Sons of Liberty


Fare thee well sweet Ireland, whom I may see no more,
My heart is almost bleeding to leave my native shore.
The King he has commanded that we must sail away
To fight the Sons of Liberty in North Amerikee(Amerikay).

Twas the second of November, at the dawning of the day
The Irish heros landed being anchored in the bay.
From New York up to King's Bridge we boldly marched away.
To fight our own relations in North Amerikee.

Ah Molly dear ol Molly, mind what is written here.
When that you do read this you can't but shed a tear.
As I relate my story twill grieve your heart full sore(soul)
When I tell you of our misery since we left our native shore.

We marched with resolution to face the rebel crew.
And boldly we attacked them tho' men we had but few.
They put on their grapeshot which cut our men away
With the sword they showed no quarter in North Amerikee

Through fields of blood we waded where the cannons loud did roar.
And many a gallant soldier lay bleeding in his gore.
And many's a good commander twas on the field did lay
That twas either killed or wounded by the Sons of Liberty.

T'would grieve your heart with pity to have seen the soldier's wives
Lamenting for their husbands and their melancholy cries.
And the children crying, "Mother we surely will rue the day
That we came to lose our father dear in North Amerikee."


The original song is in the digitrad and was part of a collection of English Folk Songs in the Southern Appalachians. Collected from Mrs Townley, Pineville, KY 1917.

The Irish fought on both sides of the revolution. I personally like this song as it expressed my own feelings of boarding a ship in 1965 and watching San Diego disappear behind the horizon. And nothing but water and war laying ahead. All of the Veterans who have heard this song get real quiet at the memories it brings back. It took me a while to be able to sing it.

Posted with the utmost of respect and Love for those who have shed their blood for their cause.

Steve Neff
US Marines