The Hackler

[Verse 1]

Well, I am a roving hackler lad that loves the Shamrock Shore

And me name is Pat McDonnell and me age is eighty-four

Beloved and well-respected by me neighbours one and all

One Patrick's Day I like to stray round Lavey and Grouse Hall

[Verse 2]

When I was young I danced and sung and drank strong whiskey too

And each síbín shop that sold a drop of the rare auld mountain dew

With poitín still on every hill the peelers had no call

Round sweet Stradone I am well-known, round Lavey and Grouse Hall

[Verse 3]

I used to go from town to town, for hacklin' was me trade

And none can deny I thought that I had an honest living made

Where'ere I'd stray be night or day the youth would always call

All to have the craic with Paddy Jack, the aul' Hackler from Grouse Hall

[Verse 4]

Now, I think it's strange how very much how the times have changed of late

Coercion now is all the row with Peelers on their bate

To take a glass is now, alas, the greatest crime of all

Since Balfour placed that hungry beast, the Sergeant to Grouse Hall

[Verse 5]

Oh, that busy tool of Castle rule he wanders night and day

Sure, he'd take a goat all by the throat for want of better prey

That nasty skunk, he'd swear you're drunk though you've had none at all

Oh, there is no peace around the place since he came to Grouse Hall

[Verse 6]

He'd run pell-mell down into hell to search for poteen there

And sure wouldn't be 'llowed to swear an oath to be founded in Killinkere

He'll search your bed from foot to head, sheets, blankets, tick and all

And your wife undressed must leave the nest for Jemmy from Grouse Hall

[Verse 7]

'Twas on pretense of this offense that he dragged me off to jail

And, alone to dwell in a cold cell me fortune to bewail;

Me hoary head on a plank bed, such wrongs for vengeance call

Oh, he'll rue the day he dragged away the Hackler from Grouse Hall

[Instrumental]

[Verse 8]

Oh, thank God the day's not far away when Home Rule will be seen

Oh, and brave Parnell at home will dwell and shine on College Green;

Our policemen they will be then our nation's choice and all

And Balfour's pack will get the sack and be banished from Grouse Hall

[Verse 9]

Ah so, come old and young clear up your lung and sing this little song

Oh, and join with me and let them see that we all resent the wrong

For while I live I'll always give a prayer for their downfall

And when I die I don't deny I'll haunt them from Grouse Hall