Click here for a YouTube playlist with a few of our Irish songs.
Click on a song title to view the lyrics of Irish & Scottish songs, and Sea Shanties
Only the public domain (traditional) songs are listed, to the best of our knowledge!
All For Me Grog
Black Velvet Band
Bonny Portmore
Carrickfergus
Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone)
Danny Boy
Drink It Up Men
Drunken Sailor (Sea Shanty)
Fiddler’s Green
Finnegan’s Wake
Foggy Dew
I’ll Tell Me Ma
Johnny Be Fine
Last of the Irish Rover
Leave Her, Johnny Leave Her (Sea Shanty)
Loch Lomond
My Wild Irish Rose
Night that Paddy Murphy Died
Old Dun Cow
Old Maid in the Garret
Old Rosin the Beau
Parting Glass
Rattlin’ Bog
Red is the Rose
Rocky Road to Dublin
Skibbereen
Skye Boat Song
Skye Boat Song (Outlander Version)
Star of the County Down
Waxie’s Dargle
Wellerman (Sea Shanty)
When Irish Eyes are Smiling
Whiskey in the Jar
Wild Rover
Will Ye Go, Lassie Go (Wild Mountain Thyme)
All For Me Grog
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 drinkin’ 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 plunder
I’ve seen centipedes and snakes and me head is full of aches
And I’ll have to make a path for way out 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 drinkin’ 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
You see the sole’s were gettin’ thin and the uppers were lettin’ in
And the heels 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 drinkin’ gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
Where is me shirt me noggin’ noggin’ shirt
It’s all gone for beer and tobacco
You see the sleeves they got worn out and the collar was turned about
And the tail is 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 drinkin’ gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
Where is me wife me noggin’ noggin’ wife
She’s all sold for beer and tobacco
You see her front it got worn out and her tail’s been 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 drinkin’ gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
Oh, where is me bed me noggin’ noggin’ bed
It’s all sold for beer and tobacco
You see I sold it to the girls and the springs they got all twirls
And the sheets they’re 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 drinkin’ gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
BACK TO SONG LIST
Black Velvet Band
In a neat little town they call Belfast,
apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour of sweet happiness,
I spent in that neat little town
But bad misfortune came o’er me,
and caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations,
they follow the black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,
You’d think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders,
tied up with a black velvet band
Well I went out strolling one evening,
not meaning to go very far
When I met with a frolicsome damsel,
She was selling her trade in the bar.
A watch, she took from a customer,
and slipped it right into my hand
Then the law came and put me in prison,
bad luck to her black velvet band!
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,
You’d think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders,
tied up with a black velvet band
Next morning before judge and jury,
for trial I had to appear
And the judge, he said my young fellow,
the case against you is quite clear.
And seven long years is your sentence,
You’re going to Van Dieman’s land.
Far away from your friends and relations,
They follow the black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,
You’d think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders,
tied up with a black velvet band
Now come all ye jolly young fellows,
I’ll have you take warning by me
And whenever you’re out on the liquor my lads,
beware of the pretty colleens.
For they’ll fill you with whiskey and porter
til you are not able to stand.
And the very next thing that you know, my lads,
you’ve landed in Van Diemen’s Land
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,
You’d think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders,
tied up with a black velvet band.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Bonny Portmore
O bonny Portmore, I am sorry to see
Such a woeful destruction of your ornament tree.
for it stood on your shore for many’s the long day
‘Till the long boats from Antrim came to float it away
O bonny Portmore, you shine where you stand
And the more I think on you the more I think long.
If I had you now as I had once before
All the lords in Old England would not purchase Portmore.
All the birds in the forest they bitterly weep.
Saying, “Where will we shelter or where shall we sleep?”
For the Oak and the Ash, they are all cutten down
And the walls of bonny Portmore —are all down to the ground
O bonny Portmore, you shine where you stand
And the more I think on you the more I think long.
If I had you now as I had once before
All the lords in Old England would not purchase Portmore
BACK TO SONG LIST
Carrickfergus
Ronan Hardiman
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Only for nights in Ballygrand
But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over
And neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I could find me a handsome boatsman
To ferry me over my love and I
My childhood days bring back sad reflections
Of happy times so long ago
My childhood friends and my own relations
Have all past on now like melting snow
So I’ll spend my days in endless roving
Soft is the grass, my bed is free
Oh to be home now in Carrickfergus
On the long road down to the salty sea
And in Kilkenny it is reported
On marble stone as black as ink
With gold and silver I would support her
But I’ll sing no more now till I get a drink
Cause I’m drunk today and I’m seldom sober
As I rove on from town to town
Ah but I’m sick now and my days are numbered
Come all me young men and lay me down
Come all me young men and lay me down.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Cockles and Mussels
In Dublin fair city where the girls are so pretty
I first set me eyes on sweet Molly Malone
She’d wheel her wheel barrow thru the streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho”
Alive, alive ho. Alive, alive ho.
