I've been looking for info on this song, without much luck so far. I couldn't find it in a DT/Forum search, and haven't found any recordings of it. I did find a print version in the Hal Leonard "Celtic Fake Book", where it is listed as traditional, but the arrangement is copyrighted. I don't yet know the name of the air, but it has a great "sean nos" feel about it. The lyrics suggest to me that it fits into 1800's, probably in the US/Mexican - Civil War time frame. The Civil War may be more likely because of the thematic similarity to the draft riots of that time. I'll keep looking, but would greatly appreciate the benefit of any other 'catter's comments.

Seven Irish Men
(traditional)

  
  
All you that love the shamrock green,  
   attend both young and old.  
I feel it is my duty,   
   these lines for you to unfold.  
Concerning those young emigrants,  
   who lately sailed away.  
To seek a better livelihood  
   all in Americay.  
  
On the fourteenth day of April,   
   our noble ship did sail.  
With fifty five young Irishmen,   
   true sons of Grannuaille.  
They landed safely in New York,  
   on the 19th day of May.  
To see their friends and relations,   
   all in Americay.  
  
Now some of them had friends to meet,  
   as soon as they did land.  
With flowing bumpers drank a health,   
   to dear old Ireland.  
And those who had no friends to meet,   
   their hearts were  stout and bold.  
And by the cursed Yankees,   
   they would not be controlled.  
  
Seven of those young Irishmen,   
    were walking through George's street.  
When a Yankee officer,   
   they happened for to meet.  
He promised them employment in,   
   a brick yard near the town.  
And there he did  conduct them;   
   their names were taken down.  
  
He then took them to an ale house,   
  and called for drinks galore.  
I'm sure such entertainment,   
   they never had before.  
And when he thought he had them drunk,   
   these words to them did say.  
You're listed now as a soldier,   
   to defend Americay.  
  
They looked at one another,   
   and these words they then did say.  
It's not to 'list that we did come,   
   into Americay.  
But to labor for our livelihood,   
   as we often did before,  
And we lately emigrated,   
   from the lovely Shamrock shore.  
  
Twelve Yankees dressed as soldiers,   
   came in without delay.  
They said "My lads you must prepare,   
   with us to come away.  
You signed with one of our officers,   
    so you can not now refuse,  
So prepare my lads to join our ranks,   
   for you must pay your dues.  
  
The Irish blood began to rise,   
   one of those heroes said.  
"We have one only life to lose,   
   therefore we are not afraid.  
Although we are from Ireland,   
   this day we'll let you see,  
We'll die like sons of Grannuaille,   
   to keep our liberty.  
  
The Irish boys got to their feet,   
   it made the Yankees frown.  
As fast as they could strike a blow,   
   they knocked the soldiers down.  
With bloody heads and broken bones,   
   they left them in crimson gore.  
And proved themselves sons of Erin,   
    throughout Columbus' shore.

Line Breaks <br> added.
-Joe Offer-