Irish song lyrics | Besedila irskih pesmi

W


Total lyrics: 51


THE WELLY BOOT SONG

Chorus:
Wellies they are wonderful, oh wellies they are swell,
Cause they keep oot the water, an' they keep in the smell,
An' when yer sittin in a room, you can always tell,
When some bugger takes off his wellies.

If it wasna for your wellies where would you be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary,
Cause you would have a dose of the flu or even pluracy,
If you didna have your feet in your wellies!

But when yer oot walking, in the country way about
An yer strolling over fields just like a fairmer's herd.
And somebody shouts "Keep aff the grass," and you think "How absurd;"
And, squelch, you find why fairmers a' wear wellies.

There's fishermen and firemen, there's farmers an a',
Men oot digging ditches an' working in the snaw;
This country it would grind tae a halt and no' a thing would graw
If it wasna for the workers in their wellies.

Noo Edward Heath and Wilson, they havna made a hit,
They're ruining this country, mair than just a bit,
If they keep on the way they are goin', we'll all be in the sh..,
So you'd be'er ge(t) your feet in your wellies.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WHA SAW THE 42ND

Saw ye the Forty-Second? Saw ye them gaun awa'?
Saw ye the Forty-Second Marching to the Broomielaw?
Some o' them had boots an' stockin's, Some o' them had nane ava;
Some o' them had tartan plaidies, Marching to the Broomielaw.

Fa saw the Forty-Second, fa saw them gang awa?
Fa saw the Forty-Second gaein' to the Waupinschaw?
Some o' them gat chappit tatties, some o' them gat nane ava.
Some o' them gat barley bannocks, gaein' to the Waupinschaw.

Fa saw the Forty-Second, fa saw them gang awa?
Fa saw the Forty-Second marchin' doun the Broomie-Law?
Some of them had tartan troosers, some of them had nane ava,
Some of them had green umbrellas, marchin' doun the Broomie-Law.

Wha saw the ’Forty-second' Wha saw them gaun awa'
Wha saw the ’Forty-second' Marchin' doon the Broomielaw.
Some o' them had buits and stockin's, some o' them had nane at a',
Some o' them had tartan trousers, marchin' doon the Broomielaw.

Saw ye the Forty-Second? Saw ye them gaun awa'?
Saw ye the Forty-Second Marching to the Broomielaw?
Some o' them had boots an' stockin's, Some o' them had nane ava;
Some o' them had tartan plaidies, Marching to the Broomielaw.

Some o' them had kilts and sporrans, some o' them had nane at a',
Some o' them had braw Glengarries Marchin' doon the Broomielaw.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WHA WADNA FECHT FOR CHARLIE

Chorus:
Wha wadna fecht for Charlie
Wha wadna draw the sword
Wha wadna up and rally
At the Royal Prince's word

Think on Scotia's ancient heroes
Think on foreign foes repelled
Think on loyal Bruce and Wallace
Wha the proud usurper quelled

Chorus
See the northern clans advancing
See Glengarry and Lochiel
See the Brandished board-sword glancing
Highland hearts as true as steel

Chorus
Now the Prince has raised his banner
Now triumphant is our cause
Now the Scottish Lion rallies
Let us fight for Prince and Laws

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WILLIAM BLOAT

In a mean abode in the Shankill road lived a man named William Bloat
Who had a wife, the bane of life, who always got his goat
So one day at dawn, with her night dress on, he slit her bloody throat

With a razor gash, he settled her hash, and never was crime so quick
But the steady drip on the pillow slip, of her life's blood made him sick
And the pool of gore on the bedroom floor, was clotted, and cold, and thick

Now he was glad he had done what he had, as she lay there stiff and still
Till suddenly awe of the angry law, filled his soul with an awful chill
So to finish the fun, so well begun, he decided himself to kill

So he took the sheet from his wife's cold feet, and twisted it into a rope
And he hanged himself, from the pantry self, 'twas an easy end, let's hope
With his dying breath and he facing death, he solemnly cursed the pope

But the strangest true of this whole concern is only just beginning
He went to Hell, but his wife got well and she's still alive and sinnin'
For the razor blade was German made, but the rope was Belfast linen 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WILLIE JOHN McFADDEN

Wee Willie John McFadden was a loyal Orange prod,
Who thought that Ian Paisley was just one step down from God.
He thought that they ate the children in the back woods of Ardoyne,
And he thought that history started with the battle of the Boyne.

One day he took a brick in his hand and wandered up the Falls
Mumblin' up the rangers and hummin' Derry's walls
He broke a big shop windy, to annoy the Pope of Rome,
Then he took a record player out and then he staggered home.

That night they held a hooley, in the local Orange hall,
And Willie brought his player, to make music for the ball.
He chose a stack of records, of a very loyal kind,
But when the music started up, he nearly lost his mind.

For this Fenian record player was a rebel to the core,
It played the songs the Orange hall had never heard before
For "Dolly's Brae" and "Derry's walls", it didn't give a fig,
And it speeded up "God save the Queen," till it sounded like a jig.

It played the "Woods of Upton" and "The Wearing of the Green"
Such turmoil in an Orange hall has never yet been seen.
It played "The Boys of Wexford" and "The Men of `98"
But when it played "The Soldier's Song" it sealed Wee Willie's fate.

For the boys went clean demented, to the ground Wee Will was thrown
And they kicked his ribs in one by one, to the tune of "Gary Owen"
They through him out the windy, to a song of old Sinn Fein,
And they kicked him all down Sandy Road to "A Nation Once Again"

This Fenian record player was heard no nevermore.
They prodded it with deacon poles and threw it on the floor.
But still it was not finished, `twas the strangest sight you've seen,
For the flashed flying out of it were Orange, White and Green.

Now Willie's in the looney bin, as crazy as a coot.
He sits there in his padded cell and tootles on his flute
But when he tries to play "The Sash" he always gets it wrong.
Halfway through, he always finds he's playing "The Soldiers Song"

There's a moral to this story.  What it is I cannot say.
It may be just the ancient one that crime will never pay.
But if you ask Wee Will McFadden, he'll say "Aw, Crimey Blows!
If you want to pinch a record player, do it up the Shankhill Road.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WILLIE JOHN McMENEMY

Now Willie John McMenemy, he lived in the Gallow Gates
He got married at an early age tae a bonny lass named Kate
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Now Willie John McMenemy, he said tae his wife, "Now Kate,
Oor little room and kitchen we're goin' tae decorate."
He painted the ceiling, the walls and the doors, he did'na miss the rug
Then he said, "Noo Kate, I won't be late. I'm gonna run doon tae the pub."