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho!”
She was a fish monger and sure ’twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before.
They’d both wheel their barrows thru the streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho!”
Alive, alive ho. Alive, alive ho.
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho!”
She died of a fever and no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
Now her ghost wheels her barrow thru the streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho!”
Alive, alive ho. Alive, alive ho.
Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive ho!”
BACK TO SONG LIST
Danny Boy
Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side.
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling.
Tis you, tis you must go, and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow,
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow.
Tis I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow.
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so.
But when ye come and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
Ye’ll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.
And I will hear tho’ soft you tread above me,
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be.
For you’ll not fail to tell me that you love me,
And I will sleep in peace until you come to me.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Drink It Up Men
At the pub at the crossroads there’s whiskey and beer
There’s brandy from cognac that’s aging for years
But for killing the thirst and for easing the gout
There’s nothing at all beats a pint of good stout
(All) Drink it up men it’s long after ten
At the pub on the crossroads I first went astray
There I drank enough drink for to fill Galway Bay
Going up to the morning I wore out me shoes
Going up to the cross for the best of good booze
(All) Drink it up men it’s long after ten
Some folk o’er the water think bitter is fine
And others they swear by the juice of the vine
But there’s nothing that’s squeezed from the grape or the hop
Like the black liquidation with the froth on the top
(All)Drink it up men it’s long after ten
I’ve traveled in England, I’ve traveled in France
At the sound of good music I’ll sing or I’ll dance
So hear me then mister and pour me one more
If I can’t drink it up, then throw me out the door
(All) Drink it up men it’s long after ten
It’s Guinness’s porter that has me this way
For it’s sweeter than buttermilk and stronger then tea
But when in the morning I feel kind a rough
Me curse on Lord Eveagh who brews the damn stuff
(All) Drink it up men it’s long after ten
Drink it up men it’s long after ten
BACK TO SONG LIST
Drunken Sailor
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with ta drunken sailor?
Earlie in the mornin’?
CHORUS————————————————–
—— Way-hay, and up she rises! Way-hay, and up she rises!
——-Way-hay, and up she rises earlie in the mornin’.
Lock him in the guard room ’til he gets sober….
Put him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him….
Give ‘im a taste of the bosun’s rope end….
Shave his belly with a rusty razor….
Give ‘im a hair of the dog that bit ‘im….
Put him in the long boat ’till he’s sober…..
Put him in bed with the Captain’s daughter…..
You ain’t seen the Captain’s daughter…..
That’s what we do with a drunken sailor….
BACK TO SONG LIST
Fiddler’s Green
As I walked by the dockside one evening so rare
To view the still waters and take the salt air
I spied an old fisherman singin’ this song,
“Oh take me away boys me time is not long.”
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blanket,
No m-ore at the docks I’ll be seen
Just tell me ole shipmates I’m takin’ a trip mates
I’ll see you someday at Fiddlers’ Green
Now Fiddlers’ Green is a place I’ve heard tell
Where fisherman go if they don’t go to Hell
The weather is fair and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away.
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blanket,
No m-ore at the docks I’ll be seen
Just tell me ole shipmates I’m takin’ a trip mates
I’ll see you someday at Fiddlers’ Green
Where the skies are all clear and there’s never a gale
And the fish jump on board with a swish of their tails
Where you lie at your leisure- there’s no work to do
And the skipper’s below making tea for the crew
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blanket,
No more at the docks I’ll be seen
Just tell me ole shipmates I’m takin’ a trip mates
I’ll see you someday at Fiddlers’ Green
And when you’re in dock and the long trip is through
There’s pubs and there’s clubs and there’s lassies there too
The girls are all pretty and the beer is all free
And there’s bottles of rum growin’ on every tree
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blanket,
No more at the docks I’ll be seen
Just tell me ole shipmates I’m takin’ a trip mates
I’ll see you someday at Fiddlers’ Green
Oh I don’t want a harp nor a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rollin’ sea
I’ll play me auld squeeze box as we sail along
With the wind in the riggin’ a singin’ this song
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blanket,
No more at the docks I’ll be seen
Just tell me ole shipmates I’m takin’ a trip mates
I’ll see you someday at Fiddlers’ Green
BACK TO SONG LIST
Finnegan’s Wake
Tim Finnegan lived in Watkin Street A gentle Irishman, mighty odd
He’d a beautiful brogue so rich and sweet To rise in the world Tim carried a hod
You see he’d a sort of a tipplin’ way, With love for the liquor poor Tim was born
To help him on with his work each day, He’d a drop of the Craythor every morn’
Wak for the darn-o, dance to your partner, cross the floor, your trotters shake
Wasn’t it the truth I told you, Lots of fun at Finnegan’s wake
One morning Tim got rather full, His head felt heavy, which made him shake
He fell from the ladder and broke his skull, So they carried him home, his corpse to wake
They rolled him up in a nice clean sheet, And laid him out upon the bed
A gallon of whiskey at his feet And a barrel of porter at his head
Wak for the darn-o, dance to your partner, cross the floor, your trotters shake
Wasn’t it the truth I told you, Lots of fun at Finnegan’s wake
His friends assembled at the wake And Missus Finnegan called for lunch
First she handed tea and cake Then pipes, tobacco and whiskey punch
Biddy O’Brien began to cry “Such a nice clean corpse did you ever see
Tim, auvreem! O why did you die? “Will you hold your gob?” said Paddy McGee
Wak for the darn-o, dance to your partner, cross the floor, your trotters shake
Wasn’t it the truth I told you, Lots of fun at Finnegan’s wake
Then Maggie O’Connor took up the cry “O Biddy” says she “you’re wrong I’m sure”
Biddy gave her a belt in the gob and left her sprawling on the floor
Then the war did soon engage. Twas woman to woman and man to man
Shillelagh-law was all the rage An a row and a ruction soon began
Wak for the darn-o, dance to your partner, cross the floor, your trotters shake
Wasn’t it the truth I told you, Lots of fun at Finnegan’s wake
Then Mickey Malone he raised his head when a noggin Of whiskey flew at him
It missed and landing on the bed The liquor scattered over Tim
Tim revives, see how he rises. Timothy rising from the bed
“Whirl your whiskey around like blazes! thanamon dahl, D’ye think I’m dead?”
