One night as I lay dreaming of pleasant days gone by
My mind was bent on rambling to Ireland I did fly
I stepped on a vision and I followed with the wind,
When at last I came to anchor at the cross of Spancill Hill.
Then on the 23rd of June the day before the fair,
When Ireland's sons and daughters and friends assembled there.
The young, the old, the brave and the bold came their duty to fulfill
At the Parish Church in Clooney a mile from Spancill Hill.
I went to see my neighbours, to hear what they might say,
The old ones were all dead and gone, and the young ones turning grey
I met the tailor Quigley, he's as bold as ever still,
Sure he used to make my britches when I lived in Spancil Hill.
I paid a flying visit to my first and only love,
She's as fair as any lily and gentle as a dove
She threw her arms around me, saying "Johnny, I love you still"
Ah she's Ned, the farmer's daughter, the pride of Spancil Hill
I dreamt I held and kissed her as in the days of yore
"Oh Johnny you're only joking, as many's the time before"
The cock he crew in the morning, he crew both loud and shrill,
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
And as I rode out through Galway Town to seek for recreation
On the seventeenth of August, me mind being elevated
There were multitudes assembled with their tickets at the station
And me eyes began to dazzle and they're going to see the races
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
There were passengers from Limerick and passengers from Nenagh
Passengers from Dublin and sportsmen from Tipperary
There were passengers from Kerry and all quarters of the nation
And our member Mr Hardy for to join the Galway Blazers
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
There were multitudes from Aran and members from New Quay shore
The boys from Connemara and the Clare unmarried maidens
People from Cork City who were loyal, true and faithful
They brought home the Fenian prisoners from dying in foreign nations
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
And it's there you'll see confectioners with sugarsticks and dainties
The lozenges and oranges, the lemonade and raisins
Gingerbread and spices to accomodate the ladies
And a big crubeen for thruppence to be suckin' while you're able
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
And it's there you'll see the gamblers, the thimbles and the garters
And the sporting Wheel of Fortune with the four and twenty quarters
There was others without scruple pelting wattles at poor Maggy
And her daddy well contented to be gawking at his daughter
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
And it's there you'll see the pipers and the fiddlers competing
The nimble-footed dancers and they trippin' on the daisies
There was others shoutin' cigars and lights and bills for all the races
With the colours of the jockey and the price and horses' ages
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
And it's there you'll see the jockeys and they mounted on so stately
The pink, the blue, the orange and green, the emblem of our nation
When the bell was rung for starting all the horses seemed impatient
I thought they never stood on ground, their speed was so amazing
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
There was half a million people there of all denominations
The Catholic, the Protestant, the Jew and Presbyterian
There was yet no animosity no matter what persuasion
But fáilte and hospitality inducing Mr Paisley
With me whack fol the do fol the diddlely idle ay
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyn's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay
Chorus:
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters, Mary when you're free
Against the famine and the Crown
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity
By a lonely harbor wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
Sure she'll wait and hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely ‘round the fields of Athenry
[G]well weren't we the rare oul stock
spent the evenin' gettin' locked
up[D] in the ace o' hearts
where the[G] high stools were en[C]gaging
[G]over the butt bridge, down by the dock,
the boat she sailed at five o'clock.
[D]hurry boys now , said whack
or[G] before we're there we're[C] all be back
[D]carry him if you can
the[G] craic was ninety[D] in the isle of[G] 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 of the port
landed up in the douglas head
enquired for a vacant bed
the dining room we soon got shown
by a decent woman up the road
lads, eat it if ye can
the craic was ninety in the isle of man.
next morning we went for a ramble round
viewed the sights of douglas town
then we went for a mighty seisiun
in a pub they call dick darbys.
we must have been drunk by half past three
to sober up we went swimmin' in the sea
back to the digs for the spruce up
and while waitin' for the fry
we all drew up our plan.
the craic 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 all went in
to drink some wine in yales
the liverpool judies it was said
were all to be found in the douglas head.
mcshane was there in his suit and shirt.
them foreign girls he was tryin' to flirt.
sayin' here, girls, im your man
the craic was ninety in the isle of man.
whacker fancied his good looks
on an isle of man woman he was struck
and he throwin' the jar into her.
whacker thought he'd take a chance
he asked the quare one out to dance
around the floor they stepped it out
and to whack it was no bother
everythin' was goin' to plan.
the craic was ninety in the isle of man.
the isle of man woman fancied whack
yer man stood there till his mates came back
whack! they all whacked into whack
whack was landed on his back.
the police force arrived as well,
banjoed a couple of them as well
landed up in the douglas jail
until the dublin boat did sail,
deported every man.
Alone all alone by the wave-washed strand
And alone in a crowded hall
The hall it is gay and the waves they are grand
But but my heart is not here at all
It lies far away by night and by day
To the times and the joys that are gone
But I never will forget the sweet maiden I met
In the valley near Slievenamon
Oh it was not the grace of her queenly air
Nor her cheeks of roses glow
Nor her soft black eyes nor her flowing hair
Nor was it her lily white brow
'Twas the soul of truth and of melting ruth
And the smile like a summer's dawn
that stole my heart away one soft summer's day
In the valley near Slievenamon.