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

You see, Willie John went boozing, while Kate she sat at home
 "How can I occupy my time while I'm sitting here alone?"
"Willie, he has nae cleaned the brushes, noo that something I can do."
So she cleaned them in some petrol and she coked it doon the loo

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Well, three days later in came Willie as drunk as he can get
Straight in tae the toilet and he lights a cigarette
He was sitting on the clutchie, so happy and content
A final drag—upon his fag—and phhft doon the loo in went

The petrol it ignited underneath poor Willie's rump
And the force of the explosion fairly made poor Willie jump
His backside black and blistered and his troosers roond his feet
He cracked his heid on the cistern lid and quickly went to sleep

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Now the ambulance was summoned for poor Willie lyin' there
And the stretcher was made ready for to cart him doon the stair
But the ambulance attendant hearing how he came to harm
He laughed that hard and he dropped him and he broke his bloody arm

Final Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
Till Willie John got knackered by his ever lovin' wife


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WILLIE'S GAN TAE MELVILLE CASTLE

Chorus:
Willie's gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a'
Tae bid the ladies a' fareweel, afore he gaed awa'
Oh Willie's young and blithe and bonnie lo'ed by ain and a'
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa'

Well the first he met was lady Gate, she led him thro' the hall
And wi' a sad and sorry heart she let the tear doon fall
Beside the fire stood lady Grace, siad ne'er a word at all
She thought that she sure was of him before he gaed awa'

Chorus:
Willie's gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a'
Tae bid the ladies a' fareweel, afore he gaed awa'
Oh Willie's young and blithe and bonnie lo'ed by ain and a'
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa'

Well ben the hoose came lady Bell, guid sakes ye needna cra'
Maybe the lad will fancy me and disappoint ye a'
Then doon the stair came lady Jean, the flower among them a'
Saying lassies trust in providence, and ye'll get husband's a'

Chorus:
Willie's gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a'
Tae bid the ladies a' fareweel, afore he gaed awa'
Oh Willie's young and blithe and bonnie lo'ed by ain and a'
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa'

When on his horse he raid awa' they gaithered at the door
And when he raised his bonnet blue they set up sic a roar
Their sighs and tears brought Willie back, he's kissed them ain and a'
Saying lassies bide till I come home and then I'll wed ye a'

Chorus:
Willie's gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a'
Tae bid the ladies a' fareweel, afore he gaed awa'
Oh Willie's young and blithe and bonnie lo'ed by ain and a'
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa'


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


THE WINDS ARE SINGING FREEDOM

Chorus:
The winds are singing freedom, they sing it everywhere
They sing it on the mountain side and in the city square
They sing of a new day dawning, when are people shall be free
Come and join our song of freedom, let it ring from sea to sea

In the battered streets of Belfast, you can hear the people cry
For justice long denied them and their crying fills the sky
But the winds of change are singing, bringing hope from dark despair
There's a day of justice coming soon, you feel it in the air

Chorus

Too long our people suffered, in their misery and their tears
And foreign rulers used our land for about eight hundred years
It's a long road has no turning and I know that soon we'll see
There's a day of justice dawning, when our people will be free

Chorus

There's a time laid out for laughing, there's a time laid out to weep
There's a time laid out for sowing, there's a time laid out to reap
There's a time to love your brother, there's a time for hate to cease
If you sow the seeds of justice, you can reap the fruits of peace

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WRAP THE GREEN ROUND ME, BOYS

Wrap the green flag round me, boys, to die were far more sweet
With Ireland's noble emblem, boys, to be my winding sheet
In life I loved to see it wave and follow where it led
But now my eyes grow dim--my hand would grasp its last bright shred

Chorus:
Wrap the green flag round me, boys, to die were far more sweet
With Ireland's noble emblem, boys, to be my winding sheet

And I had hoped to meet, you, on many a well-fought field
When to our sacred banner, boys, the traitorous foe would yield
But now, alas, I am denied my dearest earthly prayer
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe, but I shall not be there

Chorus

But though my body molders, boys, my spirit shall be free
And every comrade's honor, boys, will yet be dear to me
And in the thick and bloody fight, let not your courage lag
For I'll be there and hovering near, around the dear old flag

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WRECKED AGAIN

Chorus:
Oh, no I'm wrecked again
Take me away from the pain and the suffering
Oh, no I'm wrecked again
I'll go to the pub no more, oh

I had one drink, then only one more
I finished with three and then I had four
There's no point in lying, I've had it . . . I'm dying
I really don't care anymore      He doesn't care anymore        

Chorus
I can't stand up, my head is too sore
I'd like to lie down, but I'd fall off the floor
I'm sweating and cold . . .  and I'm ill . . .  and I'm old
And I'd go but I can't find the door      He can't find the door

Chorus
Did . . . I . . . have a good time
Was the killer the whiskey, the beer or the wine
Did . . . I . . . step out of line, yes . . . I . . . stepped out of line
I must have been out of my mind        He must've been out of his mind

Chorus
Good-bye cruel world, ring the last bell
One evening in heaven next morning in hell
I'm spinning round bravely but nothing can save me
Adieu, good-bye, fare thee well           Good-bye, fare thee well

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WHISKEY ON A SUNDAY

He sits on the corner of old Beggar's Bush
A stride of an old packing crate
And the three puppets dolls on the plank were dancing
As he crooned with a smile on his face

Chorus:
Come day, Go day, wishing me heart it was Sunday
Drinkin' buttermilk all the week and it's whiskey on a Sunday

His tired old hands drummed away on the beam
And the puppets they danced up and down
A far better show than you ever have seen
At the fanciest theaters in town

Chorus

1902 Seth Davey died
And his songs they were heard no more
The three puppet dolls in the dustbin were thrown
And the plank went to mend a back door

Chorus

On some stormy nights down Scotty Road way
When the wind's blowing up from the Sea
You can still hear the songs of Old Seth Davey
As he croons to his dancing dolls three

Chorus
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page




WHISTLING GYPSY ROVER

A whistling gypsy came over the hill
Down through the valley so shady
He whistled and he sang, till the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

Chorus:
Ah-dee-doo Ah-dee-doo-da-day
Ah-dee-doo Ah-dee-day-dee
He whistled and he sang till the green woods rang, 
And he won the heart of a lady

Chorus

She left her father's castle gate
She left her own fond lover
She left her servants and her state
To follow the gypsy rover

Chorus

Her father saddle his fastest steed
He roamed the valleys all over
He sought his daughter at great speed
And the whistling gypsy rover

Chorus

He came at last to a mansion fine
Down by the river Claudy
And there was servants and there was wine
For the gypsy and his lady

Chorus

He is no gypsy, oh father, she cried
But Lord of these lands all over
And I will stay till my dying day
With the whistling gypsy rover

Chorus
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WHO PUT THE MUSH?

