Lyr Req: Belfast Graves

Subject: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:26 PM

Recently came across a song called Belfast Graves that I believe has it's roots in the Irish Civil War. There are names of Volunteers and places that I cannot understand. Any help with the lyrics would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 05:06 AM

Hi, mmsarge - if you can post what you know of the song and where you heard it, it might help us.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: alison
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 06:18 AM

please post the lyrics....

thanks

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 04:54 PM

Seems unlikely its the Civil War?

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: alison
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 09:07 PM

well I wondered that meself.. but I'd still like to see the lyrics.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 07:56 AM

Thanks for your responses. I believe this song goes back to the 1920's because one verse refers to "and a free-state firing party sent Joe McElvey(sp?) through Death's Gate". There is also mention of a 16-year-old patriot named Frankie Dougherty. What I know of the first verse goes something like this:

Through Belfast's lonely graveyard I strayed one autumn night.
Around a grave a crowd I saw in the evening's fading light;
And from the men and womenfolk who knelt around that mound,
Came the Pater's and the Ave's in a soft-toned Gaelic sound.

The version of the song I have is by Ray McAreavey. From the point I left off the song goes on to name other Volunteers that I have not heard of, and that is the help I am looking for. Sean McCahartley(sp?), Patty Nash, Joe McElvey, and Frankie Dougherty. Thanks for any help.

Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: belfast
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 06:44 AM

Joe McKelvey, executed in Dublin (by Free State), 8th Dec, 1922
I think the other name must refer to Sean McCaughey who died on hunger strike 11th May 1946 in Porlaoise.

The other two names don't ring any bells but "Dougherty" (if he's from the nrth) is more likely to be "Doherty". I occasionally run into MacAreavey and the next time I do I'll try to get more information from him.

Subject: Lyr Add: BELFAST GRAVES
From: widowmaker
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 07:06 AM

BELFAST GRAVES

Through Belfast's lonely graveyard, I strayed one autumn night.
Around a grave, a crowd I saw in the evening's fading light.
And from the men and womenfolk who knelt around that mound,
Came the "paters and the "aves" in a soft-toned Gaelic sound.

"Within this grave," a young man speaks, "lie two of Ireland's sons,
Who gave their lives in freedom's cause and faced the tyrant's guns,
On Cavan's mountain--Lappinduff--fought one with bravery
Until the English soldiers killed brave Sean McCartney.

In Mountjoy Jail, the other one, on Mary's festive morn,
The bright red cloak of martyrdom for Ireland did adorn,
And as the church bells chimed their paean to Mary immaculate,
A Free State firing party sent Joe McKelvey through death's gate.

And further there across the path lies one who knew not cant,
A soldier who in Ireland's cause, his life he gladly spent.
Through battle fire and prison cell and comrades' treachery,
Brave Paddy Nash withstood it all till death claimed victory.

And all around are monuments that bear a martyr's name,
True patriots who had served and died to kindle freedom's flame.
Ned Trodden, Gaynor and O'Carroll with McStockers brave,
Remember them! They died for us and found a martyr's grave.

And Oh, my friend, look further there: a grave just freshly made.
A boy we all loved in our hearts, there in a grave is laid.
When just a boy of sixteen years, a felon's cap he wore.
God rest you, Frank Doherty. Ireland's cross you proudly bore.

The ceremony's o'er, the crowd has gone, and I am left alone,
With thoughts that take my memory back to McCracken and Wolfetone,
And in every generation still they come, that noble band,
To willingly sacrifice their lives in the cause of Ireland.

Ten years passed by, and I walked through that graveyard once again,
To see new names of those who'd borne their country's cross of pain:
McCaughey, Gaffney, Perry, Malone, brave Sean Martin too,
O'Callaghan, Williams, Seamus Burns, they have died for Roisin Dubh.

Hope this what you wanted Slan anois.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 09:21 AM

Please, can someone find or suggest the location of the tune to that song? I have seen a beautiful photograph of a cemetary in Belfast (the name escapes me) in black and white with a sad grey sky which matches the sentiments of that air perfectly. I would like to learn the song and send a tape to the photographer, I am sure she hasn't heard it yet.

