The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #3914   Message #21021
Posted By: Wolfgang
09-Feb-98 - 04:13 AM
Thread Name: ADD:Take Me Home to Mayo/Ballad of Michael Gaughan
Subject: Lyr Add: THE BALLAD OF MICHAEL GAUGHAN
Here you go:

From the Christy Moore songbook, published in 1984. Christy Moore writes that he has not been able to track down the author.

Enjoy it, Wolfgang

THE BALLAD OF MICHAEL GAUGHAN

1. Take me home to Mayo
Back across the sea.
Take me home to Mayo
Where once I ran so free.
Take me home to Mayo
And let my body lie
Home in Mayo
[this line sounds better with the "again" from verse 4 in it] Beneath the western sky.

2. My name is Michael Gaughan
From Ballina I came.
I saw my people suffering,
I swore to break the chains.
I took the boat to England
Prepared to fight or die
Far away from Mayo
Beneath the western sky.

3. My body cold and hungry
In Parkhurst jail I lie.
In my fight for freedom
In hunger strike I'll die.
I have one last request to make
I hope you'll not deny.
Take my body back to Mayo
Beneath the western sky.

4. Take me home to Mayo
Back across the sea.
Take me home to Mayo
Where once I ran so free.
Take me home to Mayo
And let my body lie
Home again in Mayo
Beneath the western sky.