My baby said goodbye, she was a Paul McCartney fan
She said she couldn't stand the way I sang my songs
Now I'm a lonely man who can get around an old bodhràn
I'd like to find the man who made me turn out wrong
Who wrote the words to these folk songs
Doo-bee-doo-bee-doo-bee-doo-bee

Who put the mush in the mush-a-ring-a-doo-dah
Who put the diddle in the diddle-i-dee-diddle-dum
Who put the ram in the Rambling Rover
Who put the where in the Doon In the Wee Room
Who was that guy I would like to black his eye
He made my baby walk away from me
Bogle Bogle Bogle Bogle - ah

When we were alone skiddle-idle-iddle-idle-iddle-idle-um
She said my singing had no style tell me something I don't know
And when I asked if she'd gang to the Hielands Leezy Lindsay
She took the first train to Carlisle south of the border
Who put the don't in the Don't Get Married Girls
Who put the do in the Domeama-day-ay
Who put the heel in the heel-ya-ho boys
Who put the heave in the heave her away
I'd like to thank that bloke with my hands around his throat
He made my baby walk away from me
Skip to ma lou-ou-ou

When we went to dance disco me disco me disco me day)

We could never ever agree she liked Jackson I liked Paxton)

She wanted rockin' but I liked Dick Gaughan
I said, Listen to Dolores Keane - she fell in love with a drum machine
That's why she walked away from me

Tell me more - tell me more - tell me more - ugh!
Air fa la la - air fa la la - air fa la la lay hey hey hey)

Air fa la la - air fa la la - air fa la la lay hey hey hey)

That's why she walked away from me
Will ye no come back again - and again and again and again and again)

Who put the no in the no nay never
Who put the week in the week falorum
Who put the clover in the roll me over
Who put the Pogues in the Irish Rover
Ah - that's why she's no longer mine
She made my baby walk away, she took my pair of socks away
She upped and went and locked away my Chieftains tapes from me
That's why my baby walked away from me


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



THE WICKLOW BOY

As I walked past Portlaoise Prison,
I'm innocent", a voice was heard to say
"My frame-up is almost completed.
My people all look the other way."
Seven years ago his torture started
A forced confession he was made to sign.
Young Irish men specially trained and chosen
Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line.

Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming
Even prison doctors could see
His injuries were not self-inflicted
Those who tipped the scales did not agree.
  
Chorus:
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key? 
  
Deprived of human rights by his own people
Sickened by injustice he jumped bail,
In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome
Till his co-accused were both released from jail.
He came back expecting to get justice
Special Branch took him from the plane
For five years we've deprived him of his freedom
The guilty jeer the innocent again.
  
Chorus
  
The people versus Kelly was the title
Of the farce we staged at his appeal.
Puppets in well rehearsed collusion,
I often wonder how these men must feel.
As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
Through concrete and steel a whisper came
"My frame-up is almost completed.
I'm innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name."
  
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WILD ROVER NO MORE

Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never, no, nay, never, no more
Will I play the Wild Rover, no, never, no more

We've both been folksingers for twenty-five years
We will sing half the night for the fun and free beers
But now that we're older we both know the score
No we never will play the Wild Rover no more

I know it's a song one that pleases the folk
But I have to admit that it just makes me choke
A night with a sore tooth is more fun to me
Than to sing even one verse, never mind two or three

It's a song that's requested again and again
If I hear it once more it'll drive me insane
The words all sound stupid it just makes me wild
And the tune could be learnt by a two-year old child

I'll go to a folk club, take a shotgun along
And I'll shoot the first bastard who asks for that song
And the hangman will say as I fall through the floor
Now you never will play the Wild Rover no more


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WILD ROVER, NO MORE [2]

I've sung the Wild Rover for manys a year
There's some folk would boo and there's others would cheer
I sang it so often it gave me a pain
So I'm no gonna sing the Wild Rover again

Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never No, nay, never no more
Will I sing the Wild Rover No, nay, never no more

Well I know it's a good song for pleasing the folk
But I have to admit that it gives me the boke
A night with a tooth ache is more fun to me
Then to sing even one verse for less two or three

Chorus
I sang it that often from midnight to dawn
There's many the time I could see the folk yawn
Cause the words are a scunner there right down the drain
And the tune could be learned by a three year old Wain

Chorus
Well I went to a party it soon became plain
I was gonna be lumbered with that song again
Well I sang forty verse they shouted for more
So I grab my guitar and I went for the door

Chorus
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WHACK FOL THE DIDDLE

I'll sing you a song of peace and love,
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
To the land that reigns all lands above.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
May peace and plenty be her share
Who kept our homes from want and care,
God bless Mother England is our prayer.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Chorus:
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
So we say, Hip Hooray!
Come and listen while we pray.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

When we were savage, fierce and wild
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
She came like a mother to her child.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
She gently raised us from the slime
Kept our hands from hellish crime,
And sent us to Heaven in her own good time.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Now our fathers oft were very bad boys.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
Guns and pikes are dangerous toys.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
From Bearna Baol to Bunker Hill
They made poor England weep her fill,
But ould Britannia loves us still!
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Now Irishmen, forget the past!
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
And think of the time that's coming fast.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
When we shall all be civilized,
Neat and clean and well-advised.
And won't Mother England be surprised?
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WHACKER HUMPHRIES

One day as I was walking past the bridge in Dolphin's Barn
Down by the old canal I saw some children in a car
In the back they were shootin' up smack, I had a bird's eye view
When I dialed for help, told me there's nothing we can do
Both sides of the river, clearly to be seen
Down along O'Connell Street and up to Stephen's Green
Heroin sold openly; there was no need to hide
The drug squads were out numbered; it seems their hands were tied

John Whacker Humphries he's a family man
Him and his wife they give their children everything they can
Faced with scourge of heroin, they'd not accept defeat
They joined other Concerned Parents to put the dealers off the street
They called on dealer's houses and ordered them to quit
Time and time again, they warned, we've had enough of it
Dirty needles in our doorways, junkies hanging all about
Keep on dealing heroin and you're gonna be moved out

From Saint Teresa's gardens to the flats in Ballymun
Concerned Parents action had the dealers on the run
They swore they'd stand together till the heroin was stopped
Can anybody tell me why they got their fingers rapped

They were rounded up and charged with crimes against the state
Brought before the Green Street Court to decide their fate
Denied a trial by jury and there was no bail
The Concerned Parents were taken off to jail
I was sitting in the gallery among families, friends and wives
I strained to hear who told the truth and who was telling lies
Dealers, junkies and police on the prosecution side
I swear to God that's what I saw before my very eyes

Whacker Humphries took the dealers on and he fought 'em tooth and nail
And a dozen well-armed soldiers took him to the Portlaoise Jail
He tried to protect his children, found guilty of a crime
One man gets a pension, another man gets time

This morning I was walking past the bridge in Dolphin's Barn
I heard a small bird whisper, "Mind you come to any harm"


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WHATEVER YOU SAY, SAY NOTHING

Chorus:
Whatever you say, say nothing, when you talk about you know what
For if you know who should hear you, you know what you'll get
They'll take you off to you know where for you wouldn't know how long
So for you know who's sake don't let anyone hearing singing this song

You all know what I'm speaking of when I mention you know what
And I fear it's very dangerous to even mention that
For the other ones are always there, although you may not see
And if anyone asks who told you that, please don't mention me

Chorus

You all know who I'm speaking of when I mention you know who
For if you know who could hear you, you know what he'd do
So if you don't see me again, you'll know why I'm away
And if anyone asks you where I've gone, here's what you must say

Chorus

Well, that's enough about so and so, not to mention such and such
I'd better end my song for I've already said too much
For the less you hear and the less you say, the less you'll go astray
And the less you think and the less you do, the more you'll hear them say

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WHEN I WAS SINGLE

When I was single I wore a plaid shawl
Now that I'm married I've nothing at all
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes

He came up our alley and he whistled me out
But the tail of his shirt from his trousers hung out
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes

He bought me a handkerchief red white and blue
But before I could wear it he tore it in two
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes

He brought me to an ale house to buy me some stout
But before I could drink he order me out
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes

He borrowed some money to buy me a ring
Then he and the jeweler went off on a fling
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes

There's cakes in the oven there's cheese on the self
If you want any more you can sing it yourself
Oh but still I love him I'll forgive him
I'll go with him where ever he goes


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WHEN MARGARET WAS ELEVEN

My father sailed away, and the band played tunes of glory
A giant man with ribbons and bedeviled dignity.
A regimental sergeant the back bone of the Empire
For God and righteous glory, bound for HighGermany.

