Lyrics

Old Ireland’s heart is sad today it’s weary to the core
For a gallant son is gone away like many trod before
In Mountjoy Jail this dreary morn to set old Ireland free
Young Charlie Kerins had to die on England’s gallows tree

A gallant son of noble sire a native of Tralee
His brave young heart was all afire for love of liberty
Because he loved old Ireland well and strove to set her free
Young Charlie Kerins had to die on England’s tree

Tried before a special court this son of Caheranne
For the shooting at Rathfarnham of Detective Din O’Brien.
Defiant of coercion courts he entered there’s no plea
So convicted thus he had to die on England’s gallows tree

The people wished that Charlie lived a noble lad was he
They agitated for reprieve from the Lagan to the Lee
A government on vengeance bent would grant him no release
So young Charlie Kerins had to die on England’s tree

So old Ireland’s heart is sad today it’s weary to the core
For a gallant son is gone away like many trod before
In future years they’ll tell the tale in Ireland one and free
How young Charlie Kerins proudly died on England’s tree