The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1091   Message #3337
Posted By: Tim Rossiter
21-Mar-97 - 11:15 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Boys of Wexford
Subject: Lyr Add: BOYS OF WEXFORD
Attn: Dick Greenhaus

Dick,
Last year when we traded "Boys of Wexford" lyrics, I only knew the first two verses of this version. I just found the rest of the song by Robert Dwyer Joyce, M.D. I don't know much about Joyce except that he was forced to flee Ireland. I can see why I never heard the other 3 verses before. I re-entered the entire song for those who may be interested,
Tim

In comes the captain's daughter, the captain of the Yeos,
Saying: "Brave United Irish men, we'll ne'er again be foes.
A thousand pounds I'll give you, and fly from home with thee,
And dress myself in man's attire, and fight for liberty!"

CHORUS: We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand,
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land.

And when we left the cabin, boys, we left in right good will,
To see our friends and neighbours that were at Vinegar Hill!
A young man from our ranks, a cannon he let go;
He slapt it into Lord Mountjoy- a tyrant he laid low.

We bravely fought and conquered at Ross and Wexford town;
And if we failed to keep them, 'twas drink that brought us down.
We had no drink beside us on Tubber'neering's day,
Depending on the long bright pike and well it worked its way!

They came into the country our blood to waste and spill;
But let them weep for Wexford and think of Oulart Hill!
'Twas drink that still betrayed us; of them we had no fear;
For every man could do his part like Forth and Shelmalier.

My curse upon all drinking! It made our hearts full sore;
For bravery won each battle, but drink lost evermore;
And, if for want for leaders, we lost at Vinegar Hill,
We're ready for another fight and love our country still.