Being told Pat couldn't be a gentleman, I've set myself the task That tonight the reason why of you my friends [I] would ask. Hasn't Ireland got her colleges that have for centuries stood To teach the people? And you know their teaching's mighty good. Haven't Irishmen got heads and hearts? By dad, I know they've so. Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know.
CHORUS: Why can't Paddy be a gentleman, a gentleman, a gentleman? Why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know.
Some look down on an Irishman as if they thought that we Could naught but helpless dolts or fools e'er have a hope to be. What matter where a man is born? I see in Erin's Isle Are lots of native gentlemen to greet you with a smile. There are other kinds of gentlefolks besides a dandy beau. Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know.
You cannot give the reason. I see it in your phiz That Paddy's not a gentleman because you know he is. He's always good to help a friend, although his means are scant, And if he's fond of blarney, he hates deceit and cant. His coat may be of common frieze. His heart won't freeze, oh, no! Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know.
If an Englishman's a gentleman, oh worrah, then it's true: As Pat is John Bull's brother, then he must be one too. Just read the Irish history, and in that same you'll find Great deeds of Irish gentlemen. St. Patrick's one, d'ye mind? And don't forget this, who sneer at honest Paddy's worth: That actions make the gentleman, no matter what the birth.