In the festive hall by the star watched shore Oh ever my restless spirit cries
My love oh my love will 1 ne'er see you more
And my land will you never uprise
By night and by day 1 ever ever pray
While lonely my life flows on
To see our flag unrolled
And my true love to enfold
The moon was bright, the night was clear
No breeze came over the sea
When Mary left her highland home
And wandered forth with me
The flowers be-decked the mountainside
And fragrance filled the vale
But by far the sweetest flower there
Was the Rose of Allendale
Oh the Rose of Allendale
Sweet Rose of Allendale
By far the sweetest flower there
Was the Rose of Allendale
Where e'er I wandered east or west
Though fate began to lour
A solace still was she to me
In sorrow's lonely hour
When tempests lashed our lonely barque
And rent her quivering sail
One maiden's form withstood the storm
'Twas the Rose of Allendale
Oh sweet Rose of Allendale
Sweet Rose of Allendale
One maiden's form withstood the storm
'Twas the Rose of Allendale
And when my fever'd lips were parched
On Afric's burning sands
She whispered hopes of happiness
And tales of distant lands
My life has been a wilderness
Unblessed by fortune's wheel
Had fate not linked my love to hers
The Rose of Allendale
Oh sweet Rose of Allendale
Sweet Rose of Allendale
Had fate not linked my love to hers
In the merry month of May, From my home I started,
Left the girls of Tuam, Nearly broken hearted,
Saluted father dear, Kissed my darlin' mother,
Drank a pint of beer, My grief and tears to smother,
Then off to reap the corn, And leave where I was born,
I cut a stout blackthorn, To banish ghost and goblin,
In a brand new pair of brogues, I rattled o'er the bogs,
And frightened all the dogs,On the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three, four five,
Hunt the hare and turn her
Down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin,
Whack-fol-lol-de-ra.
In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary,
Started by daylight, Next mornin' light and airy,
Took a drop of the pure, To keep my heart from sinkin',
That's an Irishman's cure, Whene'er he's on for drinking.
To see the lasses smile, Laughing all the while,
At my curious style, 'Twould set your heart a-bubblin'.
They ax'd if I was hired, The wages I required,
Till I was almost tired, Of the rocky road to Dublin.
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity,
To be so soon deprived, A view of that fine city.
Then I took a stroll, All among the quality,
My bundle it was stole, In a neat locality;
Something crossed my mind, Then I looked behind;
No bundle could I find, Upon my stick a wobblin'.
Enquirin' for the rogue, They said my Connacht brogue,
Wasn't much in vogue, On the rocky road to Dublin.
From there I got away, My spirits never failin'
Landed on the quay As the ship was sailin';
Captain at me roared, Said that no room had he,
When I jumped aboard, A cabin found for Paddy,
Down among the pigs I played some funny rigs,
Danced some hearty jigs, The water round me bubblin',
When off Holyhead, I wished myself was dead,
Or better far instead, On the rocky road to Dublin.
The boys of Liverpool, When we safely landed,
Called myself a fool; I could no longer stand it;
Blood began to boil, Temper I was losin',
Poor ould Erin's isle They began abusin',
"Hurrah my soul," sez I, My shillelagh I let fly;
Some Galway boys were by, Saw I was a hobble in,
Then with a loud hurray, They joined in the affray.
Oh Peggy Gordon you are my darling
Come sit ye down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee
I am in love and I can't deny it
My heart lies troubled in my breast
It's not for me to let the whole world know it
A troubled mind can know no rest
I put my hand to a cask of brandy
It was my fancy so to do
For when I am drinking I am seldom thinking
And wishing Peggy Gordon was here
I wish I was away in Ingo
Far across the briny sea
Sailing over the deepest ocean
Where love and care never bother me
I wish I was in a lonely valley
Where women kind cannot be found
Where all the small birds they change their voices
And every moment a different sound
Oh Peggy Gordon you are my darling
Come sit ye down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
When apples still grow in November, when blossoms still grow from each tree
When leaves are still green in December, it's then that our land will be free
I wander her hill and her valleys and still through my sorrow I see
A land that has never known freedom, and only her rivers run free
I drink to the depth of her manhood, to those men who would rather have died
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage, to bring back their rights where denied
Oh where are we now when we need you, what burns where the flame used to be
Are you gone like the snows of last winter, and will only her rivers run free
How sweet is life but we're crying, how mellow the wine but we're dry
How fragrant the rose but it's dying, how gentle the wind but it sighs
What good is in youth when it's aging, what joy is in eyes that can't see
Chorus
Oh My Lovely Rose of Clare
you're the sweetest girl I know
the queen of all the roses
and the pretty flowers that grow
you are the sunshine of my life
so beautiful and fair
and I will always love you
my lovely rose of Clare
Oh the sun it shines out like a jewel
on the lovely hills of Clare
as I walked along with my sweet love
one evening at the fair
her eyes they shone like silver streams
her long and golden hair
and I have won the heart of one
my Lovely Rose of Clare
As we walked down by the riverbank
watched the Shannon flowing by
and listening to the nightingale
sing songs for you and I
and to bid farewell
to all so true and fair
for I have won the heart of one
At a cottage door one wintry night
As the snow lay on the ground
A youthful Irish soldier boy
To the mountains he was bound
His mother stood beside him saying
"You'll win my boy don't fear"
And with loving arms around his waist
She tied his bandolier
"Goodbye God bless you mother dear
I hope your heart won't pain
But pray to God your soldier boy
You soon will see again
For when I'm out in the firing line
'Twill be a source of joy
To know that you're a mother proud
Of an Irish soldier boy".
When the fighting it was over
And the flag of truce was raised
The leaders ordered the fire to cease
All Ireland stood amazed
His comrades came to the cottage door
With a note from her pride and joy
Containing the news in sad detail
Of her Irish soldier boy.
