Beer, Beer, Beer                                                                                                                Back

Trad.

 

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

 

Chorus:
Hey! He must have been an admiral, a sultan or a king,
And to his praises we shall always sing;
Look at what he's done for us, he's filled us up with cheer,
Lord, bless Charlie Mopps, the man who invented...
Beer, beer, beer, tiddley beer, beer, beer...

 

The Dury's pub and the Stag the Wexford Inn as well 
One thing you can be sure of, it's Charlie's beer  they sell;
So all you lads and lasses, at eleven o'clock you stop,
For five short seconds, remember Charlie Mopps!

One... two... three... four... five...

 

A bushel of malt, a barrel of hops, stir it around with a stick,
The type of lubrication to make your engine tick;
Forty pints of wallop a day will keep away the quacks,
It's only eight pence ha’penny a pint, and one and six in tax.

One... two... three... four... five...

 

 

 

Courtin’ in the Kitchen                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

 

Come single belle and beau, unto me pay attention
Never fall in love for it’s, the divil's own invention.
Once I fell in love with a Maiden fair bewitchin'
Miss Henrietta Bell, down in Captain Kelly's kitchen

With my toora loora la, my toora loora laddy
Ri toora loora la, ri toora loora laddy.

At the age of seventeen, I was 'prenticed to a grocer
Not far from Stephen's Green, where Miss Henri used to go, sir
Her manners were sublime and she set me heart a-twitchin'
And She invited me to a hooley in the kitchen.

Next Sunday bein' the day we were to have the flare-up
I dressed myself quite gay, an' I frizzed and oiled my hair up
The Captain had no wife, and he had gone out fishin'
So we kicked up high life, down below-stairs in the kitchen.

With my arms around her waist, she slyly hinted marriage
To the door in dreadful haste came Captain Kelly's carriage!
Her eyes they filled with rage and a poison she was spittin’

When the Captain came downstairs, and marched right into the kitchen.

When the Captain came downstairs, and seen my situation
In spite of all my prayers I was marched off to the station
For me they'd take no bail, tho' to get home I was itchin'
And I had to tell the tale of how I got in the kitchen.

I said she did invite me, but she gave a flat denial
For assault she did indict me, and I was sent for trial.
She swore I robbed the house, in spite of all her screechin'
And I got six months hard, for my courting' in the kitchen.

 

Dirty Old Town                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

 

I met my love by the gas works wall,

Dreamed a dream by the old canal,

Kissed my girl by the factory wall,

Dirty old town, dirty old town

 

I heard a siren from the docks,

Saw a train set the night on fire,

Smelled the spring on the smoky wind,

Dirty old town, dirty old town

 

Clouds are drifting across the moon,

Cats are prowling on their beat

Springs a girl from the streets at night,

Dirty old town, dirty old town

 

I'm going to make me a good sharp axe,

Shining steel, tempered in the fire,

I'll chop you down like an old dead tree,

Dirty old town, dirty old town

 

Farewell the Rhonda Valley                                                                                                               Back
Paddy Reilly / Trad.

(Chorus)

Farewell the colliery workers, the muffler and the cap
Farewell the Rhondda valley girls, we never will come back
The mines they are a-closin', the valleys they're all doomed
There's no work in the Rhondda boys, we'll be in London soon

 

My father was a miner, and his father was before him,
And they always had been proud to work below.
Since they fell 'neath Roben's axe,
All the lads have had the sack
So away to work in England we must go!

 

No more the chapel singin', for that long ago has left us
In the public house no more the miner's songs
Oh, the population's droppin'
For the pit wheels they are stoppin',
And I can't afford to stay here very long

 

Treherbert and Treorchy, Tonypandy and Tynewydd
Ystradrhondda and Tonpentre, all adieu
For I can no longer wait
While Parliament debates
So a fond farewell I bid to all of you!

 

 

The Hills of Donegal                                                                                                               Back
Goats Don’t Shave

 

You may talk about Atlantis, how it’s lost beneath the sea
Or the grave of the unknown soldier and the  cry of the old banshee
Who was the man in the iron mask, was Jack the ripper set free?
But ask them all where’s Donegal, and it’s still a mystery

 

(Chorus)

And if I could I’d build a wall around old Donegal
The north and south to keep them out, my god I’d build it tall
Casinos, chicken ranches, I’d legalize them all
We’d have our own Las Vegas in the hills of Donegal
Yeah!! Las Vegas in hills of Donegal

 

Lay by clubs and all night pubs, black jack and roulette
Mel Gibson, Brigitte Nilsen, Mike Tyson having a bet
Iniseoghain would then be known for its multi-millionaires
And Donald Trump would like a chunk to live in solitaire

 

To stand on top of fairy hill would give me such a thrill
And hear them say in Dublin there’s gold in them there hills
So don’t despair, ‘cos if you dare, the answer lies with me
There’s a wall that’s steep and it’s going cheap somewhere in Germany.

 

 

Salonika                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

 

Oh me husband's in Salonika and I wonder if he's dead,

And I wonder if he knows he has a kid with a foxy head,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

When the war is over what will the slackers do,

They'll be all around the soldiers for the loan of a bob or two,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

And when the war is over what will the soldiers do,

They'll be walking around with a leg and a half, and the slackers they'll have two,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

They taxed the Colosseum and they taxed St. Mary's Hall.

Why don't they tax the Bobbies with their backs again' the wall

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

When the war is over what will the slackers do,

For every kid in America, in Cork there will be two,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

They takes us out to blarney and they lays us on the grass,

They puts us in the family way and they leaves us on our arse,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

Oh, never marry a soldier, a sailor, or a marine,

But keep your eye on that Sinn Fein boy with his yellow, white and green,

So right away, so right away, so right away, so right away,

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

So right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy.

 

As I Roved Out                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

And who are you, me pretty fair maid 

And who are you, me honey? 

And who are you, me pretty fair maid 

And who are you, me honey? 

She answered me quite modestly: 

I am me mother's darling.

cho: With me too-ry-ay 

Fol-de-diddle-day 

Di-re fol-de-diddle 

Dai-rie oh. 

And will you come to me mother's house, 

When the sun is shining clearly ( repeat ) 

I'll open the door and I'll let you in 

And divil 'o one would hear us. 

She took me horse by the bridle and the bit 

And she led him to the stable ( repeat ) 

Saying "There's plenty of oats for a soldier's horse, 

To eat it if he's able." 

Then she took me by the lily-white hand 

And she led me to the table ( repeat ) 

Saying: There's plenty of wine for a soldier boy, 

To drink it if you're able. 

Then I got up and made the bed 

And I made it nice and aisy ( repeat ) 

Then I got up and laid her down 

Saying: Lassie, are you able? 

And there we lay till the break of day 

And divil a one did hear us ( repeat ) 

Then I arose and put on me clothes 

Saying: Lassie, I must leave you. 

And when will you return again 

And when will we get married ( repeat ) 

When broken shells make Christmas bells 

We might well get married.

 

Back Home in Derry                                                                                                               Back
Bobby Sands / Christy Moore

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

(Chorus)
Oh..... I wish I was back home in Derry
Oh..... I wish I was back home in Derry

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

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

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

 

Sally McLennane                                                                                                               Back

The Pogues

 

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 souls of psychos and the men who had the horn
and they all looked very happy in the morning

Now Jimmy didn't like his place in this world of ours
Where the elephant man broke strong men's necks when he'd had too many powers
So sad to see the grieving of the people he was leaving
And he took the road from nowhere in the morning

(Chorus)
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                      
Sad to say I must be on my way
so buy me beer and whiskey 'cause I'm going far away         
I'd like to think I'll be returning when I can
to the greatest little boozer and to Sally McLennane

The years passed by the times had changed I grew to be a man
I learned to love the virtues of sweet Sally McLennane
I took the jeers and drank the beers and I 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
Some people left for heaven without warning

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
And took the road for heaven in the morning

 

Clare Island                                                                                                               Back
The Saw Doctors

Will you meet me on Clare Island
Summer stars are in the sky
We’ll get the ferry out from Roonagh
And wave all our cares goodbye

 

And we’ll go dancing at the ceili
We’ll go kissing on the strand
Take our clothes off in the moonlight
Skinny-dipping hand in hand

 

And we’ll start drinking in the twilight
Keep it up until the dawn
In both the bars
Because there’s no guards
To take our names and send us home.

Will you meet me on Clare Island
Summer stars are in the sky
We'll get the ferry out from Roonagh
And wave all our cares goodbye.

Gettin’ weary of the city
Seems so many things have changed
Lets head off for Nora Daly’s home
Where she’s walked
It never rained

So will you meet me on Clare Island
Summer stars are in the sky
We'll get the ferry out from Roonagh
And wave all our cares goodbye

And if there’s wild and tall white horses
And the swell rolls in the bay
I won’t care if the boat can’t sail
Sure we’ll get home Some other day

So will you meet me on Clare Island
Summer stars are in the sky
We'll get the ferry out from Roonagh
And wave all our cares goodbye

 

N17                                                                                                               Back

The Saw Doctors

 

Well I didn't see much  future  when I left the Christian brothers school

So I waved it goodbye with a wistful smile and left the girls of Tuam

And sometimes when I’m reminiscing I see the prefabs and my old friends

And I know that they'll be changed or gone by the time I get home again.