CB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Big Tim
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 12:09 PM

If it's Belfast it has to be Milltown Cemetery: however the song, which for some reason I associate with McAreavey, ranges in geography and history from Belfast to Dublin, from the Civil War to the 40s (19 year-old Tom Williams, the only republican of modern times to be executed in the north, Belfast in 1942) and possibly later. It seems to be a general tribute to many republican martyrs. I have a recording of the song on the "Patriotic Names" double CD referred to on the Michael Collins Statue thread of a few months ago. Thanks Widowmaker for the words which aren't always that easy to make out, especially where personal names are concerned.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Big Tim
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 02:33 PM

I knew I had associated it with McA for some reason: it's been recorded by Ray McAreavey on "50 Irish Rebel Ballads - Volume 1" - Derry Records,No. IRB1798CD, 1998.(This and the "Patriotic Names" recording are the same: just on different compilations).

CB; if you can't find the tune elsewhere, PM me and, if you want, I'll tape it for you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 08:33 PM

Just when you think a thread is dead and gone the awesome folks at Mudcat bring it back to life. Thanks so much for the words, widowmaker. I was in Milltown Cemetery last September and was able to find most of the names on the Memorial at the Republican Plot. Also, lucky enough to make a stop at the Felon's Club. Anyone interested, I now have this song as an mp3. Maybe one of you can help me with my latest lyric dilema. I have heard some South Armagh friends belt out a rebel tune that starts out, "As I went down by Newry Town and I had traveled far...", about dealing with the Brits on the local roads. Again, thanks much folks for all the help. Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 16 Sep 02 - 09:04 PM

Hey belfast, If and when you do run into MacAreavey, please pass on that his song lives on in the heart and soul of a 41 y/o cop from a suburb of West Philadelphia USA who thinks nothing of sharing it with anyone who will listen. Thanks again for all your help!!! Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Big Tim
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 05:08 AM

A book "Executed: Tom Williams and the IRA" by Jim McVeigh was published in 1999 and gives a good insight into Belfast republican circles in the 1940s. The foreword is by Joe Cahill who was sentenced to death at the same time as TW but was later repreived. The hanging was because an RUC man, Patrick Murphy, who left a widow and nine children, was killed in an IRA action which went wrong. TW didn't fire the fatal shot but was executed as he was the IRA leader, although only 18 at the time. Cahill was 21. TW was buried within Crumlin Road Prison, Belfast. His remains were reburied in Milltown (in his family plot, not the Republican one) on 19 January 2000. The Port Glasgow Branch of the Celtic Supporters Club (in Scotland) is named after him. There are at least three songs about him, and indeed other IRA martyrs of the period, notably Maurice O'Neill and Charlie Kerins (both written by Brian O'Higgins - that most pure green of republicans who was Chairman of Sinn Fein in the 30s). The TW book can be ordered at www.btpale.ie price 7.99UK pounds.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 09:03 PM

Thanks, Big Tim, for the information. There is no better way to gain insight into the history than through the music of the times. Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 12:57 AM

Thanks from me also Big Tim! I now have a second reason to buy the 50 Irish Rebel Ballads CD. And thanks for the memory jog, Milltown! Now I remember. I had wanted to buy a copy of the above mentioned photograph but was taken by two others the photograhper had in her show (out in San Francisco this last May) one of which was the mural tribute to Leonard Peltier which has incredibly well executed graphics in it. I'll have to save my pennies and see if I can't get the Milltown photo. The photographer's name is Molly Malloy, she is a student at New College of California and has quite a few fine photos of the North. I have something on casette called 50 Complete Rebel Songs and another casette called Music from the Blocks. I want to add to my "rebel voices" collection and the CD you mentioned sounds right. Thanks for the PM offer too.

CB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: belfast
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:49 AM

Look after the photograph of the Leonard Peltier mural for the wall on which it was painted has gone. An old row of houses knocked down. Necessary redevelopment.

I met the above-mentioned Molly when she was over here - a lovely young woman.