"Good bye God bless you mother dear
I'm dying a death so grand
From wounds received in action
Trying to free my native land
But I know we'll meet in heaven above
In a land beyond the sky
There you'll always be in company
I joined the Flying Column in 1916
In Cork with Seán Moylan, Tipperary with Dan Breen
Arrested by Free Staters and sentenced for to die
Farewell to Tipperary said the Galtee Mountain Boy
We crossed pleasant valleys and over the hilltops green
Where we met with Dinny Lacey, Seán Hogan and Dan Breen
Seán Moylan and his gallant band they kept the flag flying high
Farewell to Tipperary said the Galtee Mountain Boy
We crossed the Dublin mountains we were rebels on the run
Though hunted night and morning we were outlawed but free men
We tracked the Wicklow mountains as the sun was shining high
Farewell to Tipperary said the Galtee Mountain Boy
I'm bidding farewell to old Clonmel that I never more will see
And to the Galtee mountains that oft times sheltered me
To the men who fought for liberty and died without a sigh
Will you come to the bower o'er the free boundless ocean
Where the stupendous waves roll in thundering motion,
Where the mermaids are seen and the fierce 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?
cho: 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 immortal O'Connell.
Where Brian drove the Danes and Saint Patrick the vermin
And whose valleys remain still most beautiful and charming?
You can visit Benburb and the storied Blackwater,
Where Owen Roe met Munroe and his Chieftains did slaughter
Where the lambs skip and play on the mossy all over,
From those bright golden views to enchanting Rostrevor.
You can see Dublin city, and the fine groves of Blarney
The Bann, Boyne, and Liffey and the Lakes of Killarney,
You may ride on the tide on the broad majestic Shannon
You may sail round Loch Neagh and see storied Dungannon.
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 that their enemies they would not run
from.
Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
And the air will resound with hosannahs to greet you
I[Am] was born in a Dublin street where the[G] loyal drums do beat
And those[Am] loving English feet they walked all over us
And every single night when me[C] da would come home[Am] tight
He'd[Am] invite the neighbors[G] out with this fine[Am] chorus
[Chorus]
Come out you black and tans,come out and fight me like a man
Show your wives how you won medals down in Flanders
Tell them how theI.R.A. made you run like hell away
From the green and lovely lakes of Killesshandra.
Come tell us how you slew them poor arabs two by two
Like the Zulu they had spears and bow and arrows
How bravley you faced one with your sixteen pounder gun
Till you frightened them poor natives to their marrow
Come let us hear you tell how you slandered great Parnell
When you though and well and truly persecuted
Where are the sneers and jeers that you bravly let us hear
When our leaders of '16 were excuted
Well the time is coming fast and I think those days are near
When each yeoman he will run before us
And if there be a need then our kids will sing God speed
You may travel far far from your own native home
Far away oer the mountains far away oer the foam
But of all the fine places that I've ever seen,
There's none to compare with The Cliffs of Dooneen
Take a view oer the water fine sights you'll see there
You'll see the high rocky slopes on the West coast of Clare
The towns of Kilrush and Kilkee can be seen
From the high rocky slopes at The Cliffs of Dooneen
Its a nice place to be on a fine Summer's day
Watching all the wild flowers that ne'er do decay
The hare and lofty pheasant are plain to be seen
Making homes for their young round The Cliffs of Dooneen
Fare thee well to Dooneen fare thee well for a while
And to all the fine people I'm leaving behind
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Only for nights in Ballygrand
But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over
And neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I had a handsome boatsman
To ferry me over my love and I
(This verse is only sung on the ”40 years ”cd)
My childhood days bring back sad reflections
Of happy times there spent so long ago
My boyhood friends and my own relations
Have all past on now with the melting snow
So I'll spend my days in this endless roving
Soft is the grass and shore, my bed is free
Oh to be home now in carrickfergus
On the long rode down to the salty sea
Now in Kilkenny it is reported
On marble stone there as black as ink
With gold and silver I would support her
But I'll sing no more now til I get a drink
Cause I'm drunk today and I'm seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town
Ah but I'm sick now my days are number
Come all me young men and lay me down
Come all you maidens young and fair
All you that are blooming in your prime
Always beware, and keep your garden fair
Let no man steal away your thyme
For thyme it is a precious thing
And thyme brings all things to my mind,
Thyme with all its flavours, along with all its joys
Thyme brings all things to mind.
Once I had a bunch of thyme
I thought it never would decay
Then came a lusty sailor who chanced to pass my way
And stole my bunch of thyme away
The sailor gave to me a rose
A rose that never would decay
He gave it to me to keep me reminded
I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
and we went a-walking down by the seaside
Seeking good fortune and what might betide
for it being on Christmas morning
For recreation we went on a tramp
where we met Sergeant Harper and Corporal Crump
And a little wee drummer intending to camp
for the day being pleasant and charming
"Good morning, good morning" the sergeant did cry
"And the same to you gentlemen" we did reply
Intending no harm, we made to pass by
For it being on Christmas mornin'
Says he, "My fine fellows, if you will enlist
it's ten guineas I quickly will shove in your fist
And a crown in the bargain to kick off the dust
and to drink the king's health in the morning
For a soldier he leads a very fine life
and he always is blessed with a pretty young wife
And he pays all his debts without worry or strife
and always is pleasant and charming
And a soldier, he always is decent and clean
in the finest of clothes he is constantly seen
While other poor fellows are dirty and mean
and sup on thin gruel in the morning"
But says Arthur, I wouldn't be proud of your clothes
for you've only the lend of them, as I suppose
And you dare not remove them at night
for you know if you do, you'll be flogged in the morning
And although that we are single and free
we take great delight in our own company
And we have no desire strange faces to see
although your offers are charming
And we have no desire to take your advance
of hazards and dangers we'll barter our chance
For you have no scruples and will send us to France
where we'll surely be shot without warning
Oh now, says the sergeant, if I hear one more word
I instantly then will draw out my sword
And run through your bodies as strength can afford
So now you gay devils take warning!
