Lyrics

When I was but a youngster bold  I thought I would like to roam
Like many’ foolish other lads I had no thoughts for home
My kind old friends around me thought so much of me
And I left my dear old homestead land and I went away to sea

My father as we parted said my lad wherever you roam
Let no false pride make you forget the loving ones at home
My mother she could hardly speak as e’er I went away
She threw her arms around my neck and this to me did say

Chorus
Oh may God be with you darling son wherever you do roam
Let no false pride make you forget the loving ones at home
Goodbye God bless you darling son so sadly she did cry
While I have life sure I’ll not forget my mother’s last goodbye

Till at length I started over the seas to lands far far away
To toil beneath the burning sun for many’s a dreary day
And as I toiled I wished for gold the thoughts ran in my ears
The last kind words I heard from home were from my mother dear

Chorus

My memory fled to Ireland the lands far over the sea
Where loving hearts are beating and filled with thoughts of me
My home and kindred I could think with many’s a heartful sigh
Was a father’s kind and loving words and a mother’s last goodbye

Chorus

see also   Darling son / Denis McDaid  My mother's last goodbye / Neilie Hirrell