Dear Mudcatters,

I am familiar with "The Leaving of LIverpool," but cannot find the alternate lyrics to "The Leaving of Limerick," or "The Leaving of Ireland," which are mentioned in some other threads on this site. Also, I'm not sure if the tunes are exactly the same.

I have been told by one professional folksinger the "The Leaving of Liverpool" is an Irish song, because Liverpool was often the point of departure for an Irishman coming to America. However, I'm guessing the lyrics don't seem to mesh with that background, I think, unless one assumes that the Irishman has been living in England for awhile. Of course, my geographical knowledge is quite limited, so I may be wrong!

BTW, my grandmother and her parents, who were from Liverpool, did come over to the US.   I'm learning the song in her memory, but need to find out whether an Irish version exists, so that I can use it in some particular gigs.

Thanks very much!

Beth