But Arthur and me we took in the odds
and we gave them no chance for to lunge out their swords
Our trusty shillaleahs come over their heads
and bade them take that as fair warning
As for the wee drummer, we rifled his pouch
We made a football of his rowdy-dow-dow
Threw it in the tide for to rock and to roll
and bade it a tedious returning
And as for the rapiers that hung at their sides
we flung them as far as would could in the tide
To the devil I bid you, cried Arthur McBride
and temper their steel in the morning
I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
and we went a-walking down by the seaside
Seeking good fortune and what might betide
I can hear the bells of Dublin in this lonely waiting room
And the paper boys are singing in the rain
Not too long before they take us to the airport and the noise
to get on board a trans-Atlantic plane
We've got nothing left to stay for and no more left to say
and there isn't any work for us to do
So farewell you boys and girls
another bloody flight of Earls
Our best asset is nore our best export too
It's not murder, fear, nor famine that makes us leave this time
We're not going to join MacAlpines Fusiliers
We've got brains and we've got vision, we've got education too
But we just can't throw away these precious years
So we walk the streets of London and the streets of Baltimore
And we meet at night in several Boston bars
We're the leaders of the future though we're far away from home
And we dream of you beneath the Irish stars
As we look on Ellis Island and the Lady in the bay
And Manhatten turns to face another Sunday
We just think of what you're doing to bring us all back home
As we look forward to another Monday
For it's not the work that scares us, we don't mind an honest job
And we know things will get better once again
So a thousand times adieu, we've got Bono and U2
All we're missing is the Guinness and the rain
So switch off your new computers for the writing's on the wall
We're leaving as our fathers did before
Take a look at Dublin airport or the boat that leaves North Wall
There'll be no youth unemployment anymore
For we're over here in Queensland and in parts of New South Wales
We're on the seas, the airways, and the trains
But if we see better days, those big airplanes go both ways
And we'll all be coming back to you again
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyn's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay
Chorus:
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters, Mary when you're free
Against the famine and the Crown
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity
By a lonely harbor wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
Sure she'll wait and hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely ‘round the fields of Athenry
I met my love,
By the gas works wall.
Dreamed a dream,
By the old canal.
I kissed my girl,
By the factory wall.
Dirty old town,
Dirty old town.
Clouds are drifting,
Across the moon.
Cats are prowling,
on their beat.
Spring-s-a girl,
From the streets at night.
Dirty old town,
Dirty old town.
I heard a siren,
From the docks.
Saw a train,
Set the night on fire.
Smelled the spring,
On the smoky wind.
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.
I met my love,
By the gas works wall.
Dreamed a dream,
By the old canal.
I kissed my girl,
by the factory wall.
Dirty old town,
If I were King of Ireland and all things at my will
I'd roam through all creation, new comforts to find still
And the comfort I would seek the most as you might
understand
Is to win the heart of Martha, the Flower of Sweet
Strabane.
Her cheeks they are a rosy red, her hair a lovely brown
And o'er her lily-white shoulders it carelessly hangs
down
She's one of the fairiest creatures in the whole of
Ireland
And my heart it's captivated by the Flower of Sweet
Strabane.
If I had you lovely Martha away in Inishowen
Or in some lonesome valley in the wild woods of Tyrone
I would use my whole endeavor to try to work my plan
For to gain the prize and feast my eyes on the Flower of
Sweet Strabane.
And I'll go o'er the Lagan down by the steam ships tall
I'm sailing for America whatever may be fall
My boat is bound for Liverpool right by the Isle of Man
So I'll say farewell, God bless you, my Flower of Sweet
I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,
And now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
chorus: And it's no, nay, never,
No nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more.
I went to an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom as yours I could have any day."
chorus
I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She said "I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest."
chorus
I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.
And if they caress (forgive) me as ofttimes before
Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.
The lark in the morning she rises off her nest
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her breast
And like the jolly ploughboy she whistles and she sings
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her wings
Oh, Roger the ploughboy he is a dashing blade
He goes whistling and singing over yonder leafy shade
He met with pretty Susan, she's handsome I declare
She is far more enticing then the birds all in the air
The lark in the morning she rises off her nest
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her breast
And like the jolly ploughboy she whistles and she sings
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her wings
One evening coming home from the rakes of the town
The meadows been all green and the grass had been cut down
As I should chance to tumble all in the new-mown hay
Oh, it's kiss me now or never love, this bonnie lass did say
The lark in the morning she rises off her nest
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her breast
And like the jolly ploughboy she whistles and she sings
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her wings
When twenty long weeks they were over and were past
Her mommy chanced to notice how she thickened round the waist
It was the handsome ploughboy, the maiden she did say
For he caused for to tumble all in the new-mown hay
The lark in the morning she rises off her nest
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her breast
And like the jolly ploughboy she whistles and she sings
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her wings
Here's a health to y'all ploughboys wherever you may be
That likes to have a bonnie lass a sitting on his knee
With a jug of good strong porter you'll whistle and you'll sing
For a ploughboy is as happy as a prince or a king
The lark in the morning she rises off her nest
She goes home in the evening with the dew all on her breast
And like the jolly ploughboy she whistles and she sings
Long time ago, said the fine old woman
Long Time ago, this proud old woman did say
I had four green fields, each one was a jewel
But strangers came and tried to take them from me
I had fine strong sons, who fought to save my jewels
They fought and they died, and that was my grief said she
Long time ago, said the fine old woman
Long time ago, this proud old woman did say
There was war and death, plundering and pillage
My children starved, by mountain, valley and sea
And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens
My four green fields ran red with their blood, said she
What have I now, said the fine old woman
What have I now, this proud old woman did say
I have four green fields, one of them's in bondage
In stranger's hands, that tried to take it from me
But my sons had sons, as brave as were their fathers
I am a young fellow that's easy and bold,
In Castletown conners I'm very well known.
In Newcastle West I spent many a note,
With Kitty and Judy and Mary.