Wak for the darn-o, dance to your partner, cross the floor, your trotters shake
Wasn’t it the truth I told you, Lots of fun at Finnegan’s wake
BACK TO SONG LIST
Foggy Dew
As down the glen one Easter morn,
To a city fair rode I
There armed lines of marching men,
In squadrons passed me by.
No pipe did hum, no battle drum,
Did sound its loud tattoo
But the Angelus bell o’er the Liffey’s swell,
Rang out in the foggy dew.
Right proudly high over Dublin town,
They hung out the flag of war.
‘Twas better to die ‘neath an Irish sky,
Than at Suvla or Sud el Bar
And from the plains of Royal Meath,
Strong men came hurrying through;
While Britannia’s huns with their long-range guns,
Sailed in through the foggy dew
But the bravest fell, and the requiem bell,
Rang mournfully and clear
For those who died that Eastertide,
In the springing of the year
And the world did gaze, with deep amaze,
At those fearless men but few
Who bore the fight that freedom’s light,
Might shine through the foggy dew.
Ah, back through the glen I rode again,
And my heart with grief was sore
For I parted then with valiant men,
Whom I never shall see more
But to and fro in my dreams I go,
And I’d kneel and pray for you
For slavery fled, O glorious dead,
When you fell in the foggy dew.
BACK TO SONG LIST
I’ll Tell Me Ma
I’ll tell me ma when I go home the boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pulled me hair they stole me comb but that’s alright ‘till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty. She is the girl of Belfast city
She is courting one, two, three. Please won’t you tell me who is she?
Albert Mooney says he loves her, all the boys are fightin’ for her.
They’re up at the door; they’re ringin’ the bell,
saying, “Oh my true love are you well?”
Out she comes as white as snow, with rings on her fingers; bells on her toes.
Ole Jenny Murray says she’ll die
if she doesn’t get the fellow with the rovin’ eye
I’ll tell me ma when I go home the boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pulled me hair they stole me comb but that’s alright ‘till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty. She is the girl of Belfast city
She is courting one, two, three. Please won’t you tell me who is she?
At skippin’ she’s the best of all, she never slips, she never falls.
Double Dutcher, heel and toe, she’s the one that steals the show.
When they all come out to play, she’s the one that leads the way.
Albert Mooney’s always there, seeing the girl with the golden hair.
I’ll tell me ma when I go home the boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pulled me hair they stole me comb but that’s alright ‘till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty. She is the girl of Belfast city
She is courting one, two, three. Please won’t you tell me who is she?
Let the wind and the rain and the hail blow high;
the smoke come travellin’ from the sky.
She’s as nice as an 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 comes home.
Let them all come as they will for its Albert Mooney she loves still.
I’ll tell me ma when I go home the boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pulled me hair they stole me comb but that’s alright ‘till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty. She is the girl of Belfast city
She is courting one, two, three. Please won’t you tell me who is she?
BACK TO SONG LIST
Johnny Be Fine
Johnny be fine and Johnny be fair; He wants me for to wed.
And I would marry Johnny but my father up and said,
“I’m sorry to tell you daughter what your mother never knew,
but Johnny is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you.”
Well, Willie be fine and Willie be fair; He wants me for to wed.
And I would marry Willie but my father up and said,
“I’m sorry to tell you daughter what your mother never knew,
but Willie is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you.”
Well Jimmy be fine and Jimmy be fair; He wants me for to wed.
And I would marry Jimmy but my father up and said,
“I’m sorry to tell you daughter what your mother never knew,
but Jimmy is a son of mine and so he’s kin to you.”