And I've just realised that I have a copy of the Patriotic Names CD mentioned above. The catalogue number is IRB1918CD. It's a compilation with songs taken from a dozen other albums.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Jimmy C
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 01:27 PM

mmsarge,
I remember hearing someone sing that song one night, I never did get all the words but what I remember goes like this.

As I went down by Newry Town,
A bunch of lads I saw.
They were the first battalion
Of the men from South Armagh.

CHORUS: With a diddle I ay, etc.

O have you crossed the border lad?
And have you travelled far?
Did you see some soldiers on the road?
Did they have armoured cars? CHORUS

Yes, I have crossed the border, lads.
I have travelled far.
I saw some soldiers on the road.
They were in two armoured cars. CHORUS

"If this be true," the leader cried,
"It's here we'll make our stand."
McSherry (McFerry) gave the order
With a Thompson in his hand. CHORUS

The soldiers came along the road
And into view at last.
A young lad pushed the plunger
And there was a mighty blast. CHORUS

This is all I can remember, I don't even know the chorus, but it was just a bit of lilting as found in a lot of Irish type songs. I am sure there must be a few more verses to the song as well. The leader's name was either McSherry or McFerry or something similar. Hope this jogs someone's memory.

Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,mmsarge
Date: 20 Sep 02 - 02:40 PM

Thanks much, Jimmy. That is the one I was looking for. Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Jimmy C
Date: 20 Sep 02 - 06:10 PM

MMsarge,

I thought it might be. I just remembered a bit of another verse

Let politicians wring their hands
And Acts of Power say
They let us rot for fifty years
This is the only way
and I believe the chorus went
With a biddy - i - oh
And a pal and a go
And a biddy - i - o -i ay.

I am sure someone who knows the song will have a few changes.

Subject: Lyr Add: CROSSMAGLEN
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 12:13 PM

JimmyC: This seems to be the song you quoted.

Copied from http://www.scopestrial.nl/CD/Teksten.htm#Crossmaglen
(It seems to be the website of a Dutch band named De Yoghurts. They credit this song to "People of No Property." I corrected a few obvious errors, but since I don't know the song, I left a few things intact that seem doubtful.)

CROSSMAGLEN

As I came down from Newry town, a band of young [men I] saw.
It was the first battalion of the men from South Armagh.
"Have you crossed the border, men, and did you travel far?
Did you see the soldiers on the road? Were they in the armoured cars?"

"I have crossed the border, men, and I did travel far.
I saw the soldiers on the road. They were in the armoured cars."
"If it's true," our leader said, "we either stick or stand."
McVerry gave the orders with a Thompson in his hand.

This band of freedom fighters, they numbered barely ten.
They feared neither god nor devil. They came from Crossmaglen.
The soldiers' car came along the road and into view at last.
A young man pulled the plunger out. There was a mighty blast.

We opened up along the stretch with every gun we had,
And before the ambush finished, oh, we knew we'd hit them bad.
When politicians raise their hand in act of parrots say, (?)
They let us rot for fifty years. It was the only way.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 12:25 PM

The thing that really surprised me was to find out how few people know that the I R A declared war on the Irish Free State after partition.This is why the I R A is an Illegal Organisation in Eire.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: belfast
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 12:38 PM

There's some more stuff in another thread. over click here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: belfast
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 12:44 PM

I meant to add that the Dutch people's attribution to the People of No Property is correct. "Act of parrots" is an entertaining mondegreen.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Jimmy C
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 11:37 PM

belfast,

Thanks for the correct words, I knew my words were not entirely correct. It's always good to get the proper version.

slan

Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Sep 02 - 03:45 AM

Sick.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Big Tim
Date: 23 Sep 02 - 11:16 AM

Sad.

