Doyle's (in Jamaica Plain, MA) has this song printed on the back of their old menus, but no one there (so far) can tell me anything about it or give me a tune. Here's the start of it, below (there are another 4 verses or so). Maybe one of you can give me a tune of some background; if not I'll have to keep asking old timers at the bar...


The Men Behind The Bar (by M.C. Heanney - spelling?)

I have been in many countries in cities and in towns
I have been up late and early and have seen some ups and downs
I've been amongst the good and bad and was often in despair
And danced and sang old Irish songs to drive away dull care
I've been with men from every clime and men of every trade
And men that weild the anchor the shovel and the spade
I've been with men that carried the hod and soldiers from the war
But the best and kindest men I met were the men behind the bar.

chorus: The men behind the bar boys are men and no mistake
    They are always kind and generous and would sooner give than take
    They have cured the worst diseases and never left a scar
    And when you drink you must always think of the men behind the bar

I crossed the briny ocean in a foreign land to roam
I was always fond of rambling and would not stay at home
I landed here in Boston when the streets were clad with snow
I had no friends to meet me I knew not where to go
I strolled into a barroom to escape the blinding storm
to rest a while from care and strife and partake of something warm
they trusted me like one they knew though a stranger from afar
Ah I'll ne'er forget the kindness of the men behind the bar.