Never was there a girl so sad and sorry as I was;
The boys in town are all my kin and my father is the cause.
I will not be contented for to die a single miss.
I think I’ll go to mother and complain to her of this.
“Well daughter didn’t I teach you to forgive and to forget?
So your father sowed his oats yet still you shouldn’t fret. ~~~
Your father may be the cause of all the boys in town but still,
He’s not the one who sired you, so marry who you will!”
BACK TO SONG LIST
Last of the Irish Rover
In the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and six
we set sail from the sweet cove of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
for the grand City Hall in New York
An elegant craft, she was rigged for and aft
and how the trade winds drove her
She stood several blasts, she had twenty-seven masts
and they called her the Irish Rover
––So fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
—Fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
We had one million bags of the best Sligo rags,
we had two million barrels of stone
We had three million sides of old blind horses hides,
we had four million barrels of bones
We had five million hogs, and six million dogs, seven
million barrels of porter
We had eight million bails of old nanny-goats’ tails
in the hold of the Irish Rover
—So fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
—Fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
There was awl Mickey Coote who played hard on his flute
when the ladies lined up for a set
He was tootlin’ with skill for each sparkling quadrille,
though the dancers were fluther’d and bet
With his smart witty talk, he was cock of the walk
and he rolled the dames under and over
They all knew at a glance when he took up his stance
that he sailed in the Irish Rover
—So fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
—Fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
There was Barney McGee from the banks of the Lee,
there was Hogan from County Tyrone
There was Johnny McGurk who was scared stiff of work
and a man from Westmeath named Malone
There was Slugger O’Toole who was drunk as a rule
and Fighting Bill Tracy from Dover
And your man, Mic McCann from the banks of the Bann
was the skipper on the Irish Rover
—So fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
—Fair thee well my pretty little girl, for we are bound away.
We had sailed seven years when the measles broke out
and the ship lost it’s way in the fog
And the whole of the crew was reduced down to two,
’twas meself and the Captain’s old dog
Then the ship struck a rock, Lord! what a shock,
we nearly tumbled over—–
We spun nine times around and the poor dog was drowned,
I’m the last of the Irish Rooooo–ver!
BACK TO SONG LIST
Leave Her Johnny, Leave her (sea shanty)
I thought I heard the Old Man say
“Leave her, Johnny, leave her.”
Tomorrow you will get your pay,
And it’s time for us to leave her.
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her!
For the voyage is long and the winds don’t blow
And it’s time for us to leave her.
Oh, the wind was foul and the sea ran high.
“Leave her, Johnny, leave her!”
She shipped it green and none went by.
And it’s time for us to leave her.
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her!
For the voyage is long and the winds don’t blow
And it’s time for us to leave her.
I hate to sail on this rotten tub.
“Leave her, Johnny, leave her!”
No grog allowed and rotten grub.
And it’s time for us to leave her.
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her!
For the voyage is long and the winds don’t blow
And it’s time for us to leave her.
We swear by rote for want of more.
“Leave her, Johnny, leave her!”
But now we’re through so we’ll go on shore.
And it’s time for us to leave her.
Leave her, Johnny, leave her!
Oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her!
For the voyage is long and the winds don’t blow
And it’s time for us to leave her.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Loch Lomond
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond
Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
O you take the high road and I’ll take the low road
And I’ll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
‘Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side of Ben Lomond
Where deep in purple hue, the highland hills we view
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.
O you take the high road and I’ll take the low road
And I’ll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
The wee birdies sing and the wild flowers spring
And in sunshine waters lie sleeping.
But the broken heart it kens, nae second spring again,
Though the waeful may cease frae their greeting.
O you take the high road and I’ll take the low road
And I’ll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
BACK TO SONG LIST
My Wild Irish Rose
If you listen I’ll sing you a sweet little song
Of a flower that’s now drooped and dead,
Yet dearer to me, yes than all of its mates,
Though each holds aloft its proud head.
Twas given to me by a girl that I know,
Since we’ve met, faith I’ve known no repose.
She is dearer by far than the world’s brightest star,
And I call her my wild Irish 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 some day for my sake, she may let me take the bloom from my wild Irish Rose.
They may sing of their roses, which by other names,
Would smell just as sweetly, they say.
But I know that my Rose would never consent
To have that sweet name taken away.
Her glances are shy when e’re I pass by
The bower where my true love grows,
And my one wish has been that some day I may win
The heart of my wild Irish 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 some day for my sake, she may let me take the bloom from my wild Irish Rose.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Night That Paddy Murphy Died
Oh, the night that Paddy Murphy died is a night I’ll never forget,
Some of the boys got loaded drunk and they ain’t got sober yet;
As long as a bottle was passed around every man was feelin’ gay,
O’Leary came with the bagpipes some music for to play.
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
As Mrs. Murphy sat in the corner, pourin’ out her grief,
Kelly and his gang, came tearin’ down the street;
They broke into an empty room and a bottle of whiskey stole,
They put that bottle in with the corpse to keep that whiskey cold.