Subject: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 29 Oct 02 - 04:42 PM

I note that request for "Belfast Graves" lyrics is in the "unanswered requests" site. I went to post the lyrics but find they are already in one of the messages on this thread - can someone update?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Oct 02 - 08:18 PM

Hi, weerover - it's best to continue an existing theread if one on the topic exists, so I moved you over here. We still could use a tune for "Belfast Graves." Anybody?
-Joe Offer (click to e-mail)-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: weerover
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 06:56 AM

I should be able to work out an abc if I can dig the album out. Give us a day or two

Subject: Tune Add: BELFAST GRAVES
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 04:04 PM

Here it is (as near as my transcription skills permit) as sung by Ray McAreavey:

T:BELFAST GRAVES
M:1/4
L:1/4
Q:70
S:as sung by Ray McAreavey
K:D
D|DBA^G|AF2D/2E/2|FDD/2E3/2|D2zF|Fdc3/2B/2|cAAA/2B/2|cAA^G|A2zA|ddc3/2A/2|B/2BA3/2A|^B3/2^B/2=B^A|B3B/2B/2|BdcB|BA2D/2E/2|FDDE|D3||

% ABC2Win Version 2.1 30/10/2002

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 04:22 PM

Meant to add that the air is referred to on record sleeve as "Shawl of Galway Grey"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:06 PM

HI,
Does anyone have the lyrics to "The 3rd west cork brigade"? I would appreciate if someone could post them. Thankyou- Joseph

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: weerover
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:31 PM

Guest,

See previous thread on "Roscarbery"

wr.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: weerover
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:11 AM

Guest (Joseph),

Did you get what you were looking for? I'd have made a link to a previous thread containing the words if I'd known how.

wr.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Belfast Graves
From: widowmaker
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 07:42 AM

Hi mark just checked back on this post and you state you have a mp3 for this if poss could you e-mail to me?

Subject: Lyr Add: CROSSMAGLEN / NEWRY TOWN (Joe Mulheron)
From: GUEST,Judy
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 05:18 PM

Regarding Crossmaglen - Newry Town as I know it - the song was written by Joe Mulheron of People of No Property (Men of No Property before they became politically correct)- words I got from Joe's singing below, as I remember them:

As I came down by Newry Town,
A bunch of young men saw.
It was the first battalion
Of the men from South Armagh.

CHORUS: With biddy-i-o and a fother and a do
And a biddy-i-o-i-ay.

O have you crossed the border?
And have you come that far?
Did you see the Paras on the road?
Were they in armoured cars? CHORUS

Yes, I have crossed the border, lads.
I have come that far.
I saw the Paras on the road.
They were in two armoured cars. CHORUS

"If this be true," the leader cried,
"It's here we'll make our stand."
McVenny gave the order
With a Thompson in his hand. CHORUS

The Paras came along the road
And into view at last.
A young man pushed the plunger
And there was an awful blast. CHORUS

We opened up along the road
With everything we had
Before the ambush ended
We knew we'd hit them bad. CHORUS

Now politicians raise their hands
An act of terror say
But they let us rot for fifty years
It is the only way. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: THE 3RD WEST CORK BRIGADE (Declan Hunt)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 09:56 AM

from

http://rebelcorksfightingstory.wordpress.com/songs/3rd-west-cork-brigade/

THE 3RD WEST CORK BRIGADE
by Declan Hunt

We'll raise our voices in Ireland's praise
Glad are our hearts today
For Ireland's sons have proved their worth
In the good old I.R.A.
All parts fought well for Ros'in Dubh
But we a record made
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The 3rd West Cork Brigade

The Black and Tans to Ireland came
To send us to their doom
Their doughtiest warriors sallied forth
In lorries from Macroom
But at Kilmichael's bloody fight
Their conquering force was stayed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The 3rd West Cork Brigade

Then at Crossbarry's battlefield
Our gallant boys saw red
For ten to one the Saxon host
Before our onslaught fled
And o'er the hills we made our way
While our gallant piper played
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The 3rd West Cork Brigade

Our boys fought well in every fight
We need not call a name
But Commandants Hales and Barry
are now well known to fame
Napoleon-like, they led us on
With courage we obeyed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The 3rd West Cork Brigade

But in our triumphs we shan't forget
Our comrades brave who fell
Some sleep today in nameless graves
But soon their deeds will tell
In grateful Ireland, brave and free
We'll have their names displayed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The 3rd West Cork Brigade