Chorus:
Sweet Lord I was just seven, when Margaret waseleven,
They served us war for breakfast and soldiers songsfor tea
Your father's gone campaignin' was a way of notexplainin'
That soldiers are the living proof of our in humanity

My childhood passed away midst tales and luridstories
Of manufactured glories and inhuman gallantry
I asked "when is war over?" But no one deemed toanswer me
And Margaret played the dreaded tune called HighGermany.

Chorus:
Sweet Lord I was just seven, when Margaret was eleven,
They served us war for breakfast and soldiers songs for tea
Your father's gone campaignin' was a way of not explainin'
That soldiers are the living proof of our in humanity

My father made it home but he came without his reason
Two eyes of molten madness a senseless fool of war
He's just a child - my mother cried to be dressed in full regalia
And paraded as a hero home from High Germany.

Chorus:
Sweet Lord I was just seven, when Margaret was eleven,
They served us war for breakfast and soldiers songs for tea
Your father's gone campaignin' was a way of not explainin'
That soldiers are the living proof of our in humanity
There were tunes glory for Margaret and me

 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

THE WALLACE

They hung Wallace high of the gallows and cut down ere he was dead
And as he choked the Queen jeered for daring to cross English Ted
His heart and his liver were savaged as her majesty watched the glad scene
His head was cut off, he was quartered ’twas an afternoon fit for a Queen

Chorus:
They murdered the Wallace for treason
His body has long since decayed
But no English crown can destroy him
For Wallace is with us today, Aye Wallace is with us today

He took up his sword against England; the cowardly Sassenach ran
He beat them at Falkirk and Stirling and burned them like rats from our land
King Edward of England was raging that Scotland was free once again
The Scottish Republican Army had wiped out his best fighting men

Chorus
William the Wallace fought bravely no Englishman could him defeat
But English gold brought Scottish quislings and he was betrayed by Mentieth
With a crown made of thorns he was tortured for setting his own country free
How am I a traitor cried Wallace when England is foreign to me

Chorus
In Edinburgh, Stirling and Falkirk from Inverness to Elderslie
His spirit is calling for justice and commands to set ourselves free
So when once again we do battle let the broadswords and English bows hum
With no fear of betrayal to the Saxon let them come, let them come, let them come
Chorus
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


THE WAR CORRESPONDENT

"Good evening ' I'm Ross Symons, with the news from A.B.C.
A record profit's been announced by the Board of B.H.P.
In the second cricket test in Perth, the Aussies face defeat
Whilst the drought in Western New South Wales means dearer cuts of meat
And our special correspondent in Saigon
Says three Australian soldiers have died in Vietnam

The special correspondent sat in a Saigon bar
With the help of Johnny Walker he pushed away the war
And questions with no answers that had rattled round his head
Had lost their urgent clarity and were faded round the edge
Thought tomorrow they'd again be sharp and clear
Tonight they had been lost amongst the bar girls and the beer

Ask a silly question, like why the heel we're here
Learning how to live with death, suffering and fear,
War's a game for soldiers; it's not for men like you.
Is there something that you have to find, or something you must prove
Or are you hooked upon the adrenaline
That living on the edge of dying brings

But here you are in Vietnam; you're a long way from home
Doing what you're paid to do, the best way that you can
Objectively you watch the war, never taking sides
And what you feel, what you really feel, is hidden deep inside
You're not being paid to moralize,
And anyway, a can lose his reason asking why.

And if you ever get back home, you'll never be the same
The man that was before Vietnam can never be again,
But in ten years when you look back to weigh and count the cost,
Perhaps you'll find that Vietnam gave you back more than you lost
And from it, if you learn nothing else,
Perhaps you may get to know yourself.

CODA:
Roll up, roll up and see the show, T.V. soldiers in a row
Hear them laugh, hear them cry, watch them run, see the die
It's not in color, but that's all right
War's better viewed in black and white
White for us and black for them
With no gray shadows in between.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WAR OUTSIDE

There's a war outside I can hear the distant guns tonight,
There's a war outside
And I don't know whether to run or fight,
If I open this door I may be deafened by the cannon's roar,
There's a war outside tonight.

There's a child outside I can hear her crying and she's so alone,
There's a child outside
The first refugee is the last one home,
But if I open this door they might flood in from that foreign shore,

There's a child outside tonight. Everything's OK, everything's fine,
Just close your doors until the end of time,
Satellite TV; turn off the news, nothing but bad news…bad news,
And no one wants to hear another bad news blues.
There's a war outside

We don't need to know who's right or wrong, there's a war outside
The sirens sing their warning song,
Tired and hungry in the hand-out line, the wrong place at the wrong time,
There's a war outside tonight.
There's a war outside and the guns are closer than they were last night,
There's a war outside
And I don't know whether to run or fight,
If I open this door I may be deafened by the cannon's roar,
There's a war outside tonight.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WARK O' THE WEAVERS

We're a' met together here tae sir an' tae crack.
Wi' oor glasses in oor hands, an' oor wark upon oor back;
For there's no' a trade among them a' can either mend or mak',
Gin it wasna for the wark o' the weavers.                  

Chorus:
If it wasna for the weavers what wad they do?     
They wadna hae claith mads oor o' oor woo'.
They wadna hae a coar neither black nor blue,
Gin it wasna for the wark o' the weavers.

Chorus
There's some folk independent o' ither tradesmen's wark
For women need nae barber an' dykers need nae clerk;
But there's no ane o' them but needs a coat an' a sark
Na, they canna want the wark o' the weavers.

Chorus
There's smiths an' there's wrights and there's mason cheils an' a' There's doctors an' there's meenisters an' them that live by law An' oor freens that bide oot ower the sea in Sooth America An' they a' need the wark o' the weavers.