My father rebuked me for being such a rake,
And spending my time in such frolicsome ways,
But I ne'er could forget the good nature of Jane,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
My parents had reared me to shake and to mow,
To plough and to harrow, to reap and to sow.
But my heart being airy to drop it so low,
I set out on high speculation.
On paper and parchment they taught me to write,
In Euclid and Grammar they opened my eyes,
And in Multiplication in truth I was bright,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeale,
The girls all round me do flock on the square.
Some give me a bottle and others sweet cakes,
To treat me unknown to their parents,
There is one from Askeaton and one from the Pike,
Another from Arda, my heart was beguiled,
Tho' being from the mountains her stockings are white,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
To quarrel for riches I ne'er was inclined,
For the greatest of misers must leave them behind.
I'll purchase a cow that will never run dry,
And I'll milk her by twisting her horn.
John Damer of Shronel had plenty of gold,
And Devonshire's treasure is twenty times more,
But he's laid on his back among nettles and stones,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
This cow can be milked without clover or grass,
For she's pampered with corn, good barley and hops.
She's warm and stout, and she's free in her paps,
And she'll milk without spancil or halter.
The man that will drink it will cock his caubeen,
And if anyone coughs there'll be wigs on the green,
And the feeble old hag will get supple and free,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
If I chance for to go to the market at Croom,
With a cock in my hand and my pipes in full tune,
I am welcome at once and brought up to a room,
Where Bacchus is sporting with Venus.
There's Peggy and Jane from the town of Bruree,
And Biddy from Bruff and we all on the spraoí,
Such a combing of locks as there was about me,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
There's some say I'm foolish and more say I'm wise,
But being fond of the women I think is no crime,
For the son of King David had ten hundred wives,
And his wisdom was highly recorded.
I'll take a good garden and live at my ease,
And each woman and child can partake of the same,
If there's war in the cabin, themselves they may blame,
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé.
And now for the future I mean to be wise,
And I'll send for the women that acted so king,
And I'll marry them all on the morrow by and by,
If the clergy agree to the bargain.
And when I'm on my back and my soul is at peace,
These women will crowd for to cry at my wake,
And their sons and their dauhgters will offer their prayer,
In my memory I will always see
The town that I have loved so well
Where our school played ball by the gasyard wall
And we laughed through the smoke and smell
Going home in the rain running up the dark lane
Past the jail and down beside the fountain
Those were happy days in so many many ways
In the town I loved so well
In the early morn the shirt factory horn
Called women from Creggan, the Moor and the Bog
While the men on the dole played a mothers role
Fed the children and then walked the dog
And when times got rough, there was just about enough
But they saw it through without complaining
For deep inside was a burning pride
for the town I loved so well
There was music there in the Derry air
Like a language that we could all understand
I remember the day when I earned my first pay
as I played in a small pickup band
There I spent my youth and to tell you the truth
I was sad to leave it all behind me
For I'd learned about life and I'd found a wife
In the town I loved so well
But when I returned how my eyes were burned
To see how a town could be brought to it's knees
By the armoured cars and the bombed out bars
And the gas that hangs on to every breeze
Now the army's installed by that old gasyard wall
And the damned barbed wire gets higher and higher
With their tanks and guns
Oh my God, what have they done
To the town I loved so well
Now the music's gone but they carry on
For their spirit's been bruised, never broken
Oh, they'll not forget still their hearts are set
On tomorrow and peace once again
Now what's done is done and what's won is won
And what's lost is lost and gone forever
I can only pray for a bright brand new day
Run away
feel the pain
feel the pain of the mudvayne
make it safe make it new
making through life is harder than it seems to me
life is just now more than larger in a horrer dream
running away from the lights they are blue and red
hoping that they will not find me in somebody's shed
make no noise!!!
i see them coming
they see me running
running from the things
they're getting louder
they're getting closer
i am growing wings
make no noise!!!
choures
they got me now
i dont know how
and they say wow
then boom bang pow
[Marcus N. Colon]
Disposed of, without a trace, the young maidens dismembered cadaver, receives her grave, no stone to mark, where she lay.
To what avail, such a waste, grim empty souls store her life, for satanic haste, a brutal crime, Satan receives his offering (in the forest of horrors).
Oh where could, our girl have gone, a father cries in prayer, their desperate hearts, search eagerly, but hope is fading dim.
Fabled stories can be told, but who will know of it's realities, fabled stories can be told, can we overrule the possibilities.
Overwhelming, taunting, torment, stirs a trouble minded man, "how can I not, give the truth, of the things I've done and seen!"
I must tell, I must tell, I must tell...
[Solo Marcus]
His return, to the scene, of many ritual crimes, bringing in, the authorities, to uncover the hideous finds.
But no bodies, what?
No proof?
[Jeff Lain]
Suicide is ripping through my brain, chaos and destruction are haunting me again, a sharpened dagger is clenched within my fist, its razor edge is longing for my wrist, a voice inside, chanting lawlessness to me, seducing promises of true iniquity, a ghastly grin, beginning to emerge, as thoughts of sin and wickedness begin to converge.
The Necronomicon underneath my bed, seeking something for my psycho-sickened head, calling out in the darkness of the hour, evil spirits show me harrowing power, degenerate beings tell me never, never fear, the candle flickers as my end is drawing near, I spit in the face of God who wants to save, as my soul begins to weaken to the whispers form the grave.
Whispers... of chaos!
Whispers... of chaos!
Whispers... of chaos! screams... of doom!
[1st Solo Marcus, 2nd Solo Bob]
A dripping dagger, blood all over the floor, the demons laughing as I gaze down in horror, what have I done?
[Marcus N. Colon]
O little ones of old, the story shall be told, of mothers wailing cries, when your lives they stole, infants to death, in slaughtering sprees, fearful ancient rulers, of false idolatry, what harm what threat, to stalk a helpless prey, child to cease their rule, could rise up one day.