 

(Chorus)

And I wish I was on that N 17

Stone walls and the grass is green

Yes I wish I was on that N17

Stone walls and the grass is green

Travelling with just my thoughts and dreams

 

Well the ould fella left me at Shannon was the last time I travelled that road

And as I turned left a Claregalway I could feel a lump in my throat

As I pictured the thousands of times that I travelled that well worn track

And I know that things will be different if ever I decide to go back

 

Now as I tumble down highways or filthy over-crowed trains

There's no one to talk to in transit so I sit there and daydream away

And behind all these muddled up problems of living on a foreign soil

I can still see the twists and turns on the road from the square to the town of the tribes

 

 

I Hope You Meet Again                                                                                                               Back

The Saw Doctors

 

You don't say that you love him
But it shows in every word
When he played his favourite music
Was the best you'd ever heard
And you tell me that he couldn't watch
The violence cut by men
When all is quiet throughout the land
I hope you meet again

(Chorus) 

I hope you'll meet again
I hope you'll meet again
I hope you'll meet again
I hope you'll meet again

 

His feelings were as deep for you
And maybe even more
Though you probably didn't show it
You knew his heart was sure
Though he left without a single word
It's better in the end
There are no words to say goodbye
I hope you meet again

I never even met him
But I know we'd be a pair
We'd have sat in any pub in town
And had a good time there
But there's something left between us
Stands in both our ways
When all these things are sorted out
I hope we'll meet some day

 

You tell me of his interests
How he loved the sound of trains
Whenever you hear that whistle
It's calling out his name
All the lonely years you suffered
Remembering back when
The days seemed so much longer
I hope you meet again

 

I Useta Love Her                                                                                                               Back
The Saw Doctors

 

I have fallen for another she can make her own way home

And even if she asked me now I'd let her go alone

I useta see her up the chapel as she went to Sunday mass

When she'd go up to receive I'd knell down her and watch her pass

The glory of her ass

 

I useta love her, I useta love her once

A long long time ago

I useta love her, I used love her once

A long long time ago

It's gone, all my loving is gone

It's gone, all my loving is gone

 

Do you remember her collecting for concern on Christmas eve

She was on a 48 hour fast just water and black tea

And I walked right up and made an ostentatious contribution

And I winked at her to tell her I'd seduce her in the future

When she's feeling looser

 

So now you know the truth of it she's no longer my obsession

And the thoughts and dreams I had of her would take 6 months in confession

See I met this young one Thursday night and she's into free expression

And her mission is to rid the world of sinful repression

then we had a session

 

It's gone long, long gone

I have fallen for another she can make her own way home

 

The Green and Red of Mayo                                                                                                               Back

The Saw Doctors

 

Oh the Green and Red of Mayo

I can see it still,.
It's soft and craggy bog lands, 
It's tall majestic hills,
Where the ocean kisses Ireland,
The waves caress it's shore
The feeling it came over me,
To stay forever more,
For ever more,

From it's rolling coastal waters
I can see Croagh Patrick's peak,
where one Sunday every summer,
the pilgrims climb the reek
where St. Patrick in its solitude,
looks out across Clew bay,
and with the ringin' of his bell
Called the faithful there to pray,
there to pray,

Take me to Clare island,
The home of Granuaile,
It's waters harbour fishes,
From the herring to the whale,
And now I must depart it,
And reality is plain,
May the time not pass so slowly,
Till I set sail again,
Set sail again,

 

Nancy Whiskey                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

 

"I'm a weaver, a Carlton weaver

I'm a rash and rovi'n blade

I've got silver in me pouches

And I follow the rovin trade

 

(Chorus)

Whiskey Whiskey, Nancy Whiskey

Whiskey Whiskey, Nancy-o

 

As I went down to Glasgow city

Nancy Whiskey I chanced to smell

I walked in, and I sat right down beside her

For seven long years now I've loved her well

 

The more I kissed her, the more I liked her

The more I kissed her the more she smiled

Soon I'd forgotten my own poor mother's teachin

Nancy whiskey soon had me beguiled

 

As I awoke early in the morning

To slake my thirst it was my need

I tried to arise but I was unable

Nancy whiskey had me by the knees

 

So I've gone back to my Carlton weaving

I'll surely make those shuttles fly

For I'll learn more at the Carlton weaving

Than ere I did at this roaming trade

 

So come ye weavers, you Carlton weavers

Come all ye weavers, where ere you be

Beware of whiskey, Nancy Whiskey

She'll ruin you like she ruined me

 

 

The Joyce Country Ceili Band                                                                                                               Back
The Saw Doctors

We're the Joyce country ceili band
Playing away and we're doing grand
We're singing a song

won't you give us a hand
'cos we're the Joyce country ceili band

Friday night , off we go
Tune the fiddle , strain the bow
Take it handy for the first few sets
Sure there's hardly anyone listening yet

Thomas and Mary out on the floor
Well they never lost it, that's for sure
in his sparking shoes and his daz-white shirt
She's got a brand new perm
And a pleated skirt

We do do's and functions  Weddings and wakes
Meats and salads, buns and cakes
Well if you need a few tunes just give us a call
For the house the pub or the parish hall

There's a princess on the floor all night
She can fairly throw them shapes alright
Howya Madge are you on your own?
How're ya fixed for a seat back home

 

Van Diemens Land                                                                                                               Back

U2

 

Hold me now, oh hold me now                  

Till this hour has gone around

And I'm gone on the rising  tide

For to face van Diemen's land

                                                           

It's a bitter pill I swallow here

To be rent from one so dear

We fought for justice and not for gain

But the magistrate sent me away

 

Now kings will rule and the poor will toil

And tear their hands as they tear the soil

But a day will come in the dawning age

When an honest man sees an honest wage

 

Hold me now, oh hold me now

Till this hour has gone around

And I'm gone on the rising tide

For to face van Diemen's land

 

Still the gunman rules and widows pay

A scarlet coat now a black beret

They thought that blood and sacrifice

Could out of death bring forth a life        

 

Pride (In the Name of Love)                                                                                                               Back

U2

 

One man come in the name of love

One man come and go

One man come here to justify

One man to overthrow

 

(Chorus)

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

 

One man caught on a barbed wire fence

One man he resist

One man washed on an empty beach

One man betrayed with a kiss

 

Early morning, April 4

A shot rings out in the Memphis sky

Free at last, they took your life

They could not take your pride

 

 

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For                                                                                                               Back

U2

 

I have climbed the highest mountains

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you, only to be with you

I have run I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls, these city walls

Only to be with you

 

(Chorus)

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

 

I have kissed honey lips

Felt the healing in her fingertips

It burned like fire, this burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels

I have held the hand of a devil

It was warm in the night, I was cold as a stone

 

I believe in the kingdom come

Then all the colors will bleed into one, bleed into one

But yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains

Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame

You know I believe it

 

The Queen of Argyll                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

 

Gentlemen it is me duty

To inform you of one beauty

Though I'd ask of you a favor

Not to seek her for a while

Though I own she is a creature

Of character and feature

No words can paint the picture

Of the Queen of all Argyll

 

(Chorus)

And if you could have seen her there

Boys, if you had just been there

The swan was in her movements

And the morning in her smile

All the roses in the garden

They bow and ask her pardon

For not one could match the beauty

Of the Queen of all Argyll

 

On the evening that I mentioned

I passed with light intention

Through a part of our dear country

Known for beauty and for style

In the place of noble thinkers

Of scholars and great drinkers

But above them all for splendor

Shone the Queen of all Argyll

 

So my lads I needs must leave you

My intentions no' to grieve you

Nor indeed would I deceive you

Oh I'll see you in a while

I must find some way to gain her

To court her and attain her

I fear my heart's in danger

From the Queen of all Argyll

 

 

Thirteen Years                                                                                                               Back

Pipeline

 

I awoke one morn in the month of May

To leave I’d made my mind.

I’d dreamt of places far away,

Where I knew they’d like my kind.

My mother wept the sweetest tears,

While thinking back on me.

I was only thirteen years and going so far away.

 

So I stole away to the hiring fair,

That’s held in Strabane town.

It’s friends and comfort you’ll find there,

They come from miles around.

The journey there was long and hard,

But my heart was light and gay

I was only thirteen years, and going so far away.

 

And standing on that market place,

Great fear came over me.

A farmer’s wench on me she smiled

My face she liked said she

Her father he’d have work right near

Two shillings six pence a day

I was only thirteen years and going so far away.

 

Her love for me it being warm,

She bad me slip away.

She took me by the lily white hand,

And ne’er a word did say.

I’d be comforted and have no fears

With a place that I could stay

She being all of eighteen years, and I so far away.

 

The farmer’s wench right sorrowful,

For I rather would stay poor

To meet a wench and be made a fool

Is a thing I ne’er would do

So I bade farewell and I shed no tears

And I left that very day

For a man of only thirteen years, I’ll go no more away.

 

I’m Coming Home Ireland                                                                                                               Back
Garth Brooks

They say mother earth is breathing     With each wave that finds the shore
Her soul rises in the evening   For to open twilights door
Her eyes are the stars in heaven   Watching o'er us all the while
And her heart it is in Ireland   Deep within the Emerald Isle

We are forty against hundreds  In someone else’s bloody war
We know not why were fighting  Or what we're dying for
They will storm us in the morning   When the sunlight turns to sky
Death is waiting for its dance now    Fate has sentenced us to die

Ireland I am coming home   I can see your rolling fields of green
And fences made of stone    I am reaching out won't you take my hand
I'm coming home Ireland

Oh the captain he lay bleeding   I can hear him calling me
These men are yours now for the leading   Show them to their destiny
And as I look up all around me  I see the ragged tired and torn
I tell them to make ready   'Cause we're not waiting for the morn

Ireland I am coming home   I can see your rolling fields of green
And fences made of stone   I am reaching out won't you take my hand
I'm coming home Ireland

Now the fog is deep and heavy   As we forge the dark and fear
We can hear their horses breathing  As in silence we draw near
There are no words to be spoken   Just a look to say good-bye
I draw a breath and night is broken  As I scream our battle cry

Ireland I am coming home
I can see your rolling fields of green
And fences made of stone
I am reaching out won't you take my hand
I'm coming home Ireland

I am home Ireland

 

Exhilarating Sadness                                                                                                               Back
The Saw Doctors

You were sitting in a cafe

at a table by the juke-box

Making cups of coffee last for years

You never heard the fanfare

never saw the sunshine rising

and the summer slipped in unnoticed

from beneath your tears

The pounding big bass rhythm

shook the room, shook your little heart

all the talk that whistled through your ears

You were minding your own business

but you were everybody else’s

and the summer slipped in unnoticed

from beneath your tears

All the girls around you

were captured by your presence

your lucid features admired and revered

Deep in your eyes I recognize

An exhilarating sadness

And the summer slipped in unnoticed

from beneath your tears

Time flew bye, You moved on

The shop street days are long since gone

All of the laughter, and all of the tears

I still see your likeness through the years

Never Mind the Strangers                                                                                                               Back

The Saw Doctors

It takes two to get together, It takes time to make it last,

We'll all end up in some ways, Like a drink in last night’s glass,

But we take this chance together, Let's not think about the end,

Never mind the strangers, Cos I’ll always.....be your friend, Until the end.

We've crossed the seas together, we've had our ups and downs,

We've gone further than we ever dreamed, from our county Galway town,

If we're up on top tomorrow, or if it all just ends,

Never mind the strangers, cos I’ll always be your friend until the end.