Chorus
Oor sodgers an' oor sailors, od, we mak' tham a' bauld For gin they hadna claes, faith, they couldna fecht for cauld, The high an' low, the rich an' puir - a ’body young an' auld, They a' need the wark o' the weavers.
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

THE WATERFORD BOYS

For fun and diversion we have met together, I tell you from Waterford hither we came
To cross the big in dark stormy weather, our pockets were light and our hearts were the same
Sad at leaving old Ireland we're once more on dry land by the road side a tavern I chanced for to spy
And as I was melting, me pockets I felt in for the price of a drink I was mortally dry

Chorus:
For we are the boys with such fun and such eloquence
Drinking and dancing and all other joys
For ructions destruction's diversion and devilment
Who's to compare with the Waterford boys

In tavern I rolled, in the landlord he strolled, Good morrow says he and says I if you please
Will you give a bed and then bring me some bread and a bottle of porter and a small piece of cheese
My bread and cheese ended, I then condescended to take my repose, sure I bad him good night
Then under the clothes, I was trying to doze, first I stuck in me toes and then popped out the light

Well I wasn't long sleeping, when heard creeping and gnawing and chawing around the bed post
My breath I suspended, but the noise never ended, thinks I you've damned oul bull's claws for a ghost
Now to make myself easy, for I felt rather lazy, then over me head I again pulled the clothes
Sure a Moses what's that, sure a great big Jack rat, with one leap from the floor jumped right up to me nose

Chorus

Well I reached for a hob tail and made up a bob tail and rassled with rats till the clear light of day
When the landlord came in and he said with a grin, for your supper and bed you've five shillings to pay
Five shillings for that, now don't be disgracing yourself, says I to the rogue if you please
When I can't sleep with the rats, you've the devil's own face on you to charge me five shillings for dry bread and cheese

Oh the landlord went raring and lepping tearing, he jumped through the window and kicked in the door
When he could go no further, he roared mill'ya murder these rats they are eatin' up be the score
Sure they sleep in me stable, they eat at me tables, they wrestle me dogs and they've killed all me cats
Throthin' says I you give me those five shillings and I'll show you the way to get rid of those rats

I'm willing says well invite them to supper on dry bread and cheese they'll be forth and be sure
Never mind if they're willin', just charge them five shillings and devil the rat will you ever see more

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WE'LL RANT AND WE'LL ROAR

My name it is Robert, they call me Bob Pittman; I sail in the Ino with Skipper Tim Brown.
I'm bound to have Dolly or Biddy or Molly as soon as I'm able to plank the cash down.

Chorus:
We'll rant and we'll roar like true Newfoundlanders, we'll rant and we'll roar on deck and below
Until we see bottom inside the two sunkers, when straight through the Channel to Toslow we'll go.

I'm a son of a sea-cook, and a cook in a trader; I can dance, I can sing, I can reef the main boom;
I can handle a jigger, and cuts a big figure whenever I gets in a boat's standing room.
Chorus

If the voyage is good, then this fall I will do it; I wants two pound ten for a ring and the priest,
A couple o' dollars for clean shirt and collars, and a handful o' coppers to make up a feast.
Chorus

There's plump little Polly, her name is Goldsworthy, there's John Coady's Kitty, and Mary Tibbo;
There's Clara from Bruley, and young Martha Foley, but the nicest of all is my girl in Toslow.
Chorus

Farewell and adieu to ye fair ones of Valen, farewell and adieu to ye girls in the Cove;
I'm bound to the westward, to the wall with the hole in; I'll take her from Toslow the wild world to rove.
Chorus

Farewell and adieu to ye girls of St. Kyran's, Of Paradise and Presque, Big and Little Bona,
I'm bound unto Toslow to marry sweet Biddy, and if I don't do so, I'm afraid of her da.
Chorus

I've bought me a house from Katherine Davis, a twenty-pound bed from Jimmy McGrath;
I'll get me a settle, a pot and a kettle; then I'll be ready for Biddy - hurrah!
Chorus

O, I brought in the Ino this spring from the city, some rings and gold brooches for the girls in the Bay;
I bought me a case-pipe - they call it a meerschaum --It melted like butter upon a hot day.
Chorus

I went to a dance one night at Fox Harbour; there were plenty of girls, so nice as you'd wish;
There was one pretty maiden a-chawin' of frankgum just like a young kitten a-gnawing fresh fish.
Chorus

Then here is a health to the girls of Fox Harbour, of Oderin and Presque, Crabbes Hole and
Bruley.
Now let ye be jolly, don't be melancholy, I can't marry all, or in chokey I'd be.
Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


THE WEARING OF THE GREEN

"O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a cruel law against the wearin' o' the Green."

Chorus:
It's the wearin' of the Green, the wearin' of the Green
Oh, they're hangin' men and women for the wearin' of the Green

I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor ould Ireland, and how does she stand?"
 "She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen,
 For they're hanging men and women there for the wearin' o' the Green."

Chorus:
It's the wearin' of the Green, the wearin' of the Green
Oh, they're hangin' men and women for the wearin' of the Green

"So if the color we must wear be England's cruel red
Let it remind us of the blood that Irishmen have shed;
And pull the shamrock from your hat, and throw it on the sod
But never fear, 'twill take root there, though underfoot 'tis trod.

Chorus:
It's the wearin' of the Green, the wearin' of the Green
Oh, they're hangin' men and women for the wearin' of the Green

 When laws can stop the blades of grass from growin' as they grow
 And when the leaves in summer-time their color dare not show,
 Then I will change the color too I wear in my caubeen;
 But till that day, please God, I'll stick to the Wearin' o' the Green."


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


THE WEE KIRKCUDBRIGHT CENTIPEDE

Oh, the wee Kirkcudbright Centipede, oh, she was very sweet
She was very proud of every one of her hundred feet
Early every morning, her neighbours came to glance
She always entertained them with a beautiful little dance.

Chorus
As leg number 94 gave 95 a shunt
Legs number 1 and 2 were twisted out in front
Legs number 9 and 10 came wriggling up the side
73 and 74 were doing the Palais glide.

Now her neighbour, Jenny Longlegs, with jealousy was mad
She went out and bought herself a pencil and a pad
She came to look one morning, she made a careful note
Of every step the centipede made and this is what she wrote:

Chorus

Now with her exact notations, little Jenny Longlegs tried
To dance just like the centipede, she failed and nearly cried
She grabbed hold of the centipede, and said, "Now have a look,
Show me how to do this dance I've written in my book."

The centipede said, "Do I do that?" tried to demonstrate
She hadn't thought it out before, and didn't do too great
Her hundred feet got twisted and she wound up in a tangle
She fractured 14 kneecaps, 7 shinbones and an ankle.

Chorus
As legs number 1 and 2 were tied with 3 and 4
Legs number 5 and 6 were cancelled on the floor
Leg number 17 was attacked by number 10
98 and 99 will never dance again.

Oh, the wee Kirkcudbright Centipede she suffered in terrible pain
And all the bugs were very surprised the day she danced again
And now she tells her neighbours, anyone who comes to see,
"Never try an explanation of what comes naturally!"