Survival, crucial, tomorrow is born today, strength of the innocent, they'll play while knowing pain.
Centuries change, the story remains the same, warped parents care, dysfunctionalism reigns, child in the home, with a sadistic sense of love, sexual, physical, and mental abuse, from their own flesh, and blood, years of this routine, now a parent himself, the pain of old is rage today, his kids inherit his wealth?
(Solo Bob)
[Marcus N. Colon]
Raised to know God's word to trust and obey, never thought I'd come to this point of losing my way, but I need a change since life is treating me poor, can't say that I desire to call Jesus my Lord.
An inviting friend smiles with evil in his eyes, he asks,
"do you know the path for the chosen and the wise?" he says,
"all who oppose us deserve to die!" then I turn away with a dare in my eye.
I'll give myself a new lord, satanic doors opened to walk through, no turning back as I deny salvation, as my Bible burned I pledged faithfulness to Satan.
[1st Solo Marcus, 2nd Solo Bob]
Descending in my wicked world, death is swallowing me alive.
I share the madness of the Arab's words, the Bible of Lavey brings depression to my day.
Plagued with fear demons call to me, the way to show commitment is suicide you see, visitations haunt me night after night, you can't get out, there's no hope in sight.
But a voice still whispers.
[Marcus N. Colon]
In God, we trust, do we really mean that?
God, bless America, I think he already has!
This that, this that, I think you need a new excuse, out with the morals, in with a budget plan, I don't think that it's any use.
Great is this country's foundation, but there is an absence of responsibility, respond to conviction, you Godless pagan fools, repentance is the answer, in this nation's darkening hour.
Rights to dogs, rights to gays, rights to a murderer, and their detestable ways, powerful are sacred cows, of church and state, but what of Jesus Lordship and His place.
A.c.l.u. ha!
You're so sick and lost, lobbyist buying, on the hill, bribes for votes is the cost.
[Solo Bob]
This that, this that, I think you new a new excuse, out with the morals, in with liberal man, I don't think it's any use.
God, help us, that's what we should say, could someone send us, some missionaries, before this country stands at judgment day.
(Marcus N. Colon)
the remnant few who follow, Jesus our King, no sound of retreat, time to rise and besiege.
retaliatory strike! an assault with authority determined by the, work done on the Cross, we invade on warring knees, in Christ's name on high, we follow the cries of victory, of the saints that have gone before, will we falter at defeat? no! we may lose a battle but we're sure to win the war.
retaliatory strike! onwards, onwards, a blood stained cross on our battle flag, forward, soldiers, the sword will pierce the enemy.
(Solo Bob)
Hey Madalyn
Why are you shooting rubber bands
To scare away the lions
Tell it to Ann Rand
Hey Nietzsche boy
What got in your head
Turns out you were wrong
And only Freddie's dead
You have more faith than me
You have more faith than me
Hey David Hume
Your statements make me pause
You don't believe in miracles
You just believe in first cause
Hey Jean Paul
Write another play
The truth exists and so do you
And you can't make that go away
We did not follow myths
We did not follow lies
Proof of the resurrection
Stands before your eyes
Professing to be wise
They have become fools
External power has been seen
You are without excuse
Hey Charles Darwin
It's a natural selection
If it's there and no one can see it
It escapes detection
Hey Mr. Skinner
I hear you today
It doesn't matter if it's true
[Marcus N. Colon]
Society, wages war, on itself, with racial bigotry, who?
Subduing who?
Whites or blacks, discrimination of the skin, not evaluating ones own acts.
Kill floor, the local streets, murdering peace, hatred of another's creed, excuses of ones own rage, force feeding racism, attempting to convince, by accusations toward, those they won't live with.
Inner city madness, deadly southern states, everyone closing their borders, to preserve their hypocrite ways.
Cross burning ghostly fools, you've grown this seed of hate, spineless tactics to bring to harm, you'll reap equivalent fate, victims of slavery past, assaulting with their blame, for abuse many received, today we're required to pay.
[Jazz Solo Marcus, 2nd Solo Bob]
No tall tales time to understand
A sinister clan has a master plan
They're dedicated to evil intent
Into vulnerable lives is where they're sent
Their cause
Is hate
They'll prey
On the weak
Perverting values and God they abort
Morals and order their goal to distort
They pray and fast in diligent attack
For the pleasure to see a righteous man turn back
God's power
They shun
Separations
Begun
Sent to the chapel on an early Sunday morn
Just to show the arrogance and scorn
Demonstrating defiance determined to mock and resist
The satanic visitation is easy to be missed
To see
The church
Deceived
To fall
Families in disarray
Senses attack
Of indescribable strength
Who will fight
Your mind's
Off guard
Off God
They'll kill
The marriages seemed to have a chance until one arrived
To offer immorality and infidelity disguised
Molesters and abusers watching over our little ones
But all accounts invalid because they're the young?
They know
The game
To discredit
To shame
Danger lies in waiting for destruction stay
Disbelief their victory as ignorance doesn't pay
No fabricated story or paranoia fear
Just the assassin in the midst knowing they're near
Don't discount the satanic alliance sent to deceive
Darkened disciples are plotting domination to achieve
Wisdom and discernment is where the battle's won
Blood shed, down Calvary's cross
Is the place the story starts
It continues when you know Who it was
Who shed His blood for you and me
God's only Son gave His life
So you and I can live and reign
Death and hell's flames have no hold on us
So claim Christ's name!
In the midst of hell's attack
With backs against the wall
Think upon a Saviour's blood
The cross and the shedding of His blood
There's a power in the blood of Jesus
It breaks the chains that bind
Stand your ground let grace abound
For victory you will find!
