Lyrics

Farewell to old Ireland the land of my father
Which now I am going forever to leave
Farewell to the shore where nature adorns
The bright spot of beauty the home of the brave
When I think on her valleys and fonder relations
And never again her green hills to see
I am bound to cross the wide western ocean
In search of a fortune to Americay

Well it’s hard to be forced from the land you were reared in
Oh the houses and farms they’re compelled to sell
And wander away among Indians and strangers
And find out a home for children to dwell
But it’s here with my tales of feats of high labour
Oh this along boy for yous and for me
Where you can live happy and be your own master
In the land of the plenty called sweet liberty

Well there’s a wee girl I’m going to take with me
Her dwelling it lies near the ould County Down
It would break my heart for to leave her behind me
For with her I would wander the wide world around
Come away to this county my bonnie wee lassie
Bid adieu to old Ireland and then come with me
And I’ll do my endeavour to make your heart cheery
‘Til we reach the country they call sweet liberty

Now the whisky in Quebec at ten pence a gallon
There’s rum in New Guinea a penny a glass
There’s gin in the town that they call Montreal
And I’m sure we will drink in each inn that we pass
Well call on a bumper of new wine and brandy
We’ll drink to our country that lies o’er the sea
And our hearts will be warm with the thoughts of old Ireland
When we reach the country called sweet liberty

Come cheer up your heart you lads and you lassies
There’s gold here amongst us and lots of it too
And here’s to the hearts that will courage to venture
Misfortune to her or to him that will rue
Come away to this country my bonnie wee lassie
Bid adieu to old Ireland and then come with me
And I’ll do my endeavour to make your heart cheery
‘Til we reach the country called sweet liberty

see also   The green fields of America / Dan Mulhern