Chorus
As leg number 94 gave 95 a shunt
Legs number 1 and 2 were twisted out in front
Legs number 9 and 10 came wriggling up the side
73 and 74 were doing the Palais glide.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 


WEE MAGIC STANE

The Dean o' Westminster was a powerful man
He held a' the strings o' the State in his hand
But wi' a' his great business it flustered him nane
When some rogues ran away wi' his wee magic stane
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

The Stane had great powers that could dae sic a thing
That withoot it it seemed we'd be wantin' a king
So he sent for the polis and made this decree
Go hunt oot the Stone and return it tae me
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

So the polis went beetlin' away up tae the North
They hunted the Clyde and they hunted the Forth
But the wild folk up yonder just kidded them a'
For they didnae believe it was magic at a'
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

Noo the Provost o' Glesca, Sir Victor by name
Wis awfy put oot when he heard o' the Stane
So he offered the statues that stan' in George Square
That the High Church's masons might mak' a few mair
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

When the Dean o' Westminster wi' this was acquaint
He sent for Sir Victor and made him a saint
But it's no good you sending your statues down heah
Said the Dean, But it gives me a jolly good ideah
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

So they quarried a stane o' the very same stuff
And they dressed it all up till it looked like enough
Then he sent for the press and announced that the Stane
Had been found and returned tae Westminster again
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

When the Rievers found out what Westminster had done
They went aboot diggin' up stanes by the ton
For each one they finished they entered the claim
That this is the true and original stane
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

But the cream o' the joke still remains tae be telt
For the bloke that wis turnin' them aff on the belt
At the peak o' production was so sorely pressed
That the real yin got bunged in alang wi' the rest
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay

So if ever ye cam' on a stane wi' a ring
Just sit yersel' doon and proclaim yersel' king
There's nane will be able tae challenge yer claim
That ye've crooned yersel' King on the Destiny Stane
Wi' a too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

Won't You Come With Me

I left my ship with storms on my mind,
High wind and tossing seas.
I sought a maid with soft green eyes
To take my mind off me.

Hai diddle-dai-dum
Ba du diddle-dai-dum
Ba du diddle-dai diddle-dai dee
Hai diddle-dai-dum
Ba du diddle-dai-dum
Won’t you come with me?

I met a maid by waterside
Gutting the herring clean.
She took my hand, laid down her knife.
As we walked along the beach.
Singing…

She set herself down on a rock
And bade me sit at her feet.
The sun settled down and the wind did blow
The curlets across her cheek.
We sang…

I took her gently in my arms
Our bodies rolling in the sand.
When she pulled the knife out of my side
My body stopped lurching at last.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


Wild Mountain Thyme

(Will you go, lassie go)

Oh, the summer time is coming,
And the trees are sweetly blooming,
And the wild mountain thyme
Grows around the blooming heather.

Will you go, lassie, will you go?
And we’ll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather,
Will you go, lassie, go?

I will build my love a bower
By yon clear and crystal fountain,
And all around the bower,
I’ll pile flowers from the mountain.

I will roam the country o’er
Through that dark land so dreary;
And all the spoils I find,
I’ll bring to my darling dearie.

If my true love, she won’t have me,
I will surely find another
To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather.

Oh, the summertime is coming
And thre trees are blooming
And the wild mountain thyme
Grows around the blooming heather.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

When She Held Me In Her Arms

Through a market, I wandered and prayed
That I'd find me a woman I might marry some day.
Well, I never dreamed when I prayed that prayer
That the woman I longed for was standing there.

When she held me in her arms that night,
I held her close, and I held her tight.
And I swore that day forth, I'd love her all of me life.
When she held me in her arms that night.

She smelled of the sweetest lilac skin.
And I admit it now it drew me in
Oh, her voice cast a spell I could not disobey.
Every word was a river that swept me away.

Oh, the market became a more beautiful place:
The flowers more fragrant, and the clothing all lace.
And her eyes, oh, her eyes! They begged me to stay
And twenty years later, I've not regretted a day.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


Widow And The Devil, The

High atop a lonely moor, a Widow lived alone.
An Inn she kept, and as she slept,
her pillow heard her moan:
“Oh, many’s the lonely traveller
has spent the night with me,
but there’s no a man in all creation
gives content to me!

“Well, some can manage once or twice,
and some make three or four;
but it seems to me a rarity
is the man who can do more.
I’d do anything to find him,
in Heaven or in Hell.”
And as she spoke these words,
sure, she heard her front door bell.

And the wind blew cold and lonely
across that Widow’s moor,
and she never, ever turned away
a traveller from the door.

So boldly ran the Widow,
and the door did open wide,
and as she did, a tall and handsome
stranger stepped inside.
Well, she gave him bread and brandy,
and when that he was fed,
he said, “My dear, now have no fear;
it’s time to come to bed.

“For I’ve heard your plea
right down below,
and I’ve come to see you right.
But you must come to Hell with me
if I can last the night.”
She said, “You randy Devil!
To this bargain I’ll agree,
for Hell on Earth, or Hell in Hell,
it’s all the same to me!”

Now, as they tumbled in the bed,
the Devil, he proved well…
and he thought before the night would end
that she’d be in his Hell.
Ah, but when they came to number nine,
the Widow cried out, “More!”
And when the twelfth time came around,
the Widow cried, “Encore!”

At twenty-five the Devil
felt compelled to take a rest,
but the Widow cried,
“Come raise your head,
and put me to the test!”
At sixty-nine, the Widow laughed.
“Again! Again!” she cried,
and the Devil said,
“Well, I can see just how your husband died!”

At ninety-nine, the Devil
he began to wail and weep.
He said, “I’ll give you anything,
if you’ll let me go to sleep!”
But before the morning light was up,
the Devil hobbled home,
and the Widow, still not satisfied,
once more was left alone.

She lay there on her pillow
and she thought on ninety-nine.
“It’s a pity that poor old Devil
couldn’t manage one more time!
I’ll call him up again tonight
to see what can be done -
with a little more application,
we could make it to the ton!”

But when she called to him that night,
no Devil did appear.
For the first time in Eternity,
the Devil, he shook with fear.
He said, “Of all the torments
I’ve witnessed here in Hell,
I never knew what pain was,
’til I rang your front door bell!”


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WOLFE TONE

The first storm of winter blew high, blew high,
Red leaves were scattering to a gloomy sky;
Rain clouds were lowering o'er the plains of Kildare,
When from Dublin, southward, the mourners came there.

"In the spring," they whispered, "Lord Edward bled,
And the blood of hosts was in summer shed;
Death in the autumn o'er Connacht passed,
But the loss that is sorest came last, came last.

"Though Fitzgerald died, sure we fought them still,
And we shouted Vengeance' on Vinegar Hill,
Knowing our flag would again be flown
If France gave ear to the prayers of Tone.

"Twice," we thought, "his appealing lips
Brought forth her armies and battleships,
And the storms of God shall not always stay
England's doom, as in Bantry Bay.

"And oh," we said to the hopeless ones,
Who made count of Ireland's martyred sons,
"The bravest lives; be your mourning dumb,
Ere the snow of winter Wolfe Tone shall come."

He came was beaten we bear him here
From a prison cell on his funeral bier,
And freedom's hope shall be buried low
With his mouldering corpse neath the winter snow.

"Hush," one said, o'er the new-set sod,
"Hope shall endure with our faith in God,
And God shall only forsake us when
This grave is forgotten by Irishmen."


