JIM LARKIN
(Pete St. John)

Tramworkers of this town remember when
in 1913 things went bad again.
How brave and strong we all were on that day
when Larkin led us on our tireless way.

CHORUS:
We sang for Jim Larkin, through the pain there was pride
and sweet young Ellie by my side.

From Stephen's Green we walked to Irishtown.
The summer sunshine framed her like a crown.
The strike was called and sorrow racked our town
but I had pride and loved young Ellie Brown.

For eight long months we starved, but held our ground.
Locked out in idle hell, but honour bound.
The winter cold went through her well worn gown.
As a Larkin man I married Ellie Brown.

(chorus)

The winter passed, but spring brought no relief,
for men can't stand to watch their children's grief.
Hunger stole our honour like a thief
so we drifted back to work on Murphy's breeze.

Then Larkin and his union showed the way.
James Connolly came later in the day.
Ellie bore me sons who live today
In a better land we earned the Larkin way.

(chorus)


Source: The cassette tape "Great Irish Ballads, Composed by Pete St. John." Dolphin Records DOCS 2016
(Performed by various artists)
Noted down by ear, as sung by Paddy Reilly on this tape.