So you say you don't need Jesus today
But who will you call on when your soul is burning away?
Will you plead for His blood when you realize it's too late?
Receive Christ's forgiveness today by the price that He paid
The final scene the Judgement Throne
A cross and a sinner
Prosecuting, the accuser from the flames
Speaks lies, "he's mine"
You're kneeling face to the ground
Awaiting the final verdict, "no guilty!"
"I know him because
He's washed in My blood", says the Son of God!
"Enter to thy kingdom"
The Almighty God will say
Or, "depart from me you evil doer
For I do not know you this day"
For those who accept Jesus
Will live eternally
The Prince of Peace has shed His blood
[Marcus N. Colon]
Insurrection, upheaval to remove, your wicked requisition, from my life.
Dissipation, of your rule, reviling your darkness, no longer your fool.
Satan denied, death is denied, deny the lie, all sin must die.
No more vomit does this dog want to eat - hear this -
I renounce your perverted ways, retribution for my pain you'll pay,
For the blood now covers me this day, you're cancelled in my life.
Renouncement! I renounce all I've done and said, against my Lord,
Now I stand beneath, the cleansing flood of His precious blood.
Satan denied, death is denied, deny the lie, all sin must die.
[Marcus N. Colon]
Frantic, the journey's begun, fear gripping your mind, nightmare, lurking the hall, awaiting behind every door, evil invitations, in their fallen state, terror lashing its wrath, for your soul destruction.
Frantic and fighting, racing to beat, the evil covering the dream, doors are remaining, chances you have, to enter the tortuous trap.
Candles light, starting to dim, shadow, of my demon oppressors, frenzy fiendish attack, presence approaching, wicked depravity reigns, hands clenching reach, desperation surrounds me.
[Solo Marcus]
Frantic and bleeding, torn from within, seeking the haven beyond, crawling the corridor, faith's led me this far, to survive for the victory to come.
[Solo Bob]
Escape, finally I see, crawling the floors long fought, victory, shining ahead, for the way, truth and life, race for my life, salvation conquered the fight, danger, left behind me, lunging for heaven's door, frantic, now I know, how to conquer the race.
Once upon a time there was a modern fair maiden
With a lifetime that looked ever bright
Last of pure and innocence was her guard
Yet she's open for attack
But wanting excitment she sought
To fulfill a desire deep inside
Now comes a decision for love and forgiveness
She said, "I don't need this foolish Christ!"
Instead it was time for a dive into life
To see how far she could go
Throwing away her freedom
She's looking for her chains
With a heart turned hard, back to a way
That could save her life
She ventures out in a curious fashion
With no caution or fear
To see what she could find
Huh? What kind of story is this?
Recriter with crafty evil
Looking for their prey
There's an evening of high evil approaching
Thieves of lost and lonely children
Sbatching lives for deadly gain
Feeling secure
In a crowd that gives you welcome
Friends who you know
But you don't know
She loves their mysterious ways and the presence
They bring to her life
But what she doesn't know
She'll prove curiosity killed the cat
"Sure I believe in Satan"
She exclaims with unstable thought
She goes through a door
And can't get back through
Now the test
The night came
When unspoken wickedness became reality
Before me they showed
Their truest evil and every form of lust, perversion and blasphemy
With hunger for more
I scream, "I can't get involved in this!"
They smiled, "you're already in
And soon you'll be the main event!"
The night has come, ceremonial alter
Waiting to be painted with the blood of the weak
Black robes surrounding the sacrifice
To be slain in white
Her body and blood brings them power
They hunger for the feast
I can't express the horrors
And sadness of this place
As hell itself is visiting
Through a five pointed star
I hear chanting sung by demons
And a choir of despairing void
As they prepare ceremonial alter
For their lord Satan
I'm running for my life
A despairing victim with no escape
I caught and returned to the alter of death
My face to the black sky
Winds begin to stir
I lie a wait for my fateful death
There's a dark one now I can see
Waiting to take me down
I realize the life I could've had
With the God of love and power
But I turned and spat on his face
And sought a foolish desire
There's no winner in the game they play
The killer and the prey
Will burn in torment
Screaming and pleading I beg for life
Then I stop and only cry
The draw and encircle
About me for the time has finally come
Oh Lord, please God help me
Indescribable sounds of horror
As another screams to die
Rising up in sorrow from hopelessness
As millions in anguish they cry
Heckling demons mocking their victims
Emotions given to fear
As they ever burn in the presence
Of the father of all lies
All I keep hearing
Over and over again
Is I could've gone to heaven
And escaped eternal torment
Some have been here thousand of years
With no ending to come
We pray for final death
Free us from this pain
The deception of hell is a realization
Of a lie found too late
As the saints go marching into heaven
The unrepentant will receive their fate
Peace and treasures
Is what they'll enjoy above
But we'll all rot in damnation
Hey Madalyn
Why are you shooting rubber bands
To scare away the lions
Tell it to Ann Rand
Hey Nietzsche boy
What got in your head
Turns out you were wrong
And only Freddie's dead
You have more faith than me
You have more faith than me
Hey David Hume
Your statements make me pause
You don't believe in miracles
You just believe in first cause
Hey Jean Paul
Write another play
The truth exists and so do you
And you can't make that go away
We did not follow myths
We did not follow lies
Proof of the resurrection
Stands before your eyes
Professing to be wise
They have become fools
External power have been seen
You are without excuse
Hey Charles Darwin
It's a natural selection
If it's there and no one can see it
It escapes detection
Hey Mr. Skinner
I hear you today
It doesn't matter if it's true
Abandonment of Lord
Performing spiritual adultery
Forsaking God their Deliverer
Prostituting themselves to Baal
Sent to end this apostasy
The last prophet enters the story
Standing in the power of God
Sends words exclaiming, "Elijah is here!"