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WHERE THE RIVER SHANNON FLOWS

There's a pretty spot in Ireland
I always claim for my land
Where the fairies and the blarney will never, never die
It's the land of the shillalah
My heart goes back there daily
To the girl I left behind me when we kissed and said goodbye
CHORUS: Where dear old Shannon's flowing
Where the three-leaved shamrock's grows
Where my heart is I am going to my little Irish rose
And the moment that I meet her
With a hug and kiss I'll greet her
For there's not a colleen sweeter where the River Shannon flows.

Sure no letter I'll be mailing
For soon will I be sailing
And I'll bless the ship that takes me to my dear old Erin's shore
There I'll settle down forever
I'll leave the old sod never
And I'll whisper to my sweetheart "Come and take my name Asthore."


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
 

There's a tear in your eye and I'm wondering why
For it never should be there at all
With such power in your smile sure a stone you'd beguile
So never a teardrop should fall
When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song
And your eyes sparkle bright as can be
You should laugh all the while and all other times smiles
So now smile a smile for me

When irish eyes are smiling sure it's like a morn in spring
With a lilt of irish laughter you can hear the angels sing
When irish hearts are happy all the world is bright and gay
And when irish eyes are smiling sure they'd steal your heart away


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

THE WEST'S ASLEEP.

When all beside a vigil keep,
The West's asleep, the West's asleep-
Alas! and well may Erin weep,
When Connaught lies in slumber deep.
There lake and plain smile fair and free,
'Mid rocks-their guardian chivalry-
Sing oh! let man learn liberty
From crashing wind and lashing sea.

That chainless wave and lovely, land
Freedom and Nationhood demand-
Be sure, the great God never plann'd,
For slumbering slaves, a home so grand.
And, long, a brave and haughty race
Honoured and sentinelled the place-
Sing oh! not even their sons' disgrace
Can quite destroy their glory's trace.

For often, in O'Connor's van,
To triumph dash'd each Connaught clan-
And fleet as deer the Normans ran
Through Coirrsliabh Pass and Ard Rathain.*
And later times saw deeds as brave;
And glory guards Clanricarde's grave-
Sing oh! they died their land to save,
At Aughrim's slopes and Shannon's wave.

* Vulgarly written Corlews and Ardrahan. [note in Spirit of the Nation]

And if, when all a vigil keep,
The West's; asleep, the West's asleep-
Alas! and well may Erin weep,
That Connaught lies in slumber deep.
But-hark! -some voice like thunder spake:
" The West's awake, the West's awake'-
Sing oh! hurra! let England quake,
We'll watch till death for Erins sake!"

 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WEE FALORIE MAN, THE

I am the wee falorie man
A rattling, roving Irishman,
I can do all that ever you can
For I am the wee falorie man.

I have a sister Mary Ann
She washes her face in the frying pan,
And out she goes to hunt for a man
I have a sister Mary Ann.

I am a good old working man,
Each day I carry a wee tin can
A large penny bap and a clipe of ham
I am a good old working man.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WAXIES DARGLE, THE

Says my aul' wan to your aul' wan
"Will ye come to the Waxies dargle?"
Says your aul' wan to my aul' wan,
"Sure I haven't got a farthing.
I've just been down to Monto town
To see uncle McArdle
But he half a crown
For to go to the Waxies dargle."

Cho: What are ye having, will ye have a pint?
Yes, I'll have a pint with you, sir,
And if one of us doesn't order soon
We'll be thrown out of the boozer.

Says my aul' wan to your aul' wan
"Will ye come to the Galway races?"
Says your aul' wan to my aul' wan,
"With the price of my aul' lad's braces.
I went down to Capel Street
To the Jew man moneylenders
But they wouldn't give me a couple of bob on
My aul' lad's suspenders."

Says my aul' wan to your aul' wan
"We have no beef or mutton
But if we go down to Monto town
We might get a drink for nuttin'"
Here's a piece of good advice
I got from an aul' fishmonger:
"When food is scarce and you see the hearse
You'll know you have died oF hunger.


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

 

WEXFORD CAROL, THE

Good people all, this Christmas-time
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending His beloved Son

With thankful heart we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born!

The night before that happy tide
The noble virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town

But mark how all things came to pass;
From every door repelled, alas!
As long foretold, their refuge all
Was but an humble oxens' stall

There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay

And when they came unto that place
Where our beloved Messiah was
They humbly cast them at His feet
With gifts of gold and incense sweet

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;
To whom God's angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear

"Prepare and go", the angels said
"To Bethlehem, be not afraid:
For there you'll find, this happy morn
A princely babe, sweet Jesus born"

With happy heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold
They did our Saviour Christ behold

Within a manger He was laid
And by His side the virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of life
Who came on earth to end all strife

 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN

When I first saw the love-light in your eyes
I thought the world held naught but joy for me
And even though we've drifted far apart
I never dream, but what I dream of thee

Chorus:
I love you as I've  never loved before
Since I first Saw you on the village green
Come to me in my dreams of love astoir
I love you as I lovedyou , when you were sweet
When you were sweet sixteen

Last night I dreamt I held your hand in mine
And once again you were my happy bride
I kissed you as I did in Auld Lang syne
As to the church we wandered side by side

Chorus

 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WHERE THE THREE COUNTIES MEET

Oh how lovely to be on the shores of Lough Ree
On a beautiful mid summer's morning
Looking over the lake, as the bright waters break
By the hills of the County Roscommon
I left my home, in the town of Athlone
On the way to the Three Jolly Pigeons
It was near Glasson town, on the road I sat down
And looked over the beautiful Shannon

Chorus:
Lough Ree, oh Lough Ree, where the three counties meet
Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon
As I stroll round her banks, by the heather and peat
They're the memories I've never forgotten

Oh sad was the day, that I went away
To work among timbers and concrete
For now as a man, I must follow life's plan
(or I must name me a man, for to follow life's span)
I forsook the dear place of my homeland
If God grants me grace, I'll return to the place
When the sunset of life has come o'er me
Once again on these shores, like a bird my heart soars
As I gaze on the beauty around me


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WHISKEY IN THE JAR (1)

As I was going over the far Kilkerry mountain
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol, and the produced my rapier
Said stand and deliver, for I am a bold deceiver

Chorus:
Musha ring dumma do damma da
Whack for the laddie-o
Whack for the laddie-o
There's whiskey in the jar

I counted out his money, and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I brought 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

Chorus

I went into my chamber, for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water
And send for captain Farrel to be ready for the slaughter

Chorus

It was early in the morning, before I rose to travel
The guards were all around me and likewise captain Farrel
I first produced my pistol, for she stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken

Chorus

If anyone can aid me, it's my brother in the army
If I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll come and save me, we'll go roving near Kilkenny
And I swear he'll treat me better than me darling sporting Jenny

Chorus

Now some men take delight in the drinking and the roving
But others take delight in the gambling and the smoking
But I take delight in the juice of the barley
And courting pretty Jenny in the morning bright and early

Chorus


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WHISKEY IN THE JAR (2)

As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
Saying "Stand and deliver! For I am the bold deceiver!"

