Here (finally) are the lyrics -- straight from John himself:

EXILES RETURN
John Doyle

When winter comes and all is silent,
the saddled mare is tightly bound.
Fox she prowls on down by the moonlight.
Snow lays thickly on the ground.

Though we bid farewell in sorrow,
we will meet again in distant lands
and drink a health in joy for parting
when the exile will return again

The hearth is hard to leave this long night
We face a long and a treacherous road
Hard times must be faced undaunted
Our loved ones lighten up our load

Though we bid farewell in sorrow,
we may meet again in distant lands
and drink a health in joy for parting
when the exile will return again

The distant cairn of Cnoc na Ré stands
Bare and bleached o'er Queen Medb's tomb
O'Hara's castle stands undaunted
Waiting for her lands to bloom

Though we bid farewell in sorrow,
we may meet again in distant lands
and drink a health in joy for parting
when the exile will return again

The night is cold, the children are sleeping
Restful dreams of Tir na nÓg
Jeanie Johnston's bound for sailing
Now my friend it's time to go

Though we bid farewell in sorrow,
we may meet again in distant lands
and drink a health in joy for parting
when the exile will return again

Though we bid farewell in sorrow,
we may meet again in distant lands
and drink a health in joy for parting
when the exile will return again

when the exile will return again