These lyrics are given in The Capuchin Annual, Volume 37 (Dublin: Capuchin Annual, 1970), page 412. I have boldfaced the words that are different from those posted by Martin Ryan on 11 May 2008:


1. The summer's sun was sinking low behind the western sea.
The lark's loud song was pealing sweet, but it brought no joy to me,
For the one I loved is far away; he left his tyrant's din.
He fought till death and then he left the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

2. He was a noble Irishman; John Bergin was his name.
He belonged to Tipperary, and from Nenagh town he came,
But now thank God that he is gone, away from harm and sin,
And he let them have his parting shot in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

3. McDermott, too, was brave and true, from the plains of Ballinagare.
He'll be missed at many a fireside, at home, both near and far.
He'll be missed at home in Tully, too, by his own dear kith and kin,
And his comrades true will miss him too, in Woodlands of Loughglynn.

4. When our heroes brave were dying, they called for a clergyman.
Let no one think they feared to face the English Black and Tan.
The Canon came, just in time, to say the last "Amen",
As McDermott was departing from the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

5. Young Bergin said that he was proud to die for Ireland's cause.
The deed was done that should be done against England's cruel laws.
Saying, "Goodbye to Tipperary and to every dale and glen,
And to all my faithful comrades in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

6. "Take this message to our own brave boys and tell them we are dead.
Tell them to be of utmost cheer, and hold no drooping head,
To keep old brains a-using, to fight and not give in,
And be proud to die 'neath an Irish sky in the Woodlands of Loughglynn."

7. These were the words our brave boys said as they died for Ireland's cause,
To free their land from Black and Tans and cruel English laws:
"Goodbye, old friends; fight side by side, like gallant Irishmen."
So they closed their eyes and said goodbye to the Woodlands of Loughglynn.