It hasn't all been easy, but sure that’s the way it goes,

We've been shaken, rocked and rattled, taken jabs and body blows,

There's a strength in being together, like a steel bar that won't bend,

Never mind the strangers, cos I’ll always be your friend until the end.

Even now it's hard to think back when did it all begin,

Was it some night drinking in Gay Browne's pub, every soul is welcomed in,

On this fine summers evening, as the blue of night descends,

Never mind the strangers cos I’ll always be your friend, until the end.

We've seen the other side of life, and not been to impressed,

It doesn't beat a day at home, if you put it to the test,

But at least we took the challenge, we didn't just pretend,

Never mind the strangers, cos I’ll always be your friend, until the end.

 

Rolling Home                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Call all hands to man the capstan
See the cable running clear
Heave around and with the wheel boys
For our homeland we must steer

 

(Chorus)

Rolling home, rolling home
Rolling home across the sea
Rolling home to Caledonia
Rolling home dear land to thee

 

From the pines of California
And by Chile's endless strand
We have sailed the world twice over
Every port in every land

 

And to all ye blaggard pirates
Who would chase us from the waves
Heed ye well that those who've tried us
Soon have found their watery graves

 

We were boarded in Jamaica
Where the Jolly Roger flew
But our swords were hardly drawn boys
When they took a rosy hue

 

We return with precious cargo
And with bounty coined in gold
And our sweethearts will rejoice boys
For they love their sailors bold

 

Ordinary Day                                                                                                               Back
Great Big Sea

I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me
The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me
I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose
I've been battered, but I'll never bruise, it's not so bad

(chorus)
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
and it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day, you've still got to say,
it's all right.

See that girl on the street, what keeps her from dying
Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying
She might stumble, if they push her 'round
She might fall, but she'll never lie down

It's a beautiful day, but there's always some sorrow
It's a double edged knife, but there's always tomorrow
It's up to you now if you sink or swim,
Keep the faith and your ship will come in.

Newry Highwayman                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

In Newry Town where I was born, in Steven’s Green now I lie in scorn

I spent my time at the saddler’s trade, and now I am a roving blade

 

At 17 I took a wife, I loved her dearer than I loved my life

And so to keep her both fine and gay, I went out robbing on the Kings highway

 

I never robbed a poor man yet, nor lately caused anyone to fret

But I robbed lords and ladies bright, and I carried the gold home to my hearts delight

 

I robbed Lord Golding I do declare, and Lady Manswell up in Grosvenor Square

I closed the shutter and bid them good night, and I carried the gold home to my heart’s delight

 

To Covent Gardens, I made my way, with my dear wife for to see a play

Lord Fielding’s men there did me pursue, and I was taken by that cursed crew

 

My father cried, My darling son, my wife she cried now I am undone

My mother tore her white locks and cried, it’s in the cradle Willie you should have died

 

When I am dead and in my grave, a flashy funeral pray let me have

Six highwaymen for to carry me, oh give them broadswords and sweet liberty

 

Six pretty maidens to bear my corpse, give them white ribbons and garland all

And when I’m dead they can speak the truth, he was a wild and a wicked youth

 

Lisdoonvarna                                                                                                               Back
Christy Moore

 

How’s it going everybody?  From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahock and Glenamaddy.  Here we are in the County Clare and it’s a long long way from here to there.  There’s the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, the Tulla and the Kilfenore.
Micko Russell, Dr. Bill, Willy Clancy and Noel Hill.  Flutes and Fiddles everywhere if its music you want then go to Clare.

Everybody needs a break.  Climb in a mountain or jump in a lake.  Some head off to exotic places others go to the Galway races.  Mattie goes to the South of France, Jim to the dogs and Peter to the Dance.  A cousin of mine goes potholin’ and a cousin of hers loves Joe Dolan.  But as summer comes around each year we go there and they come here.  Some head off to Frijilliana but I always go to Lisdoonvarna.

I always leave on a Thursday night with me tent and groundsheet rolled up tight.  I always like to hit Lisdoon in or around Thursday afternoon.  Gives me plenty of time to get my gear together no need to worry about the weather.  Ramble in for a pint of stout.  You never know who you might find hanging about.  There’s a Dutchman playin the mandolin and a German lookin for Liam OgFlynn.  Adam, Bono and Gerret Fitzgerald getting their photo taken for the Sunday Herald.  Finbar, Charlie and Jim Hand drinkin pints to beat the band.  Sure why wouldn’t they they’re getting ‘em for free…

The multitudes they flocked in throngs to hear the music and the songs on motorbikes and Hiace vans with bottles barrels flagons cans.  Mighty crack and loads of frolic, pioneers and alcoholics.  PLAC, SPUC and the FCA, Free Nicky Kelly and the IRA.  Hairy chests and milk white thighs, Mickey Dodgers in disguise. McGrath’s, O’Briens, Pippins, Cox’s.  Massage parlors in horse boxes.  Amhrans, bodhrans, amadauns, Arab sheiks and Hindu Sikhs and Jesus freaks.  RTE is takin breaks and takin breaks and takin breaks.  This is heaven this is hell who cares and who can tell?  Anyone for the last few choc ices?

A 747 for Jackson Brown they had to build a runway just to get him down.  Before the Chieftans come out to play seven creamy pints come out on a tray.  Sean Cannon did the backstage cookin and Shergar was ridden by Lord Lucan.  Clannad’s singin Harry’s Game and Christy’s singing Nancy Spain.  Mary O’Hara and Brush shields together signing the Four Green Fields.  Van the Man and Emilou.  Moving Hearts and Planxty too!

Everybody needs a break.  Climb in a mountain or jump in a lake.  Oliver J Flannigan goes swimming in the Holy Sea. Sean Doherty goes to the Rose of Tralee.  But I like my music in the open air so every summer I go to Clare.  Well Woodstock,  Nor Knock, nor the Bloody ol Feast of Cana  Could hold a candle to Lisdoonvarna.

 

Tramp Miner                                                                                                               Back
The Rankin Family

I am a tramp miner,  I've been for some time now

I live without light of the day

In the black underground that's where I'll be found

Biding my time away,  Oh working my life away

From here out to Timmins, I've loved all your women

In the taverns I drank down my pay

But I'd do it again even though it's a sin

For it's better than driving the raise

If you've done it you'd know what I say

(Chorus)

So I'll roll, roll with the wind

Roll, roll with the wind

Roll, roll with the time and the wind

Then I'll find my way back home again

Homesickness, heartbreak

And black lung among these men run rampant

As there rockin' and rollin'

High ballin' this country today

I am a tramp miner, I've been for some time now

I live without light of the day

In a hole in the ground, they'll lower me down

That'll be my final pay, for working my life away
 

For A’ That                                                                                                               Back 

Trad

Is there for honest poverty that hangs it's head and a' that,
The coward slave we pass him by, we dare be puir for a' that.
For a' that and a' that. our toils obscure and a'that,
The rank is but the guinea stamp. the man's the gowd for a' that.

What though on hamely fare we dine, wear hodden grey and a' that,
Gie fools their silk and knaves their wine, a man's a man for a' that,
For a' that an' a' that, their tinsel show an' a' that,
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, is king o' men for a' that.

Ye se yon birkie ca'd a lord, wha struts an' stares an' a' that,
Tho' hundreds worship at his word, he's but a cuif for a' that,
For a' that an' a' that, his ribband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind, he looks an' laughs at a' that.

A King can mak a belted knight, a marquis, duke and a' that,
But an honest man's aboon his might - guid faith he mauna fa' that!
For a' that an' a' that, their dignities an' a' that,
The pith of sense and pride of worth are higher rank than a' that.

Then let us pray that come it may, as come it will for a' that,
That sense and worth o'er a' the Earth shall bear the gree an' a' that,
For a' that an' a' that, it's coming yet for a' that'
That man to man the world o'er shall brothers be for a' that.

 

Kincardine Lads                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Come, a' ye Kincardine lads
And tak a dram wi' me
We'll ging doon tae Sandy's still
And tak the barley bree

Chorus (after each verse):
Wi' a hi dum a doo dum a daddy o
Hi dum a doo dum a daddy o
Hi dum a doo dum a daddy o
Hi dum a doo dum a daddy o

Sandy rade his auld gray mare
He rade tae break o' day
Sayin', "Laddie, laddie, gyan yourself'
The gaugers are on their way"

The gaugers, they cam tae the hoose
They went richt up the stair
They searched the room, a' richt aroon
But they fund nae bottles there

They pu'd the blankets aff the bed
They threw them on the flair
Maggie, she cam runnin' ben
Sayin', "Ye beggars, get oot the door"

Sandy Callum made the still
He made it tae a plan
So it would stand away oot there
And mak the doubles strang

Come, a' ye Kincardine lads
And tak a dram wi' me
We'll ging doon tae Sandy's still
And tak the barley bree

You Couldn’t Have Come                                                                                                                           Back
Luka Bloom

Where is this place we've come to, We don't know what to say
We long to see each other, and are frightened of that day
You met me in a barren place, you walked me to the hill
We were so good for each other then, I know we could be still

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Not if you tried, oh no
Not if you tried, oh no

We have five hundred questions, between you and me
But when you look into my eyes my love, tell me what you see
Is it something you're not sure of, is it something true and fine
Or is it just another case, of the right thing at the wrong time

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Since we were first together
By the lakeside sky so blue
We were so good for each other
Me and you and me and you and
Me and you and me and you
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Not if you tried, oh no ...

 

The Craic Was 90                                                                                                               Back
Barney Rush

Weren't we the rare oul' stock? Spent the evenin' gettin' locked
In the Ace of Hearts where the high stools were engaging,
Over the Butt Bridge, down by the dock and the boat she sailed at five o'clock
"Hurry, lads," . . said Whack, "or before we're there we'll all be back
Carry him if you can" oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man.

Before we reached the Alexander Base; The ding dong we did surely raise
In the bar of the ship we had great sport, as the boat she sailed out from the port
Landed up in the Douglas Head; Enquired for a vacant bed.
The dining room we got shown by a decent woman of the Lord/(up the road?)
"Lads, ate it if you can", oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man.

Next morning went for a ramble round; And saw the sights of Douglas Town
Then we went for a mighty session, in a pub they call Dick Darbies.
All got drunk by half-past three; To sober up went swimmin' in the sea
Back to the digs for the spruce up and while waitin' for the rosie
We all drew up our plan; oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man.

