Lyrics

A big ship was sailing an old grey haired mother
Clasping her dear one and bidding goodbye
Prayers and her blessing was all she could give him
As she tried to keep back the sad tears from her eyes.

Goodbye Ireland it’s the land of my childhood
Farewell dearest mother this parting is pain
But when times are better and the shamrock is greener
When old Ireland is free I’ll return home again.

Once our land could boast of her sons and daughters
Now where have they gone to or where is their home
Cast off this wide world this wide world all over
They have left dear old Ireland all sad and forlorn.

Goodbye Ireland it’s the land of my childhood
Farewell dearest mother this parting is pain
But when times are better and the shamrock is greener
When old Ireland is free I’ll return home again.