Skibbereen

O, Father dear, I oft times here, you speak of Erin's Isle

Her lofty scenes, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wild

They say it tis a lovely place, wherin in a prince might dwell

So why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell?

Oh son I loved my native land, with energy and pride

'Til a blight came over on my prats, my sheep and cattle died

The rent and taxes were so high, I could not them redeem

And that's the cruel reason why, I left old Skibbereen

Oh, It's well I do remember, that bleak December day

The landlord and the sheriff came, to drive us all away

They set my roof on fire, with their demond yellow spleen

And that's another reason why, I left old Skibbereen

Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the snowy ground

She fainted in her anguish, seeing the desolation all round

She never rose, but passed away, from life to imortal dream

She found a quiet grave, my boy, in dear old Skibbereen

And you were only two years old, and feeble was your frame

I could not leave you with your friends, you bore your father's name

I wrapped you in my cota mior, in the dead of night unseen

I heaved a sigh, and said goodbye, to dear old Skibbereen

O' father dear, the day will come, when answer to the call

All Irish men of Freedom Stern, will rally one and all

Ill be the man to lead the band, beneath the flag of green

Loud and clear, well raise a cheer , remember Skibbereen