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
Well everyone got merry, and they didn’t care for prayer,
Mrs. Murphy said she’d wait till all the gang were there;
Of all the sights I’ve ever seen that made me quake with fear,
They took the ice right off the corpse just for to chill the beer!
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
At two o’clock in the morning, after emptying the jug,
Doyle rose up the coffin lid to see poor Paddy’s mug;
He stopped the clock so Mrs. Murphy couldn’t tell the time,
And at a quarter after three, they argued it was nine.
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
They stopped the hearse on George street outside some dance saloon.
They all went in at half past eight and staggered out at noon.
They went up to the grave yard so holy and subliiiii—–me.
They found out when they got there that they’d left the corpse behind!
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
Oh, the night that Paddy Murphy died is a night I’ll never forget,
Some of the boys got loaded drunk and they ain’t got sober yet;
As long as a bottle was passed around every man was feelin’ gay,
O’Leary came with the bagpipes some music for to play.
–And that’s how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy,
–That’s how they showed their honour and their pride;
–They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another,
–And every drink in the place was full, the night Pat Murphy died.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Old Dun Cow
Some friends and I in a public house were playing cards one night
When into the room a fireman came, his face all chalky white.
“What’s up?” says Brown, “Have you seen a ghost?”
“Have you seen your Aunt Moriah?”
“Oh me Aunt Moriah be buggered!” says he,– “The bleeding pub’s on fire!”
“On fire?” says Brown, “What a bit of luck, everybody follow me.
“Its down to the cellar if the fire’s not there and we’ll have a grand ole spree!”
So we all went down with good ole Brown and the booze we could not miss.
And we hadn’t been there ten minutes or more– ’till we were bloody pissed. (WHERE’S BROWN?)
And there was Brown, upside down, lapping up the whiskey on the floor.
“Booze, booze” the firemen cried as they came a-knockin’ at the door. (CLAP CLAP)
“Well don’t let ’em in ’till its all drunk up”
Somebody shouted, “MacIntyre.” (MACINTYRE!)
And we all got blue blind paralytic drunk– when the Old Dun Cow caught fire.
Then Smith ran over to the port wine tub and gave it a few hard knocks.
He started taking off his pantaloons, likewise his shoes and socks.
“Oh no,” says Brown, “That ain’t allowed. You can’t do that in here.
Don’t be washing your trotters in the port wine tub– when we’ve got Coors lite beer!” (WHERE’S BROWN?)
And there was Brown, upside down, lapping up the whiskey on the floor.
“Booze, booze” the firemen cried as they came a-knockin’ at the door. (CLAP CLAP)
“Well don’t let ’em in ’till its all drunk up”
Somebody shouted, “MacIntyre.” (MACINTYRE!)
And we all got blue blind paralytic drunk– when the Old Dun Cow caught fire.
Then there came a mighty crash. Half the bloody room gave way.
We were almost drowned in the fireman’s hose but we were gonna stay
So we got some tacks and some old wet sacks and we nailed ourselves inside.
And we sat there drinkin’ the finest rum– ’till we were bleary eyed. (WHERE’S BROWN?)
And there was Brown, upside down, lapping up the whiskey on the floor.
“Booze, booze” the firemen cried as they came a-knockin’ at the door. (CLAP CLAP)
“Well don’t let ’em in ’till its all drunk up”
Somebody shouted, “MacIntyre.” (MACINTYRE!)
And we all got blue blind paralytic drunk– when the Old Dun Cow caught fire.
Later that night when the fire was out we came up from the cellar below.
Our pub was burned, our booze was drunk and our heads were hangin’ low.
“Oh look”, says Brown, with a look quite queer, it seemed something caught his ire,
“We’ve gotta get down to Murphy’s pub,– it closes on the hour!” (WHERE’S BROWN?)
And there was Brown, upside down, lapping up the whiskey on the floor.
“Booze, booze” the firemen cried as they came a-knockin’ at the door. (CLAP CLAP)
“Well don’t let ’em in ’till its all drunk up”
Somebody shouted, “MacIntyre.” (MACINTYRE!)
And we all got blue blind paralytic drunk– when the Old Dun Cow caught fire.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Old Maid In The Garret
Now I’ve often heard it said by me father and me mother
That going to a wedding is the makings of another
Well if this be so then I’ll go without a bidding
Oh kind providence won’t you take me to a wedding
——And it’s oh dear me, How would it be if I died an old maid in the Garret
Now my little sister Jean she’s not handsome or goodlooking
But scarcely 16 and a fellow she was courting
Now she’s twenty four with a son and a daughter
here am I 44 and I’ve never had an offer
——And it’s oh dear me, How would it be if I died an old maid in the Garret
I can cook and I can sew I can keep the house right tidy
Rise up in the morning and get the breakfast ready
There’s nothing in this wide world to make me half so cheery
As a wee fat man that would call me his sweet deary
——And it’s oh dear me, How would it be if I died an old maid in the Garret
So come landsman or come kinsman, Come tinker or come tailor
Come fiddler or come dancer, Come Ploughman or come sailor
Come rich man, come poor man, come fool or come witty
Come any man at all that would marry me for pity
——And it’s oh dear me, How would it be if I died an old maid in the Garret
Well I’m far away from home and there’s nobody heeding
Nobody’s heeding to poor Annie’s pleading
I’m away from home in my own wee little Garret
If I can’t get a man then I’ll surely get a parrot
——And it’s oh dear me, How would it be if I died an old maid in the Garret
BACK TO SONG LIST
Old Rosin The Beau
I’ve travelled all over this country And now to another I go
I know that good quarters are waiting To welcome ‘Ole Rosin the Beau.
To welcome ‘Ole Rosin the Beau To welcome ‘Ole Rosin the Beau
I know that good quarters are waiting To welcome ‘Ole Rosin the Beau.
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 Ole’ Rosin the Beau.
To drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau. To drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau.
–“Send down a hogshead of whiskey To drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau.
Then 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 Beau
To the memory of Rosin the Beau To the memory of Rosin the Beau
Let them drink out of half gallon bottles To the memory of Rosin the Beau
Then get this half dozen stout fellows And let them all stagger and go
And dig a great hole in the meadow And in it put Rosin the Beau
And in it put Rosin the Beau And in it put Rosin the Beau
And dig a great hole in the meadow And in it put Rosin the Beau
And get ye a couple of bottles Put one at me head and me toes
With a diamond ring scratch upon them The name of Ole’ Rosin the Beau
The name of Ole’ Rosin the Beau The name of Ole’ Rosin the Beau
With a diamond ring scratch upon them The name of Ole’ Rosin the Beau
I fear that old tyrant approaching That cruel and remorseless old foe
And I lift up me glass in his honor Take a drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau
Take a drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau Take a drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau
And I lift up me glass in his honor Take a drink with Ole’ Rosin the Beau
BACK TO SONG LIST
Parting Glass
Of all the money ere I had,
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that ere I’ve done,
alas it was to none but me.
And all I’ve done for want of wit,
to mem’ry now I can’t recall
But fill to me the parting glass,
good night and joy be with you all.
If I had money enough to spend,
and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town,
that surely has my heart beguiled.
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips,
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass,
good night and joy be with you all.
Of all the comrades ere I’ve had,
They’re sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts ere I’ve had,
they wish me one more day to stay
But since it fall unto my lot,
that I should ride and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call,
good night and joy be with you all.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Rattlin’ Bog
Rare bog, the rattlin’ bog, The bog down in the valley-o.
Rare bog, the rattlin’ bog, The bog down in the valley-o.
Now in that BOG there was a hole, A rare hole and a rattlin’ hole,
And the hole in the bog, And the bog down in the valley-o….
Bog–Hole–Tree–Limb–Branch–Twig–Nest–Bird–Feather–Flea
BACK TO SONG LIST
Red Is The Rose
Come over the hills, my bonnie Irish lass
Come over the hills to your darling
You choose the road, love, and I’ll make the vow
And I’ll be your true love forever.
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
When the moon and the stars they were shining
The moon shone its rays on her locks of golden hair
And she swore she’d be my love forever.
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.
Its not for the parting that my sister pains
Its not for the grief of my mother
‘Tis all for the loss of my bonnie Irish lass
That my heart is breaking forever.
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.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Rocky Road To Dublin
In the merry month of June, from me home I started,
Left the girls of Tuam, nearly broken hearted,
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother,
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother,
Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born,
Cut a stout black thorn, to banish ghosts and goblins; With a
brand new pair of brogues, rattling o’er the bogs
And fright’ning all the dogs, on the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah !
In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary,
Started by daylight, me spirits blithe and early,
Took a drop of pure, to keep me heart from sinking;
Thats a Paddy’s cure whenever he’s on drinking.
See the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, ‘twould set your heart a bubblin’
Asked if I was hired, wages I required,
‘Till I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah !!
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city.
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality;
Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality.
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind,
No bundle could I find, upon me stick a wobblin’
Enquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue
Wasn’t much in vogue, on the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah ! !
From there I got away, me spirits never failing,
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing.
The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he;
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy.
Down among the pigs, played some hearty rigs,
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling;
When off Holyhead, I wished meself was dead,
Or better far instead on the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah ! !
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed,
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it.
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing;
Poor old Erin’s Isle, they began abusing.
“Hurrah me soul” says I, Shillelagh I let fly.
Some Galway boys were nigh, and saw I was a hobble in,
With a loud “hurray !” joined in the affray.
We quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah !
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road and
all the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah !
BACK TO SONG LIST
Skibbereen
Oh father dear, I often hear you speak of Erin’s isle
Her lofty scenes, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wild
They say it is a lovely land wherein a prince might dwell
So why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell.