That night we went to the Texas Bar; Came back down by horse and car.
Met Big Jim and we all went in to drink some wine in Yate's.
The Liverpool girls, it was said, were all to be met in the Douglas Head
McShane was there in tie and shirt, The foreign girls he was tryin' to flirt sayin'
"Here girls, I'm your man," oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man.

Whacker fancied his good looks; On an Isle of Man woman he was struck.
But a Liverpool lad was by her side. And he throwin' the jar into her.'
Whacker thought he'd take a chance so he asked the quare one out to dance.
Around the floor they stepped it out, To Whack it was no bother
Everythin' was goin' to plan; oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man woman fancied Whack;

Your man stood there till his mates came back and
Whack! they all whacked into Whack, and Whack was landed out on his back.
The police force arrived as well . . Banjoed a couple of them as well and
Ended up in the Douglas jail, until the Dublin boat did sail,
Deported every man, oh The Crack was Ninety in the Isle of Man

Heave Away, Haul Away                                                                                                               Back
Blackwater

Oh, Heave Away, Haul Away, Heave Away, Haul Away me boys!

Heave Away, Haul Away, Heave Away Haul Away once more!

 

For 43 years, I sailed the open sea

In a barq built by my father way back way back in ‘33

Now the steamers have the trade, but they’ll never have her lines

And the time has come to bid farewell and sail her one last time.

 

(Chorus)

So let’s heave away again me boys and we’ll get the nets on board.

Then we’ll haul her around, put her four square to the wind

and we’ll make the long run home me boys

We’ll make the long run home.

 

Oh, Heave Away, Haul Away, Heave Away, Haul Away me boys!

Heave Away, Haul Away, Heave Away Haul Away once more!

 

Now a sailor’s life you see, is a life upon the foam. 

With your nights spent in a swinging bunk a thousand miles from home.

Now my son’s they are all bankers and they will not go to sea.

So, two hundred years of fishin’ lads, ends the line with me.

 

Harbour Grace (Excursion)                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

 

Well it was on this Monday morning, and the day be calm and fine
A harbour grace excursion, with the boys who had the time
And just before the sailor took the gangway from the pier
I saw some fellow haul me wife, aboard as a volunteer

Chorus
Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife cry
Oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!
Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife say,
"I wish I'd never taken this excursion around the bay"

We had fourteen hundred souls aboard, oh what a splendid sight!
Left strong and regimental to make our spirits bright
And meself being in the double, when a funny things they'd say
They choke themselves from laughing when they'd see us in the bay.

Me wife she got no better, she turned a sickly green
I fed her cake and candy, fat pork and kerosene
Castor Oil and sugar of candy, I rubbed pure oil on her face
And I said she'll be a dandy when we reaches Harbour Grace!

My wife she got no better, my wife me darling dear
The screeches from her trollear could hear in Carbonear
I tried every place in Harbour Grace,
Tried every store and shop,
To get her something for a cure or take her to the hop

She died below the brandy's as we were coming back
We buried her in the ocean, wrapped up in a Union Jack
So now I am a single man, in search of a pretty face
And the woman that says she'll have me, I'm off for Harbour Grace!

 

Bad                                                                                                               Back
U2

If you twist and turn away, If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would, If I could, I would
Let it go, Surrender, Dislocate

If I could throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay, see you walk, walk away
Into the night, and through the rain
Into the half-light, and through the flame

If I could through myself set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light, and to the day

To let it go… and so to fade away
To let it go… and so fade away
I'm wide awake….I'm wide awake
I'm not sleeping ….Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe they'd tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black, bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes

If I could, you know I would, if I could, I would Let it go...

This Desperation, Dislocation, Separation, Condemnation, Revelation, In temptation, Isolation…Desolation

Let it go… and so to fade away 

Let it go… and so fade away 

I'm wide awake….I'm wide awake 

I'm not sleeping ….Oh, no, no, no 

A Miner's Life                                                                                                               Back
Solas

A miner's life is like a sailor on board a ship to cross the waves
Every day his life's in danger, many ventures being brave
Watch the rocks, they're falling daily, careless miners always fail
Keep your hand upon your wages and your eye upon the scale

(Chorus)
Union miners, stand together
Do not heed the Coal Board's tale
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

You've been docked and docked again, boys, you've been loading three for one
What's the use in all your working when your mining days are done?
Worn out shoes and worn miners, blackened lungs and faces pale
Oh keep your hand upon your wages and your eye upon the scale

In conclusion, bear in memory, keep this password in your mind
Worker's strength cannot be broken when unions be combined
Stand up tall and stand together, victory for you prevail
Oh keep your hands upon your wages and your eye upon the scale
 

 

Boston and St. Johns                                                                                                               Back
Great Big Sea

Girl, don't tell me that it's morning
Can we keep the curtains drawn
I haven't given you fair warning
But our ship, she sails at dawn

(chorus)
It's true I must be going but I swear I won't be long
There isn't that much ocean between Boston and St. John's
I'm a rover and I'm bound to sail away
I'm a rover can you love me anyway?

And if some suitor comes approaching
Will you let him through your door
And what if I return half broken
Will you still want me anymore?


Close your eyes and dream
Tell me what you see
Tell me what you want
Just tell me that you'll wait for me

Big Yellow Taxi                                                                                                               Back
Joni Mitchell

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot


 

Don't it always seem to go 
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Ooooh, bop bop bop,   Ooooh, bop bop bop

                   

They took all the trees, and put em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them
No, no, no



Hey farmer, farmer, put away your DDT
I don't care about spots on my apples,
Leave me the birds and the bees

Please



Listen, late last night, I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi took my girl away


Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Well, don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Why not?

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Hey hey hey

Paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Ooooh, bop bop bop,    Ooooh, bop bop bop



I don't wanna give it
Why you wanna give it
Why you wanna giving it all away
Hey, hey, hey
Now you wanna give it
I should wanna give it
Now you wanna giving it all away

 

Barley Mow                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Here's good luck to the company,
Good luck to the Barley Mow;
Jolly good luck to the company,
Good luck to the Barley Mow;
Oh, the comp’ny, the brewer,
the driver, and bookie,
Landlord the bar-maid,
barrel, half barrel, gallon, half gallon,
pint pot, half a pint, gill pot, half a gill,
quarter gill, nipperkin and a round bowl;
Here's good luck, good luck,
Good luck to the Barley Mow!

The Comp’ny
The Brewer
The Driver
And Bookie
Landlord
Barmaid
Barrel
Half barrel
Gallon
Half Gallon
Pint Pot
Half a Pint
Gill Pot
Half a Gill
Quarter gill
Nipperkin
And a Round Bowl

 

A Pair of Brown Eyes                                                                                                               Back
The Pogues

One summer evening drunk as hell, I sat there nearly lifeless.
An old man in the corner sang, where the water lilies grow.
On the jukebox Johnny sang, about a thing called love.
And it's "how are you kid? What's your name?
And what do you know?"

In blood and death 'neath a screaming sky, I lay down on the ground.
The arms and legs of other men, were scattered all around.
Some prayed and cursed, then cursed and prayed,
And then they prayed some more.
And the only thing that I could see,
Was a pair of brown eyes they were looking at me.
When we got back, labeled parts one to three,
There was no pair of brown eyes waiting for me.

(Chorus)
And a rovin' a rovin' a rovin' I'll go,
A rovin' a rovin' a rovin' I'll go,
And a rovin' a rovin' a rovin' I'll go,
For a pair of brown eyes,
For a pair of brown eyes.

I looked at him he looked at me, all I could do was hate him.
While Ray and Philomena sang, of my elusive dream.
I saw the streams and the rolling hills, where his brown eyes were waiting.
And I thought about a pair of brown eyes, that waited once for me,
That waited once for me.

So drunk as hell I left the place, sometimes walking, sometimes crawling.
A hungry sound came through the breeze, so I gave the walls a talking.
And I heard the sounds of long ago, from the old canal.
And the birds were whistling in the trees,
Where the wind was gently laughing.

 

Big Strong Man                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Have you heard about the big strong man?
He lived in a caravan.
Have you heard about the Jeffrey Johnson fight?
Oh, Lord what a hell of a fight.
You can take all of the heavyweights you’ve got.
We’ve got a lad that can beat the whole lot.
He used to ring bells in the belfry,
Now he’s gonna fight Jack Demspey.

That was my brother Sylvest’ (What’s he got?)
A row of forty medals on his chest (big chest!)
He killed fifty bad men in the west; he knows no rest.
Think of a man, hells’ fire, don’t push, just shove,
Plenty of room for you and me.
He’s got an arm like a leg (a ladies’ leg!)
And a punch that would sink a battleship (big ship!)
It takes all of the Army and the Navy to put the wind up Sylvest’.

Now, he thought he’d take a trip to Italy.
He thought that he’d go by sea.
He dove off the harbor in New York,
And swam like a great big shark.
He saw the Lusitania in distress.
He put the Lusitania on his chest.
He drank all of the water in the sea,
And he walked all the way to Italy.

He thought he take a trip to old Japan.
They turned out a big brass band.
You can take all of the instruments you’ve got,
We got a lad that can play the whole lot.
And the old church bells will ring (Hells bells!)
The old church choir will sing (Hells fire!)
They all turned out to say farewell to my big brother Sylvest’.

 

The Bog Down in The Valley                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

O-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-o
O-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-o

And in that bog there was a tree, a rare tree, a rattlin' tree
With the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.

Now on that tree there was a limb, a rare limb, a rattlin' limb
With the limb on the tree and the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.

Now on that limb there was a branch, a rare branch, a rattlin' branch
With the branch on the limb and the limb on the tree and the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.

(Repeat, adding a line each time)
Now on that branch there was a twig, a rare twig, a rattlin' twig.....

Now on that twig there was a nest, a rare nest, a rattlin' nest.....

Now in that nest there was an egg , a rare egg, a rattlin' egg.....

Now in that egg there was a bird, a rare bird, a rattlin' bird.....

Now on that bird there was a feather, a rare feather, a rattlin' feather .....

Now on that feather there was a flea, a rare flea, a rattlin' flea .....