Chorus:
Mursha-ring-a-ma-doo-a-ma-dah Whack for the daddio
whack for the daddio There's whiskey in the jar

He counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the Devil take the women for you never can believe them

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

'Twas early in the morning before I rose to travel
Up come a band of footmen and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken

If anyone can aid me it's my brother in the army
If I could learn his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'd come and join me we'd go rovin' in Kilkenny
I'll engage he'd treat me fairer than my darlin' sportin' Jenny


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page



WHISKEY YOU'RE THE DEVIL

Chorus:
Whiskey you're the devil you're leading me astray
Over hills and mountains into Americay
You're sweeter, stronger, decenter
You're spunkier than tea
Oh whiskey you're me darlin' drunk or sober!

Oh, now brave boys we're on for marching
Up to Portugal and Spain drums are beating, banners flying
The devil all home will come tonight
Love, fare thee well

With me tiddle-ee-iddle-doodle-a-ma-da me tiddle-ee-iddle-doodle-a-ma-da
Me rightful too-ra-laddie-oh
There's whiskey in the jar

Said the mother do not wrong me do not 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

Oh the French are fighting boldly
Men are dying hot and coldly
Give every man his flask of powder
His firelock upon his shoulder
Love fare thee well

 


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


WHISTLING GYPSY, THE

A gypsy rover came over the hill, Down through the valley so shady
He whistled and he sang till the green woods rang And he won the heart of the lady

Chorus:
Ah-dee-doo Ah-dee-doo-dah-day Ah-dee-doo Ah-dee-day-dee
He whistled and he sang till the green woods rang And he won the heart of the lady

She left her father's castle gate She left her own fond lover
She left her servants and her estate He came at last to a mansion fine
To follow the gypsy rover Down by the river Culadee
And there was music and there was wine Her father sent up his fastest steed
With the gypsy and his lady Roamed the valleys all over Sought his daughter at
great speed He is no gypsy, my father, she said, And the whistling gypsy
rover. But lord of these lands all over And I will stay till my dying day
With the whistling gypsy rover


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WILD COLONIAL BOY, THE

There was a wild colonial boy, Jack Dugan was his name
He was born and raised in Ireland, in a place called Castlemaine
He was his father's only son, his mother's pride and joy
And dearly did his parents love the wild colonial boy

At the early age of sixteen years, he left his native home
And to Australia's sunny shores he was inclined to roam
He robbed the rich and he helped the poor, he stabbed James MacEvoy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy

For two long years this daring youth ran on his wild career
With a heart that knew no danger, and their justice he did not fear
He robbed the lordly squatters, their flocks he would destroy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy

He bade the judge "Good morning!" and he told him to beware
For he never robbed an honest judge who acted "on the square"
"Yet you would rob a mother of her son and only joy
And breed a race of outlaws like the wild colonial boy!"

One morning on the prairie while Jack Dugan rode along
While listening to the mocking bird singing a cheerful song
Out jumped three troopers fierce and grim Kelly, Davis, and Fitzroy
They all set out to capture him, the wild colonial boy

Surrender now, Jack Dugan, for you see there's three to one
Surrender in the Queen's name, sir, you are a plundering son
Jack drew two pistols from his side and glared upon Fitzroy
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy

He fired a shot at Kelly, which brought him to the ground
And turning round to Davis he received his fatal wound
But a bullet pierced his brave young heart from the pistol of Fitzroy
And that was how they captured him the wild colonial boy


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WILD ROVER, THE

I've been a wild rover for many a year
I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
Now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I swear that I'll play the wild rover no more

Chorus:
And it no, nay, never
(clap hands four times)
No, nay, never, No more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more

I went into an ale house that I used to frequent
And I told the lady my money was spent
I asked her for credit and she answered me nay
Such a custom as yours I can get day

Chorus

And out of my pocket and pulled sovereigns bright
The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She said I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I said were only in jest

I'd go home to my parents confess what I've done
And ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if their'll caress me as oft times before
Then I swear that I play the wild rover no more


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WILL YOU COME TO THE BOWER

Will you come to the bower o'er the free boundless ocean
Where stupenduous waves roll in thunder and motion
Where the fair maids are seen and the wild tempest gathers
To loved Erin the green the dear land of our fathers?
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower

Will you come to the land of O'Neill and O'Donnell,
Of Lord Lucan of old and the immortal O'Connell
Where Brian chased the Dane and St Patrick the vermin,
And those valleys remain still most beautiful and charming?
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower

You can visit Benburb and the stormy Blackwater,
Where Owen Roe met Munroe and his chieftains did slaughter,
Where the lambs sport and play on the mossy all over,
From those bright golden views to enchanting restrover.
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower

You can see Dublin City and the fine groves of Blarney,
The Baun, Boyne, and Liffey, and the lakes of Killarney,
You can ride on the tide o'er the broad Majestic Shannon,
You can sail round Loch Neagh and see storied Dungannon.
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower

You can visit New Ross, gallant Wexford and Gorey,
Where the green was last seen by proud Saxon and Tory,
Where the soil is sanctified by the blood of each true man,
Where they died satisfied their enemies they would not run from
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower

Will you come and awake our dead land from its slumber,
And her fetters we will break links that long are encumbered,
And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you,
On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to meet you.
Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY, THE

I sat within a valley green
Sat there with my true love
And my fond heart strove to choose between
The old love and the new love
The old for her, the new that made
Me think on Ireland dearly
While soft the wind blew down the glade
And shook the golden barley

'Twas hard the mournful words to frame
To break the ties that bound us
Ah, but harder still to bear the shame
Of foreign chains around us
And so I said, "The mountain glen
I'll seek at morning early
And join the brave united men"
While soft wind shook the barley

'Twas sad I kissed away her tears
Her arms around me clinging
When the foeman's shot burst on our ears
Come out the wildwood ringing
The bullet pierced my true love's breast
In life's young spring so early
And there upon my breast she died
While soft wind shook the barley

I bore her to some mountain stream
And many's the summer blossom
I placed with branches soft and green
About her gore-stained bosom
I wept and kissed her clay-cold corpse
Then rushed o'er vale and valley
My vengeance on the foe to wreak
While soft wind shook the barley

'Twas blood for blood without remorse
I've taken at Oulart Hollow
I placed my true love's clay-cold corpse
Where mine full soon may follow
Around her grave I wondered drear
Noon, night and morning early
With aching heart when e'er I hear
The wind that shakes the barley


BAND | DISCOGRAPHY | PHOTOS | CONCERTS | LYRICS | BUY

Back On Top | Back to World Celtic Music | Back To Main Lyrics page


 

 

 

  • Main Page - Beer Belly
  • Discography
  • Photos
  • Buy CD
  • Gigs | Concerts
  • Contact
  • Irish Song Lyrics
  • Irish Session Reels
  • This Week's Favorite Irish Video
Got a band? Introduce your music to millions of potential fans!