Oh son, I loved my native land with energy and pride
’till a blight came over all my crops, my sheep and cattle died
My rent and taxes were so high, I could not them redeem
And that’s the cruel reason why I left old Skibbereen.
It’s well I do remember that bleak December day
The landlord and the sheriff came to drive us all away
They set my roof on fire with their cursed English spleen
And that’s another reason why I left old Skibbereen.
Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the snowy ground
She fainted in her anguish seeing the desolation ’round
She never rose but passed away from life to immortal dream
She found a quiet grave, my boy, in dear old Skibbereen.
And you were only two years old and feeble was your frame
I could not leave you with my friends, you bore your father’s name
I wrapped you in my cóta mór in the dead of night unseen
I heaved a sigh and said goodbye to dear old Skibbereen.
Oh father dear, the day will come when vengeance loud will call
All Irish men will rally round together one and all
I’ll be the man to lead the band beneath the flag of green
And loud and high we’ll raise the cry: Revenge for Skibbereen!
BACK TO SONG LIST
Skye Boat Song
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King,
Over the sea to Skye.
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclouds rend the air;
Baffled, our foes stand by the shore,
Follow they will not dare.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King,
Over the sea to Skye.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep,
Ocean’s a royal bed.
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King,
Over the sea to Skye.
Many’s the lad fought on that day,
Well the Claymore could wield,
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden’s field.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King,
Over the sea to Skye.
Burned are their homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath
Charlie will come again.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King,
Over the sea to Skye.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Skye Boat Song
(Outlander version, Robert Louis Stevenson)
Sing me a song of a lad that is gone, Say, could that lad be I?
Merry of soul he sailed on a day, Over the sea to Skye.
Mull was astern, Rùm on the port, Eigg on the starboard bow;
Glory of youth glowed in his soul, Where is that glory now?
Sing me a song of a lad that is gone, Say, could that lad be I?
Merry of soul he sailed on a day, Over the sea to Skye.
Give me again all that was there, Give me the sun that shone!
Give me the eyes, give me the soul, Give me the lad that’s gone!
Sing me a song of a lad that is gone, Say, could that lad be I?
Merry of soul he sailed on a day Over the sea to Skye.
Billow and breeze, islands and seas, Mountains of rain and sun,
All that was good, all that was fair, All that was me is gone.
Sing me a song of a lad that is gone, Say, could that lad be I?
Merry of soul he sailed on a day Over the sea to Skye.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Star of the County Down
In Bainbridge Town in the County Down, One morning last July,
Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen, And she smiled as she passed me by.
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet To the crown of her nut brown hair.
Such a winsome elf, I had to pinch myself, To be sure I was really there.
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay (kay) and From Galway to Dublin Town,
No maid I’ve seen like the brown colleen That I met in the County Down.
As she onward sped, sure I scratched my head, And I looked with a feelin’ rare,
And I say’s, say’s I, to a passer-by, “Whose the maid with the nut brown hair”?
He smiled at me and he says, says he, “That’s the gem of Ireland’s crown.
Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann, She’s the star of the County Down”.
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and From Galway to Dublin Town,
No maid I’ve seen like the brown colleen That I met in the County Down.
She had soft brown eyes with a look so shy and a smile like a rose in June.
And she sang so sweet what a lovely treat, as she lulled to an Irish tune.
At the patterns dance I was in a trance As she whirled with the lads of the town.
And it broke my heart just to be apart, From 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 colleen That I met in the County Down.
At the Harvest Fair she’ll be surely there And 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 Till my plough turns rust colored brown.
Till 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 colleen That I met in the County Down.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Waxie’s Dargle
Says my aul’ wan to your aul’ wan “Will ye come to the Waxies dargle?”
Says your aul’ wan to my aul’ wan, “Sure I haven’t got a farthing.
I’ve been down to Monto town To see Uncle McArdle
B—ut he wouldn’t lend me half a crown to go to the Waxies dargle.”
What are ye having, will ye have a pint? I’ll have a pint with you, sir,
A—nd if one of ya doesn’t order soon We’ll be thrown out of the boozer.
Says my aul’ wan to your aul’ wan “Will ye come to the Galway races?”
Says your aul’ wan to my aul’ wan, “With the price of me aul’ man’s braces.
I went down to Caypel Street To the Jew man moneylenders
B—ut they wouldn’t give me a couple of bob on My aul’ man’s red suspenders.”
What are ye having, will ye have a pint? I’ll have a pint with you, sir,
A—nd if one of ya doesn’t order soon We’ll be thrown out of the boozer.
Says my aul’ wan to your aul’ wan “We’ve got no beef nor mutton
But if we go down to Monto town We might get a drink for nuttin'”
Here’s a piece of good advice I got from an aul’ fishmonger:
“Wh—en food is scarce and you see the hearse You’ll know you’ve died of hunger.
What are ye having, will ye have a pint? I’ll have a pint with you, sir,
A—nd if one of ya doesn’t order soon We’ll be thrown out of the boozer.
Says my aul’ wan to your aul’ wan “Will ye come to the Waxies dargle?”
Says your aul’ wan to my aul’ wan, “Sure I haven’t got a farthing.
I’ve been down to Monto town To see Uncle McArdle
B—ut he wouldn’t lend me half a crown to go to the Waxies dargle.”
What are ye having, will ye have a pint? I’ll have a pint with you, sir,
A—nd if one of ya doesn’t order soon We’ll be thrown out of the boozer.
BACK TO SONG LIST
Wellerman (sea shanty)
There once was a ship that put to sea
And the name of that ship was the Billy o’ Tea
The winds blew hard, her bow dipped down
Blow, me bully boys, blow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go (repeat)
She had not been two weeks from shore
When down on her— a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He’d take that whale in tow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go
Before the boat had hit the water
The wha–le’s tail came up and caught her
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
When she dived down below (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go
No line was cut, no whale was freed
An’ the captain’s mind was not on greed
But he belonged to the Whaleman’s creed
She took that ship in tow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go
For forty days or even more (ooh)
The line went slack then tight once more
All boats were lost, there were only four
And still that whale did go
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
The line’s not cut, and the whale’s not gone
The Wellerman makes his regular call
To encourage the captain, crew and all
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go
BACK TO SONG LIST
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
There’s a tear in your eye and I’m wondering why
For it never should be there at all
With such power in your smile, sure a stone you’d beguile
So there’s never a teardrop 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
When Irish eyes are smiling, sure it’s like a morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they 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 linnet’s sweet song, crooning all the day long
Comes your laughter so tender and light
For the spring-time of life is the sweetest of all
There is ne’er a real care or regret
And while spring-time is ours, throughout all of youth’s hours
Let us smile each chance we get
When Irish eyes are smiling, sure it’s like a morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away
BACK TO SONG LIST
Whiskey in the Jar
As I was goin’ over The Cork and Kerry Mountains
I met with Captain Farrell And his money, he was countin’
I first produced me pistol, And then produced me rapier
Saying, “Stand and deliver for I am a bold deceiver”
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah (4 claps) Whack for the derry ‘ol; (2 claps)
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
He counted all 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 women for they never can be easy
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah (4 claps) Whack for the derry ‘ol; (2 claps)
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
I went into me chamber for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and sure it was no wonder
For Jenny took me charges and filled them up with water
Then sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah (4 claps) Whack for the derry ‘ol; (2 claps)
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
‘Twas early in the morning, before I rose to travel
The guards were all around me and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced me pistol for she stole away me rapier
But I couldn’t shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah (4 claps) Whack for the derry ‘ol; (2 claps)
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
If anyone can aid me its me brother in the army
I think that he is stationed in Cork or in Killarney
And if he’d come and join me, we’d go rovin’ in Killkenny
I own he’d treat me better than me darlin’, sportin’ Jenny
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah (4 claps) Whack for the derry ‘ol; (2 claps)
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
Now some take a liking to a’ fishin’ and a bowlin’
Others take a liking to the carriage gently rollin’
But I take a liking to the juice of the barley
Courtin’ pretty women in mountains of Killarney
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah Whack for the derry ‘ol;
Whack for the derry ‘ol. There’s whiskey in the jar
Mush um reem um a doo um a dah Whack for the derry ‘ol;
Whack for the derry ‘ol There’s whiskey in the jar
BACK TO SONG LIST
Wild Rover
—-And it’s no, nay, never,–(and-1,2,3,4 claps)—-No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
I’ve been a wild rover for many a year
And I spent all me money on whiskey and beer,
But 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,–(and-1,2,3,4)—-No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
I went to an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me “nay
Such a custom as yours I can have any day.”
—-And it’s no, nay, never,—(and-1,2,3,4)—No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
Then out of my pocket I took sovereigns bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight.
She said “I have whiskey and ales of the best
And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest.”
—-And it’s no, nay, never,–(and-1,2,3,4)—-No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
I’ll go home to me parents, confess what I’ve done
And I’ll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.
And if they forgive me as ofttimes before
Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.
—-And it’s no, nay, never,–(and 1,2,3,4)—-No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
—-And it’s no, nay, never,–(and-1,2,3,4)—No nay never no more, (3 claps)
—-Will I play (2 claps) the wild rover (1 clap) —-No never no more.
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Will Ye Go, Lassie Go (Wild Mountain Thyme)
Oh the summer time is coming,
And the trees are sweetly blooming
And the wild mountain thyme
Grows across the blooming heather
Will ye go, lassie go.
CHORUS: And 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 bower
By yon pure, crystal fountain
And on it I will find All the flowers of the mountain
Will ye go, lassie, go
CHORUS
If my true love she were gone
I will surely find another
To pluck wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather
Will ye go, lassie go.