 

Continental Ceilidh                                                                                                               Back

Christy Moore

Over in McCann's there's a grand type of dance band a'playin'

And they're spinning out the Continental ceilidh

They're comin' in their cars from the bars over in Leister and Killane

Just to hear the famous Gunter Reynolds playing

Out the star of Munster with Hans O'Donahue neatly rappin' out a tango on the spoons

Such commotion will act like a lotion on the struttin' at the continental ceilidh tonight.

Wolfgang's playin' on the comb someone shouts at him: "go home!"

Klaus is playin' a slow air on the bodran

Quinn from Corofin his fiddle tucked beneath his chin S-s-h-h

He's goin' to play the "Bogs of Oranmore" now

An old fashioned lady begins to sing a song, “Ah, lads, a bit of order over there

Clarinbridge for the chowder keep your powder dry

At the continental ceilidh tonight.

Ciaran closes his eye's pretends he's in disguise when he sees an old flame comin over

He's singing for the Swedes in their tweeds doin' all he can to please

The night's at such a delicate stage

Later on he'll give an audience to one of them or two 

He'll sing the Dyin' Swan to touch their feelin's

Tonight's his night and tomorrow night will be just the same.

Ada let me out to the bar where the boys are goin' far

And they're spinnin' out the Continental ceili

Never mind the liquor the music's in my soul

So long as I can hear the band a'playin'

The pipes and the flutes and the fiddles are in tune

Whoo, I'd love to meet a European girl

Ada now me head is goin' light and the band is playin' tight

At the Continental ceilidh tonight.

All the publicans are there it's like a hirin' fair

Tryin' to figure out how much McCann is makin'

To keep their pubs outta stubs, they're lashin' out big subs

In a burst of fierce anticipation

Moguls from Mukhill are starin' at the till

Tryin' to get a low down on the line up

They'll be buyin' free porter for members of the band

At the Continental ceilidh tonight.

 

Donald Where's Your Trousers                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

I just got in from the Isle of Skye

I'm not very big and I'm awfully shy

the ladies shout as I go by--

Donald where's your trousers.

(Chorus)

Let the winds blow high,

Let the winds blow low,

down the street in my kilt I go --

And all the ladies say hello--

Donald where's your trousers

A lady took me to a ball

And it was slippery in the hall

I was afraid that I would fall

'cause I didn't have on my trousers

They'd like to wed me everyone

Just let them catch me if they can --

You canna put the brakes on a highland man

Who doesn't like wearing trousers.

To wear the kilt is my delight,

It isn't wrong, I know it's right.

The highlanders would get afright

If they saw me in trousers.

Well I caught a cold and me nose was raw

I had no handkerchief at all

So I hiked up my kilt and I gave it a blow,

Now you can't do that with trousers.

 

Donegal Danny                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

I remember the night that he came in from the wintery cold and damp

A giant of a man in an oilskin coat and a bundle that told he was a tramp

He stood at the bar and he called a pint then turned and gazed at the fire

On a night like this, to be safe and dry is my one and only desire

(Chorus)

So here's to those that are dead and gone

The friends that I loved dear

And here's to you then I'll bid you adieu

Sayin' "Donegal Danny's been here, me boys"

Donegal Danny's been here

Then in a voice that was hushed and low he said "Listen, I'll tell you a tale"

How a man of the sea became a man of the road and never more will set sail

I fished out of Howth and Killybegs, Ardglass and Baltimore

But the cruel sea has beaten me and I'll end my days on the shore

One fateful night in the wind and the rain we set sail from Killybegs town

There were five of us from sweet Donegal and one from county Down

We were fishermen who worked the sea and never counted the cost

But I never thought 'ere that night was gone that my fine friends would all be lost

Then the storm it broke and broke the boat with the rocks about ten miles from shore

As we fought the tide, we hoped inside to see our homes once more

Then we struck a rock and hold the bow and all of us knew that she'd go down

So we jumped right into the icy sea and prayed to God we wouldn't drown

But the ragin' sea was risin' still as we struck out for the land

And she fought with all her cruelty to claim that gallant men

By Saint John's point in the early dawn I dragged myself on the shore

And I cursed the sea for what she'd done and vowed to sail her never more

Ever since that night I've been on the road travelin' and trying to forget

That awful night I lost all my friends I see their faces yet

And often at night when the sea is high and the rain is tearing at my skin

I hear the cries of drowning men floating over on the wind

 

Ducks of Magheralin                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Oh it's just a year ago today I went to see the Queen

She dressed me up in satin and its colour it was green

She decked me out in medals and they were all made of tin

Ah go home sez she you crooker yer the mayor of Magheralin

Chorus:

Oh it is the finest city in the real old fashion style

A credit to the County Down the pride of the Emerald Isle

It has the finest harbour for the bread carts to sail in

And if ever to sail to Ireland you'll sail by Magheralin

Oh you've all heard of Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte

He conquered half of Europe but left the other part

He tired to conquer Ireland but they would not give in

And he died in St. Helena when he thought of Magheralin

Chorus

Oh you've heard of Cleopatra the treasure of the Nile

And how she conquered Tony with one alluring smile

She tried to conquer Ireland but they would not give in

And they beat her out with cabbage leaves in the town of Magheralin

Chorus

Oh you've heard of good King William, King William crossed the Boyne

With a hundred thousand balls of wax and a thousand balls of twine

And then he gave the orders for the cobblers to begin

For to make a hundred pairs of boots for the ducks of Magheralin

Chorus

Oh you've heard of Mussolini that great Italian bum

And how his troops in Africa were always on the run

You've heard of Winston Churchill he always wore a grin

For he knew the Ulster rifles were all born in Magheralin

Chorus

 

Finnegan's Wake                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

Tim Finnegan lived in Walkin' Street A gentleman, Irish, mighty odd;

He had a brogue both rich and sweet And to rise in the world he carried a hod.

Now Tim had a sort of the tipplin' way With a love of the whiskey he was born

And to help him on with his work each day He'd a "drop of the cray-thur" every  morn.

(Chorus)

Whack fol the darn O, dance to your partner

Whirl the floor, your trotters shake;

Wasn't it the truth I told you

Lots of fun at Finnegan's wake!

One mornin' Tim was feelin' full His head was heavy which made him shake;

He fell from the ladder and broke his skull 

and 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.

His friends assembled at the wake And Mrs. Finnegan called for lunch,

First they brought in tay and cake Then pipes, tobacco and whiskey punch.

Biddy O'Brien began to bawl "Such a nice clean corpse, did you ever see?

"O Tim, mavourneen, why did you die?" Arragh, hold your gob said Paddy McGhee!

Then Maggie O'Connor took up the job "O Biddy," says she, "You're wrong, I'm sure"

Biddy she gave her a belt in the gob And left her sprawlin' on the floor.

And then the war did soon engage 'Twas woman to woman and man to man,

Shillelagh law was all the rage And a row and a ruction soon began.

Then Mickey Maloney ducked his head When a noggin of whiskey flew at him,

It missed, and falling on the bed The liquor scattered over Tim!

The corpse revives! See how he raises! Timothy rising from the bed,

Says,"Whirl your whiskey around like blazes Thanum an Dhul! Do you think I'm dead?"

 

Hidden Love                                                                                                               Back

Far  from the dreams the bright lights and the boulevards in these

Empty rooms a guitar makes a band  our

Last conversation still echoes on bare walls like a

Child's painting of everything we planned

A-cross the brown fields and through the frozen meadows and

All a-round this place we call our own

We all have to live here in each other's shadows

Hoping someday soon we'll be home

(Chorus)

We kept a secret hidden deep in-side

Hidden love un-bidden love and all the tears we cried though I've

Loved you for a long time now it can't be denied

Someone sees the dreams we hide

Some-one sees the dreams we hide

The dreams we hide

I woke up in the dark my covers on the floor

Stripped of all my dreams and my pride  the

Vast black night that conquered me was coming back for more 

Till I turned and found the angel by my side

 

The Irish Rover                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

In the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and six

We set sail from the fair Cobh of Cork.

We were bound far away with a cargo of bricks

For the fine city hall of New York.

        We’d an elegant craft, she was rigged fore-and-aft

        And oh, how the trade winds drove her.

        She had twenty-three masts and withstood several blasts

        And we called her the Irish Rover.

There was Barney McGee from the banks of the Lee,

There was Hogan from County Tyrone.

And a chap called McGurk who was scared stiff of work

And a chap from West Meath called Malone.

        There was Slugger O'Toole who was drunk as a rule

        And fighting Bill Casey from Dover.

        There was Dooley from Claire who was strong as a bear

        And was skipper of the Irish Rover.

We had one million bales of old billy goats' tails,

We had two million buckets of stones.

We had three million sides of old blind horses hides,

We had four million packets of bones.

        We had five million hogs, we had six million dogs,

        And seven million barrels of porter.

        We had eight million bags of the best Sligo rags

        In the hold of the Irish Rover.

We had sailed seven years when the measles broke out

And the ship lost her way in a fog.

And the whole of the crew was reduced unto two,

'Twas myself and the captain's old dog.

        Then the ship struck a rock with a terrible shock

        And then she heeled right over,

        Turned nine times around, and the poor dog was drowned--

        I'm the last of the Irish Rover.

 

Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

While goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo

While goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo

While goin' the road to sweet Athy,

A stick in me hand and a drop in me eye,

A doleful damsel I heard cry,

Johnny I hardly knew ye.

With your drums and guns and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo

With your drums and guns and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo

With your drums and guns and drums and guns,

The enemy nearly slew ye

Oh my darling dear, Ye look so queer

Johnny I hardly knew ye.

Where are your eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo

Where are your eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo

Where are your eyes that were so mild,

When my heart you so beguiled

Why did ye run from me and the child

Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye

Where are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurroo

Where are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurroo

Where are your legs that used to run,

When you went for to carry a gun

Indeed your dancing days are done

Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye

I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo

I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo

I'm happy for to see ye home,

All from the island of Sulloon;

So low in flesh, so high in bone

Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye

Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo

Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo

Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg,

Ye're an armless, boneless, chickenless egg

Ye'll have to put with a bowl out to beg

Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye

 

Johnny Jump Up                                                                                                               Back
Gaelic Storm

I'll tell you a story that happened to me

One day as I went out to Youghal by the sea

The day it was hot, the sun it was warm

Says I "A quick pint wouldn't do any harm"

I went in and called for a bottle of stout

Says the barman, "I'm sorry the beer's all sold out

Try whiskey, young Paddy, ten years in the wood"

Says I, "I'll have cider; I've heard that it's good."

