barley
Curse the spade and curse the plough
Waking in the morning early
I wish to hell I was with you now
One two three tie your poles
Give me a drink I`ll sleep with she
Madness from the mountains crawling
First met you my own Aisling

Fare thee well me black haired diamond
Fare the well my own Aisling
Thoughts and dreams of you will haunt me
`Til I come back home again
Fare thee well me black haired diamond
Fare the well my own Aisling
Thoughts and dreams of you will haunt me
`Til I come back home again


STREAMS OF WHISKEY (S. MacGowan)


Last night as I slept
I dreamt I met with Behan
I shook him by the hand
And we passed the time of day
When questioned on his views
On the crux of life`s philosophies
He had but these few clear
And simple words to say

I am going I am going
Any which way the wind may be blowing
I am going I am going
Where streams of whiskey are flowing

I have cursed
Bled and sworn
Jumped bail and landed up in jail
Life has often tried to stretch me
But the rope always was slack
And now that I`ve a pile
I`ll go down to the Chelsea
I`ll walk in on my feet
But I`ll leave there on my back

Because I am going I am going
Any which way the wind may be blowing
I am going I am going
Where streams of whiskey are flowing
Yeahaa

Oh the words that he spoke
Seemed the wisest of philosophies
There`s nothing ever gained
By a wet thing called a tear
When the world is too dark
And I need the light inside of me
I`ll walk into a bar
And drink fifteen pints of beer

Because I am going I am going
Any which way the wind may be blowing
I am going I am going
Where streams of whiskey are flowing 
I am going I am going
Any which way the wind may be blowing
I am going I am going
Where streams of whiskey are flowing
Where streams of whiskey are flowing
Where streams of whiskey are flowing


DONEGAL EXPRESS (S. MacGovan)


Who dares to speak of Donegal you kicks in the bars and in the balls
The harp that played in Tara`s halls is burning on the dump
Virginia is a gin town Belturbot is a sin town
And all the boys from Skintown are in England on the lump

Got pissed in Letterkenny
With darlin` sportin` Jenny
Spent me very last penny and we made it in the press
The husband caught me in the bed tried to shoot me in the head
Had to swim the stream to get the Donegal Express

Kahaya
You fuck
Come hell of high water 
I might have fucked your Missus but I never fucked your daughter
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh

As sure as I`m Father Emmett got a King Dong down me Semmett
As any girl will tell you
From Cavan down to Clare
Back in sweet Virginia in the toilet with Lavinia
I nearly fucked her brains out and I tore her party dress
A shit a shave a shower
And half a pint of powers
Then off again to get on board the Donegal Express

Kahaya
You fuck
Come hell of high water 
I might have fucked your Missus but I never fucked your daughter
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh

Kahaya
You fuck
Come hell of high water 
I might have fucked your Missus but I never fucked your daughter
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh
Fol diddle dee ahhh


SALLY MACLENNANE (S. MacGowan)


Well Jimmy played harmonica in the pub where I was born
He played it from the night time to the peaceful early morn
He soothed the souls of psychos and the men who had the horn
And they all looked very happy in the morning

But Jimmy didn`t like his place in this world of ours
Where the elephant man broke strong men`s necks `til he`d had too many powers
So sad to see the grieving of the people that I`m leaving
And he took the road for God knows in the morning

We walked him to the station in the rain
We kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we`d be seeing him again

I`m sad to say I must be on me way
So buy me beer and whiskey `cause I`m going far away
I`d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane

The years went by the times had changed I grew to be a man
I learned to love the virtues of sweet Sally MacLennane
I took the jeers and drank the beers and crawled back home at dawn
And ended up a barman in the morning

I played the pump and took the hump and watered whiskey down
I talked of whores and horses to the men who drank the brown
I heard them say that Jimmy`s making money far away
And some people left for heaven without warning

We walked him to the station in the rain
We kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we`d be seeing him again

I`m sad to say I must be on me way
So buy me beer and whiskey `cause I`m going far away
I`d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane

When Jimmy came back home he was surprised that they were gone
He asked me all the details of the train that they went on
Some people they are scared to croak but Jimmy drank until he choked
He took the road for heaven in the morning

We walked him to the station in the rain
We kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we`d be seeing him again

I`m sad to say I must be on me way
So buy me beer and whiskey `cause I`m going far away
I`d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane