Rolling Home to Ireland
Recorded by the Irish Rovers

I come from Paddy’s land, I’m a rake and rambling man
Since I was young, I’ve had the urge to roam
So don’t you weep for me, when I’m sailing on the sea
For you won’t see me till I come rolling home

[chorus]
Rolling home to Ireland, rolling home across the sea
Back to me own country
Two thousand miles behind us and a thousand more to go
So fill the sails and blow, winds, blow

We sailed away from Cork, we were headed for New York
I’d always dreamed the sailor’s life for me
But the days were hard and long, with no women, wine, or song
And it wasn’t quite the fun I’d thought ‘twould be

[chorus]

We weren’t too long a-sail when the wind became a gale
Our boat was tossed and turned upon the foam
With waves like moutains high, well I thought that I would die
And I wished to God that I was rolling home

[chorus]

And when I reach the shore, I will go to sea no more
There’s more to life than sailing ‘round the Horn
Good luck to the sailor men when they’re headed out again
I wish them all safe harbor from the storm

[chorus x2]


Question- does anyone know if this song is traditional, or if it was written by the Irish Rovers?