(Chorus)

Never, oh never, oh never again If I live to a hundred or a hundred and ten

Well I fell to the ground and I couldn't get up After drinking the quart of the Johnny-Jump-Up

After lowerin' my third I headed straight to the yard

Where I walked into Brophy the big civic guard;

"Come 'ere to me boy don't you know I'm the law?"

Well I upped with me fist and I shattered his jaw.

Well he fell to the ground with his knees doubled up

'Twas not I that hit him, but Johnny Jump-Up

The next thing that I met down by Youghal by the Sea

Was a cripple on crutches and he said to me

"I'm afraid for me life I'll be hit by a car

Won't you help me across to the railway man’s bar?"

But after drinkin' a quart of the cider so sweet

He threw down his crutches and danced in the street.

Well I went down the Lee road a friend for to see,

They call it the Madhouse in Cork by the Sea

But when I got there sure the truth I will tell

They had the poor bugger locked up in a cell

Said the guard, testing him, "Say these word if you can:

'Around the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran."

"Tell them I'm not crazy, tell them I'm not mad

'Twas only the sup of the bottle I had.

A man died in the Union by the name of McNabb

They washed him, they laid him outside on a slab

And after O'Connor his measurements did take

His wife took him home for a bloody fine wake

Well, about twelve o'clock and the beer it was high

The corpse he sits up and says he with a sigh

"I can't get to heaven, they won't let me up

'Till I bring them a quart of Johnny Jump-Up

 

Johnson's Motor Car                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

It was down by Brannigan's corner one morning I did stray.

I met a fellow rebel and to me he did say

He had orders from our Captain to assemble at Dunbar

But how were we to get there without a motor car.

Oh Barney dear be of good cheer I'll tell you what you'll do.

The Specials they are plentiful but the I.R.A. are few,

We'll send a wire to Johnson to meet us at Stranlar

And we'll give the boys a jolly good drive in Johnson's Motor Car.

When Doctor Johnson heard the news he soon put on his shoes

He said this is an urgent case, there is not time to lose,

He then put on his castor hat and on his breast a star,

You could hear the din going through Glen Fin of Johnson's

  Motor Car.

But when he got to the Railway Bridge, the rebels he saw there,

Ould Johnson knew the game was up for at him they did stare;

He said I have a permit to travel near and far,

To hell with your English permit, we want your motor car.

What will my loyal brethren think when they hear the news

My car it has been commandeered by the rebels at Dunluce,

We'll give you a receipt for it, all signed by Captain Barr

When Ireland gets her freedom, then you'll get your motor car.

Well they put that car in motion and they filled it to the brim

With guns and bayonets shining, which made ould Johnson grim.

Then Barney hoisted the Sinn Fein flag and it fluttered like a star,

And we gave three cheers for the I.R.A. and Johnson's motor car.

 

The Jolly Beggar                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

It's of a jolly beggarman came tripping o'er the plain

He came unto a farmer's door a lodging for to gain

The farmer's daughter she came down and viewed him cheek and chin

She says, He is a handsome man.  I pray you take him in

     We'll go no more a roving, a roving in the night

     We'll go no more a roving, let the moon shine so bright

     We'll go no more a roving

He would not lie within the barn nor yet within the byre

But he would in the corner lie down by the kitchen fire

o then the beggar's bed was made of good clean sheets and hay

And down beside the kitchen fire the jolly beggar lay

The farmer's daughter she got up to bolt the kitchen door

And there she saw the beggar standing naked on the floor

He took the daughter in his arms and to the bed he ran

Kind sir, she says, be easy now, you'll waken our good man

Now you are no beggar, you are some gentleman

For you have stolen my maidenhead and I am quite undone

I am no lord, I am no squire, of beggars I be one

And beggars they be robbers all, so you're quite undone

 

Lord Nelson                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Lord Nelson stood in pompous state, upon his pillar high

And down along O'Connell Street he cast a wicked eye

He thought how this barbaric race had fought the British Crown

Yet they were content to let him stay right there in Dublin town!

(Chorus)

So remember Brave Lord Nelson, boys,

He has never known defeat

And for his reward they stuck him up

In the middle of O'Connell Street!

For many years, Lord Nelson stood, and no one seemed to care

He would squint at Dan O'Connell who was standin right down there

He thought the Irish love me or they wouldn’t let me stay,

All except that band of blighters that they call the IRA!

And then in nineteen sixty six, on March the seventh day,

A bloody great explosion made Lord Nelson rock and sway!

He crashed, and Dan O'Connell cried, in woeful misery

Now twice as many pigeons will come and shit on me!

 

McIlhatton                                                                                                               Back
Christy Moore

In Glenravel's Glen there lives a man whom some would call a god

For he could cure your shakes with a bottle of his stuff would cost you thirty bob

Come winter, summer, frost all over, a jiggin' Spring on the breeze

In the dead of night a man steps by, "McIlhatton, if you please"

Chorus

McIlhatton you blurt we need you, cry a million shaking men

Where are your sacks of barley, will your likes be seen again?

Here’s a jig to the man and a reel to the drop and a swing to the girl he loves

May your fiddle play and poitín cure your company up above

There’s a wisp of smoke to the south of the Glen and the poitín is on the air

The birds in the burrows and the rabbits in the sky and there's drunkards everywhere

At Skerries Rock the fox is out and begod he's chasing the hounds

And the only thing in decent shape is buried beneath the ground

Chorus

At McIlhatton's house the fairies are out and dancing on the hobs

The goat's collapsed and the dog has run away and there's salmon down the bogs

He has a million gallons of wash and the peelers are on the Glen

But they'll never catch that hackler cos he's not comin' home again

Chorus (x2)

 

The Rare Old Mountain Dew                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Let the grasses grow and the waters flow in a free and easy way

Just give me enough of the fine old stuff that's brewed near Galway Bay

Policemen all from Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim too

We'll give them the slip and we'll take a sip of the rare old mountain dew

Chorus:

Skid-ree Idle-diddle dum skid-ree Idle-diddle dum

Skid-ree Idle-dum diddle dum day

Skid-ree Idle-diddle dum skid-ree Idle-diddle dum

Skid-ree Idle-dum diddle dum day

There's a neat little still at the foot of the hill, and smoke twirls up to the sky

For the smoke and the smell, its plan to tell that there's poteen brewing near by

It fills the air, with an odor rare, and betwixt both me and you

When home you stroll, you can take a bowl, or a bucket of the mountain dew

Now learned men who use the pen, have written their praises high

That sweet poteen from Ireland green, distilled from wheat and rye

Throw away your pills; it will cure all ills, of the pagan, the Christian or Jew

Take off your coat and grease your throat, with the real old mountain dew

(Alternate Verses)

My uncle Mort, he is sawed off and short,

He measure ‘bout four foot two,

But he thinks he’s a giant when you give him a pint

Of that good old mountain dew.

My brother Bill runs a still on the hill

Where he turns out a gallon or two

And the buzzards in the sky get so drunk they can’t fly

Just from sniffing that good old mountain dew.

 

Old Dun Cow                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

Some  friends and I in a public house Were playing  dominoes  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  my Aunt Moriah be buggered," says he,

"The bleeding  pubs  on fire"

"Oh," says Brown, "What a bit of luck Everybody follow me

It's down to the cellar if the fire's not there Then we'll have a grand old spree"

So we all went down with good old Brown And the booze we could not miss

And we hadn't been there ten minutes or more Till we were quite like this

(Chorus)  

Oh, there was Brown, upside down

Mopping up the whiskey on the floor

"Booze, booze" the firemen cried

As they come a knockin' at the door

"Well don't let em in till it's all mopped up

Somebody shouted, "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 just a few hard knocks

He started taking off his pantaloons Likewise his shoes and socks

"Oh no," says Brown, "That t'ain't allowed You can't do that there

Don't be washing your trotters in the port wine tub When we got some Guiness beer"

Then there came a mighty crash Half the bloody room caved in

And we were drowned by the fireman's hose But we still wouldn’t let ‘em in

So we got some tacks and some wet old sacks And we packed ourselves inside

And we sat there getting bleary eyed drunk When the Old Dun Cow caught fire

 

The Night Pat Murphy Died                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

The night Pat Murphy died is a night I'll never forget

Everyone got roarin' drunk and some aint sober yet;

As long as the bottle was passed around the boys were feeling gay

And O’Leary came with bagpipes and music for to play

Mrs. Murphy in the corner, was pourin' out her grief

While Kelly and his friends, those dirty, robbin' thieves

They crept into the anteroom and a bottle of whiskey stole

They placed the bottle on the corpse to keep the liquor cold

(Chorus)

And that's how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy

That's how they showed their honor and their pride;

They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another

Now everything in the wakehouse went, the night Pat Murphy died

Now everything was doin' fine, there was no ill at all

'Til Finnegan told Flannagan, ""You've got an awful gall.""

I thought that that might start a row, And sure enough it did

For Callahan had carved his name upon the coffin lid

Someone hollered for the cops; they busted down the door

They jumped upon ol' Paddy's back and they laid him on the floor

They knocked him twice behind the ears and they knocked him on the head

When they jumped up from his back, Sure they found out he was dead

Mrs. Murphy started in, battled with them cops

She chased 'em, every one of them;  She chased 'em several blocks

A lovely time was had by all, eighteen in court were tried

For having caused a riot on the night Pat Murphy died

At eight o'clock in the morning, The funeral left the house

And everyone but poor ol' Mrs. Murphy was out soused

They stopped on the way to the churchyard at the old Red Door Saloon

They went in there at nine o'clock And they didn't come out 'til noon

Someone asked ol' Finnegan if anyone had died

“Well" says he, “I’m not quite sure, I just came for the ride."

They started for the graveyard all walkin in a line 

But when they reached the grave, they found they'd left the corpse behind

 

Pretty Boy Floyd                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

If you'll gather 'round me, people, A story I will tell
'Bout Pretty Boy Floyd, an outlaw, Oklahoma knew him well.
It was in the town of Shawnee, A Saturday afternoon,
His wife beside him in his wagon As into town they rode.

There a deputy sheriff approached him In a manner rather rude,
Using vulgar language, An' his wife she overheard.

Pretty Boy grabbed a log chain, And the deputy grabbed his gun;
In the fight that followed He laid that deputy down.

