I first found these lyrics at Christy Moore’s website, then I listened carefully to Planxty’s recording and made a few changes to agree with what they sang. Not being familiar with all the place names, I am assuming Moore spelled them correctly.


THE PURSUIT OF FARMER MICHAEL HAYES
As recorded by Planxty on “After the Break,” (1979, remastered 2020)

I am a bold undaunted fox that never yet was trapped or caught.
Me rental, rates and taxes I was willin’ for to pay.
I made me name in fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklong
Where my forefathers lived and died three thousand years ago.

I lived as happy as King Saul and loved me neighbours one and all.
I had no animosity for either friend or foe.
Then I was of late betrayed by one who was a fool, I know.
He told me I should leave the place and show me face no more.

The day that he evicted me, it’s then I knew that I should flee.
Late one night I took his life and left him lyin’ low.
He fell victim to a shot; his agency was soon forgot.
From that day on, they’re searchin’ for farmer Michael Hayes.

Soon there was a great lookout by land and sea myself to rout,
From Dublin Quay to Belfast along the ragin’ sea.
By telegraph they did insert a great reward for my arrest,
Me figure, size and form, me name without mistake.

They broke their brogues a thousand pairs this great reward for to obtain,
But still their search was all in vain farmer Michael Hayes.
They searched Tipperary o’er and o’er, the cornfields near Galtymore.
They then went into Wexford town but did not long delay.

Through Ballyhale and Stranemore, they searched the woods as they went on.
It’s they were hungry, wet and cold before the break of day.
You may roam the world both far and near, but never such a tale you’ll hear
Of a fox to get away so clear as I did from them hounds.

They searched the rocks, the gulfs, the quays, the ships, the liners in the bays,
The ferryboats and steamers as they were goin’ to sea.
Around the coast, they made a steer from Poolbeg lighthouse to Cape Clear,
Killarney town and sweet Tralee; they then crossed into Clare.

When they landed on the shore, they searched Kilrush from tip to toe.
They searched the baths at sweet Lisdoon, likewise Milltown Malbay.
Galway bein’ a place of fame, they thought ’twas there I might remain.
Still their search was all in vain, for I gave them all leg bail.

They searched the train at Oranmore as she was leavin’ for Athlone—
Every wagon, car and coach they met along the road.
Connemara bein’ remote, they thought ’twas there I might resort;
But they were gettin’ weary; they resolved to try Mayo.

In Ballaghaderreen, they had to rest until the hounds they were refreshed.
They then went on to Westport and searched it high and low.
Through Castlebar, they made a trot when they heard I was in Castlerock.
Still they were deluded where I lodged the night before.

In Swinford town, where I lay down, I heard a dreadful cry of hounds,
Which filled me with the notion to retaliate my chase.
Bein’ weary from the road, I took a drink at half past four,
Which filled me heart with strength and speed when the hounds were gettin’ slow.

As the moon began to shine, I thought I’d make a foreign clime,
Leave them all to search away for farmer Michael Hayes.
To Dublin town, I made my way, then to Cobh and Amerikay.
Now I’m in the land of liberty; a fig for all my foes.