The challenge is given to the king
To summon the prophet of Baal
And the people of Israel upon mount Carmel
To settle who is God, Lord or Baal
Elijah instructs, "prepare two bulls
Cut into pieces and place on an altar
You can call your god, I'll call the Lord
And the one who answers by fire, he is God"
Calling and babbling, ancient chanting arose
450 prophets of Baal danced around
The altar all day with no response
"Shout louder!" Elijah taunted
"Oh yeah Baal is god, Ha! Ha! Right
Maybe he's off somewhere travelling
Or taking a little nap, just maybe!"
The prophets of Baal shouted louder
Slashing themselves, letting the blood flow
Continuing frantic prophesying till the eve
With no response, no answer, no fire
Elijah smirked, "drench my altar
With water just for fun"
Then he prayed, "Lord let it be known
That You're the God of Israel"
The fire of the Lord fell
Consuming everything and burning the altar
The people fell face first and cried
"The Lord is God! The Lord is God!"
The Elijah commands, "seize the prophets of Baal
Don't let them get away
Slaughter them according to God
To him oh shame, they're children, piteous babes
They slay their blood, they poured out in his name
With wailing cries and tears and rue
Called sadness need as pain they knew
The land of old centuries past has a story to be told
From a time known as the iron age to the present secrets they do hold
Scotland, Denmark, Ireland and the British isle shores
Home the history of Druid worship and the Celtic tales unfold
Darkening themselves with grim understandings of mystic Celtic gods
Blood thirsty for their ritualistic slaughter they commit human life
To death they fall in wasted form to appease the earth and gods
Burned and slashed and drained of blood they're given in vain with ease
With grim grappling they reared this wind worm
Rain racked ring of late
Someone digging found a drift of white pebbles
A bronze knife and children's fire charred bones
Circular stones erected as a place of sacredness
Arranged for their temple of dedicatory offerings
Monumentarily built thousands of years before the Lord's birth
These stones cradled little children to their incinerated death
Beltain fires burned a blaze atop the hills
Waiting for offerings they kill for the sake of the living
The fear of sickness and famine compel to dance this ceremony
The sun and the moon is for them death and life as they pass
Their fateful tears through this wicked age
Intervening the church witness the need for reform on their Godless pagan day
Yeilding to these calendar high points but people yearn for these festive times
They change the name of their holiday to assume Christian status
Will they forsake ceremonies of old, do the religions of the seasons fade away?
Now a day given much feeding as children dress
For trick or treat but under false lying pretense
Is the Autumn festival of Samhain
Funny how we celebrate the innocent slain
Through wars and age the practice seems to have passed away
But traces of that dark culture still surface today
Our culture plagued with fear and superstition as true evil
Burns it's way through the age, will it's never ending
Destructive touch find a place in your life?
Our ancestry to these spirits
Life was given so life could be sustained
And forthright season by season, death by death
Through that brief generation
Of that departed age
Brings us now to the present
[Chris Ackerman, Marcus N. Colon]
Into drugs, at eleven years of age. town of northport, Ricky's head all in a rage,
Deny authority, drugs worsen everyday, using pot to selling meth, stepped where demons play.
Once in a bookshop, wired on "L", one book seemed alive, reaching on the shelf, saw his future,
Relaxing in his hands, Ricky's eyes widened, as he saw the title, satanic spells, book of the dead.
Now was time, for first incantation, pentagram, cats skull, satanic reputation,
Hanging out at midway, possessed and full of hate, offered Christ, spit in His face,
Ricky sealed his fate. out on the streets, and out on his town, here sits the acid king, upon his
Paper throne, a line was crossed, Gary stole some meth, "no one steals from the acid king!",
He muttered under his breath.
[1st solo Bob, 2nd solo Marcus]
Aztakea woods, the acid kings holds court, he screamed blasphemies, as the knife met Gary's throat,
"Say you love Satan!", Ricky uttered for reply, "no, I love my mother!", Gary cried as he died.
Bragging to his friends, on what he'd done, evil shows true colors, busted murder one.
Freedom is nice
So why do I lock myself in chain?
To live in sid is death
So why does it rein in my brain?
My god mercy has heard my cry of despereation
I seek his face to free me from this lustful perversion
No more No more
Can I live this shame
My troughts, Slave of depravity
Pleasures of wickedness
Is offered unto me
Impurity's Dominion
Is calling out to be recieved
The invitation, an offer of sensual gain
Extended arms of death, self control falls to be slain
Plagues with sorrow
Reaching for false dreams
Lies have filled my head
I must run instead
Grace has freed me
Why I feel this need
To go back to a way
Of false love I've Played
Resist the devil, he must flee
Resist the touch, god save me
Break the controll, Upon my mind
I'm free indeed, the past behind (2x)
(1st solo Matt)
No more no more
Can I live this shame
My thoughts slave of depravity
The idea of pleasures
Is not always what it seems
An enticing way of seduction
Has a wage to be paid
The world revelling in their pleasures
Is invithing with appeal
But the devil through this lust
Comes to destroy, kill and steal
[Marcus N. Colon, Jeff Lain]
Then they came, a mystery in the night, drawing aching souls near, malevolence... enticing sight!
Here they offer, fun and fantasy, fulfilling desires, meeting deepest needs, came to heal the sadness,
It's the carnival of madness.
Thunderheads approaching, shrouded shimmering autumn light, as many as received their lies, delusion shaded their sight.
They offered unto us, buried dreams, new life, captivity and madness, was their final price.
[Solo Marcus]
This carnival you see is no mystery, rides of sin will pull you in, this circus of seduction will surely visit you,
With promises of sweet pandemonium, don't look to see with curiosity, when they call to you resist and flee,