Then he took to the trees and timber To live a life of shame;
Every crime in Oklahoma Was added to his name.

But a many a starving farmer The same old story told
How the outlaw paid their mortgage And saved their little homes.

Others tell you 'bout a stranger That come to beg a meal,
Underneath his napkin Left a thousand dollar bill.

It was in Oklahoma City, It was on a Christmas Day,
There was a whole car load of groceries Come with a note to say:

Well, you say that I'm an outlaw, You say that I'm a thief.
Here's a Christmas dinner For the families on relief.

Yes, as through this world I've wandered I've seen lots of funny men;
Some will rob you with a six-gun, And some with a fountain pen.

And as through your life you travel, Yes, as through your life you roam,
You won't never see an outlaw Drive a family from their home.

 

Raggle Taggle Gypsy                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

There were three old gypsies came to our hall door they came brave and boldly-o
And 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 wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o



It was late that night when the Lord came in enquiring for his lady-o
And the servant girl she said to the Lord She's away wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o



Then saddle for me my milk white steed - my big horse is not speedy-o
And I will ride till I seek my bride she's away wi' 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 wi' 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 wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o!

 

Reilly's Daughter                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

As I was sitting by the fire

Eating spuds and drinking porter

Suddenly a thought came into my mind

I'd like to marry old Reilly's daughter.

(Chorus)

Giddy i-ae Giddy i-ae Giddy i-ae for the one-eyed Reilly

Giddy i-ae (bang bang bang) Play it on your old bass drum.

Reilly played on the big bass drum

Reilly had a mind for murder and slaughter

Reilly had a bright red glittering eye

And he kept that eye on his lovely daughter.

Her hair was black and her eyes were blue

The colonel and the major and the captain sought her

The sergeant and the private and the drummer boy too

But they never had a chance with Reilly's daughter.

I got me a ring and a parson too

Got me a scratch in a married quarter

Settled me down to a peaceful life

Happy as a king with Reilly's daughter.

Suddenly a footstep on the stairs

Who should it be but Reilly out for slaughter

With two pistols in his hands

Looking for the man who had married his daughter.

I caught old Reilly by the hair

Rammed his head in a pail of water

Fired his pistols into the air

A damned sight quicker than I married his daughter.

 

The Scotsman's Kilt                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

A Scotsman clad in kilt left the bar one evening fair

And one could tell by how he walked he'd drunk more than his share

He staggered on until he could no longer keep his feet

Then stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street.

(Chorus)

Ring ding diddle diddle i de o Ring di diddle i o

     He stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street.

Later on two young and lovely girls just happened by,

And one says to the other with a twinkle in her eye

You see yon sleeping Scotsman who is young and handsome built

I wonder if it's true what they don't wear beneath their kilt.

They crept up to the sleeping Scotsman quiet as could be

Then lifted up his kilt about an inch so they could see

And there behold for them to view beneath his Scottish skirt

Ws nothing but what God had graced him with upon his birth

They marveled for a moment then one said we'd best be gone

But let's leave a present for our friend before we move along

They took a blue silk ribbon and they tied it in a bow

Around the bonnie spar that the Scot's lifted kilt did show

The Scotsman woke to nature's call and stumbled toward a tree

Behind a bush he lifts his kilt and gawks at what he sees

Then in a startled voice he says to what's before his eyes

He said, "Lad I don't know where you've been but I see you won first prize"

 

Three Drunken Maidens                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

There were three drunken maidens come from the Isle of Wight.

They drunk from Monday morning, nor stopped 'til Saturday night.

When Saturday did come, me boys, they wouldn't then go out,

And these three drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about.

Then up comes bouncing Sally, her cheeks as red as a bloom.

"Move up, me jolly sisters, and give young Sally some room.

For I'll be your equal before that we go out.

And these four drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about.

There's woodcock and pheasant, there's partridge and hare.

There's all sorts of dainties, no scarcity was there.

There's forty quarts of beer me boys, they barely drunk them out.

And these four drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about.

Well then up comes the landlord, he's asking for his pay.

"It's a forty pound bill, me boys, these girls are supposed to pay."

That's ten pounds apiece me boys, but still they wouldn't go out.

And these four drunken maidens, they pushed the jug about.

So where are your feathered hats, your mantles rich and fine?

They've all been swallowed up in tankards of good wine.

And where are your maidenheads, you maidens brisk and gay?

"We left them in the alehouse, we drank them clean away."

 

Weelia Wailia Wallia                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

There was an old woman who lived in the wood,
Weelia weelia wallia,
There was an old woman who lived in the wood,
Down by the river Sallia.

She had a baby six months old. (2x)

She had a penknife three foot long. (2x)

She stuck that knife in baby's head,
The more she stabbed the more it bled.

Three big knocks came a-knockin' at the door.
Two policeman and a man.

"Are you the woman what killed the child?" (2x)

"I am the woman what killed the child." (2x)

The rope got chucked and she got hung. (2x)

The moral of this story is,
Weelia weelia wallia,
Don't stick knives in babies' heads.
Down by the river Sallia.

 

Where The Streets Have No Name                                                                                                               Back
U2

I want to run

I want to hide

I want to tear down the walls

That hold me inside

I want to reach out

And touch the flame

Where the streets have no name

 

I want to feel, sunlight on my face

See that dust cloud disappear without a trace

I want to take shelter from the poison rain

Where the streets have no name

 

Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name

Were still building

Then burning down love, burning down love

And when I go there

I go there with you...

(its all I can do)

 

The cities a flood

And our love turns to rust

Were beaten and blown by the wind

Trampled into dust

I’ll show you a place

High on the desert plain

Where the streets have no name

 

Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name

Still building

Then burning down love

Burning down love

And when I go there

I go there with you

(its all I can do)

 

Whiskey In The Jar                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains

I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'

I first produced my pistol, I then produced my rapier

Said stand and deliver, I am a bold deceiver

(Chorus)

Musha ring um a door um da

Whack for the daddi-o, whack for the daddi-o

There's whiskey in the jar

I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny

I put in me pocket for to take 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

I went into my chamber all for to take a slumber

I dreamt of gold and jewels for sure it was no wonder

But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them all with water

And sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter

'Twas early the 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

I couldn't shoot the water and a prisoner I was taken

If anyone can aid me it's me brother in the army

If I could find his station, in Cork or in Killarney

If he will go with me, we'll go rovin' in Killkenny

I'm sure he'll treat me better than me darlin', sportin' Jenny

Some take delight in the hurling and the bowling

And some take delight in the carriages a rollin'

I take delight in the juice of the barley

And courtin' pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

 

Whiskey, You're The Divil                                                                                                               Back

Trad.

(Chorus)

Whiskey you're the divil, you're leading me astray

Over hills and mountains and to Amerikay you're sweeter, stronger, decenter

You're spunkier than tay Oh whiskey you're me darlin' drunk or sober.

Oh, now brave boys are off for marching off to Portugal and Spain

Drums are beating, banners flying the divil a home we'll come tonight

Oh, love fare thee well with me tiddery idle loodle lum a da

Me tiddery idle loodle lum a da me right fol torral addee o

There's whiskey in the jar.

Said the mother do not wrong me don't take me daughter from me

For if you do I will torment you and after death me ghost will haunt you

Love fare thee well with me tiddery idle loodle lum a da

Me tiddery idle loodle lum a da me right fol torral addee o

There's whiskey in the jar.

Now the French are fightin' boldly men are dying hot and coldly

Give every man his flask of powder his firelock on his shoulder,

Love fare thee well with me tiddelly idle loodle lum a da

Me tiddery idle loodle lum a da me right fol torral addee o

There's whiskey in the jar.

 

Wild Colonial Boy                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

There was a wild colonial boy, Jack Doolin was his name

Of poor but honest parents he was born in Castlemaine

He was his father's only hope, his mother's only joy,

The pride of both his parents was the wild colonial boy.

Chorus

So come all me hearties, we'll range the mountainside

Together we will plunder; together we will ride.

We'll scour along the valleys, and gallop o're the plains

We scorn to live in slavery bound down with iron chains.

In sixty-one this darling boy commenced his wild career.

With a heart that knew no danger, no foeman did he fear.

He held up the Beechworth mail coach and he robbed Judge MacEvoy

Who trembled and gave up his gold to the wild colonial boy.

Chorus

One day as he was riding the mountainside along,

A-listening to the little birds their pleasant laughing song

Three mounted troopers came in view, Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy

And thought that they would capture him, the wild colonial boy.

Chorus

'Surrender now Jack Doolin, you see there's three to one

Surrender now Jack Doolin, you daring highwayman!'

He drew a pistol from his belt and twirled it like a toy.

'I'll fight but I won't surrender,' said the wild colonial boy.

Chorus

He fired at Trooper Kelly and brought him to the ground,

And in return from Davis received a mortal wound.

All shattered through the jaws he lay, still firing at Fitzroy.

And that's the way they captured him, the wild colonial boy.

 

Wild Rover                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

I've been a Wild Rover for many’s a year

I spent all me money on whiskey and beer

But now I returning with gold in great store

And I never will play the Wild Rover no more

 

(Chorus)

And it's no, nay, never. No, nay, never no more

Will I play the Wild Rover No, nay, never no more

 

I went into an ale house I used to frequent

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

 

Then out of my pockets I took sovereigns bright

And the landlady's eyes open wide with delight

Says she I have whiskey and wines of the best

And the words that I spoke were only in jest

 

I'll go home to my parents confess what I've done

And ask them to pardon their prodigal son

When the forgive as oft times before

I never will play the Wild Rover no more

 

 

 

With Or Without You                                                                                                               Back
U2

See the stone set in your eyes

See the thorn twist in your side I wait for you

 

Sleight of hand and twist of fate

On a bed of nails she makes me wait And I wait without you

 

With or without you

With or without you

 

Through the storm we reach the shore

You give it all but I want more And I'm waiting for you

 

With or without you

With or without you

I can't live

With or without you

 

And you give yourself away

And you give yourself away

And you give

And you give

And you give yourself away

 

My hands are tied My body bruised, she's got me with

Nothing to win and

Nothing left to lose

 

And you give yourself away

And you give yourself away

And you give

And you give

And you give yourself away

 

With or without you

With or without you

I can't live

With or without you

 

 

 

Young Ned of the Hill                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Have you ever walked the lonesome hills and heard the curlew's cry

Or seen the raven black as night upon a windswept sky

To walk the purple heather and hear the west wind cry

To know that's where the rapparee must die

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

Who'll fight with Gaelic honour held on high 

(Chorus)

A curse upon you Oliver Cromwell

You who raped out 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 known in song and story And his deeds are legend still

And murdered for blood money Was young Ned of the hill

You have robbed our homes and fortunes

Even drove us from the land You tried to break our spirits

But you'll never understand The love of dear old Ireland

That will forge an iron will As long as there are gallant men

Like young Ned of the hill

Lukey                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

Well oh, Lukey's boat is painted green, Ha, me boys!
Lukey's boat is painted green, The prettiest boat that you've ever seen,
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

Well oh, Lukey's boat's got a fine fore cuddy, Ha, me boys!
Lukey's boat's got a fine fore cuddy, And every seam is chinked with putty,
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

Well I says "Lukey the blinds are down" Ha, me boys!
I says "Lukey the blinds are down" "Me wife is dead and she's underground"
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day

Well I says Lukey "I don't care" Ha, me boys!
I says Lukey "I don't care" "I'll get me another in the spring of the year"
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

Oh, Lukey's rolling out his grub, Ha, me boys!
Lukey's rolling out his grub, One split pea, and a ten pound tub,
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

Well, Lukey's boat's got high-topped sails, Ha, me boys!
Lukey's boat's got high-topped sails The sheet was planted with copper nails,
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

Lukey's boat is painted green, Ha, me boys!
Lukey's boat is painted green, It's the prettiest boat that you've ever seen,
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day! A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!
A-ha, me boys a-riddle-i-day!

 

All The Way From Tuam                                                                                                               Back
The Saw Doctors

I'm from the town drenched in football and rain that fathered the terrible twins
Tom Murphy the footballer, playwright and singer, he left to spread his wide wings
Where the dance halls once buzzing with shifts and refusals, stand silent, dejected and cold
Where they played basketball for a longer duration than anywhere else in the world

(Chorus) 
Where all the way from Tuam, all the way from Tuam
With a rock-solid spirit that'll never be broken,
There's songs to be sung and there's words to be spoken
From the town that was built where the cartwheel was broken
Where all the way from Tuam, all the way from Tuam
 
Where we'd spend all the weekends to help pass the winter playing soccer above in Parkmore
Or we'd travel away for a match into Galway in the swamp or out in Renmore
They'd be calling us smokies, the lads from the city; but I didn't care what they called me
Just plank it in lively across for the noodle, sham his jills with KD's a gomey
 Here in the town where the high king once ruled with wisdom of ages gone by
The gray stone cathedral spires are dwarfed by a tall metal tower in the sky
Where the travelers are settling, the settled gone traveling, the pubs full of gossip and humor
You'll never better the people of Tuam for their power, passion, packets and humor
 

Captain Kidd                                                                                                               Back
Great Big Sea

My name is Captain Kidd, as I sailed, as I sailed
My name is Captain Kidd, as I sailed, as I sailed
My name is Captain Kidd, and God's laws I did forbid  And most wickedly I did, as I sailed, as I sailed

My father taught me well as I sailed, as I sailed
My father taught me well as I sailed, as I sailed
My father taught me well to shun the gates of hell But against him I rebelled as I sailed, as I sailed

I murdered Willie More as I sailed, as I sailed
I murdered Willie More as I sailed, as I sailed
I murdered Willie More and I left him in his gore He was dead for ever more as I sailed, as I sailed

I steered from sound to sound as I sailed, as I sailed
I steered from sound to sound as I sailed, as I sailed
I steered from sound to sound, ran many ships aground And many more I burned as I sailed, as I sailed

With all men I had my will as I sailed, as I sailed
With all men I had my will as I sailed, as I sailed
With all men I had my will, and my gunner I did kill And his precious blood did spill as I sailed, as I sailed

The King's ship captured me as I sailed, as I sailed
The King's ship captured me as I sailed, as I sailed
The King's ship captured me, no more of piracy No more to roam the seas as I sailed, as I sailed

A warning take by me, I must die I must die
A warning take by me, I must die I must die
A warning take by me and shun all bad company Lest you come to hell with me as I die, as I die

 

The Effen Bee                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

He kept bees in the old town of Effen,

An Effen beekeeper was he,

And one day this Effen beekeeper,

Was stung by a big Effen bee.

 

Now this big Effen beekeeper's wee Effen wife,

For the big Effen polis she ran,

For there's nobody can sort out a big Effen bee,

Like a big Effen polisman can.

 

This big Effen polisman he did his nut,

And he ran down the main Effen street,

In his hand was a big Effen baton,

He had big Effen boots on his feet.

 

The polis got hold of this big Effen bee,

And he twisted the Effen bee's wings,

But this big Effen bee got his own back,

for this big Effen bee had two stings.

 

Now they're both in the Effen museum,

Where the Effen folk often come see,

The remains of the big Effen polis,

Stung to death by the big Effen bee.

 

That's the end of that wee Effen story,

'Tis an innocent wee Effen tale,

But if you ever tell it in Effen,

You'll end up in the old Effen jail.

 

When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)                                                                                                               Back
Great Big Sea

I am the fountain of affection, I'm the instrument of joy
to keep the good time rolling, I’m the boy, I'm the boy
You know the world could be our oyster, If you put your trust in me
We'll keep the good times rolling wait and see, wait and see
Wait and see

There's exaltations, sweet disintegrations, A few discolorations then it comes along
Up is why he chooses, the kisses and the bruises
There ain't nothing he refuses then it comes along
It comes along and I am lifted, It comes along and I am lifted
I am lifted, I am lifted

(Chorus)
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down can't get level
When I'm Up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down can't get level
When I'm Up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground 

He just needs something to bind him, Something to wind him up
It won't take long to find him, When it comes on strong

Black skies a grinning, street lights are spinning
The night is just beginning, when it comes on strong
It comes on strong, and I am lifted, It comes on strong, and I am lifted
I am lifted, I am lifted

Oh it comes on strong, and I am lifted.
It comes on strong, and I am lifted.
I am lifted, I am lifted!

Oh I can't get down, Oh Oh Ohhhhhhhh, I can't get down

When I Am King                                                                                                               Back
Great Big Sea

Wake up, without a care. Your  head's not heavy,  conscience clear
Sins are all  forgiven here,  yours and  mine
Fear has gone  without a trace
It's the  perfect time, it's the  perfect place
Nothing hurting, nothing sore, no one suffers anymore, the doctor's found a simple cure.
Just in time

(Chorus)
All these things if  I were King would all appear around  me
The world will sing when I am King
The world will sing when I am King

Ah She walks right in she don't  even knock. It's the girl you lost to the high school jock
She shuts the door and turns the lock, and takes your hand.
She says she always felt a fool, for picking the Captain over you
She wonders if you miss her, says she always told her sister that you're the best damn kisser that she's ever had

Daylight waits to shine until the moment you awaken
So you never miss the dawn
No question, now you know which road you're taking
Lights all green, the radio plays just the perfect song

Well, the war's been won. All the fights are fought
You find yourself in just the spot it's a place where everybody's got a song to sing.
Just like the final movie scene. The prince will find his perfect queen
The hero always saves the world. The villains get what they deserve
The boy will always get the girl, when I am King.
 
The world will sing when I am King

The Morning After                                                                                                               Back
The Prodigals

(Chorus)
You dance like you're drunk but you sing like you're sober
You pulled the last pint when the party was over
When you're alone and you lie in your bed.
The rain on the roof is the dance of the dead.

The boys from the Bronx and Belturbet, Bundoran,
Brighton and Bray, they're all shouting and brawling
They're routing reflection, a kiss or a sigh
To forget or recall the old days long gone by.
And it's up in the morning, and after the evening
The wordless goodbye and the silently leaving
You turned on your side, and the dream in the bed
Was a far distant cry from the one in your head.

Chimeras and fantasies merging together
And thoughts of a life of a far-different feather
They brought us to where we are – now that we're here
Is it better or worse than we hoped and we feared?
Pioneers, drunkards, pilgrims and rovers,
Bridges of bone and of gold to cross over
The beckoning bar with its circle of light
And the voice and the laugh that ring out in the night.

 

Ballybay                                                                                                               Back
Trad.

 

In the town of Ballybay, there was a lassie dwelling
I knew her very well and her story's well worth telling
Her father kept a still and he was a good distiller
But when she took to the drink, well the devil wouldn't fill her

Ring-a-dum-a-dah, ring-a-dum-a-daddy-o
Ring-a- dum-a-dah, whack fol the daddy o

She had a wooden leg that was hollow down the middle
She used to tie a string on it and play it like a fiddle
She fiddled in the hall and she fiddled in the alleyway
She didn't give a damn, for she had to fiddle anyway

She said she couldn't dance, unless she had her wellie on
But when she had it on, she could dance as well as anyone
She wouldn't go to bed, unless she had her shimmy on
But when she had it on, she would go as quick as anyone

She had lovers by the score, every Tom and Dick and Harry
She was courted night and day, but still she wouldn't marry
But then she fell in love with a fellow with a stammer
When he tried to run away, well she hit him with a hammer

She had children up the stairs, she had children by the byre
And another ten or twelve, sitting roaring by the fire
She fed them on potatoes and on soup she made with nettles
And lumps of hairy bacon that she boiled up in the kettle

She led a sheltered life, eating porridge and black pudding
And she terrorized her man, until he died quite sudden
And when her husband died, well she wasn't very sorry
She rolled him in a bag and she threw him in a quarry

Happy Man                                                                                                               Back

The Prodigals

 

(Chorus)

If I'm a happy man today, I don't know about tomorrow,
Will I be in ecstasy or deep in debt and sorrow,
There's a pint upon the table, there's another on the way
And with the girl beside me, I'm a happy man today.

There are some who rush about in a panic and a hurry,
While others lie in bed on their backs and worry,
And with all that care and worry,
bolted doors and locked-up locks,
We'll all end up in safety pushing daisies in a box.

I suppose that there are those whose life is only roses,
And they only have to pluck to hold them to their noses
And there's others on the slag heap,
and if they search and pray,
There's a chip of glass might glisten like a diamond in the day.

Now I don't have all the answers,
and I don't have all the questions
And the worries of the world be solved by my suggestions.
But this is one suggestion,
that you raise your glass and say,
I don't know about tomorrow, I'm a happy man today.