Paddy's Lamentation

[White Flint Bill]

I recently discovered this song, which should appeal to Civil War history buffs.

Paddy's Lamentation/Ships are Sailing
sung by Mary Black in the film Long Journey Home

Well it's by the hush, me boys, and sure that's to hold your noise
And listen to poor Paddy's sad narration
I was by hunger pressed, and in poverty distressed
So I took a thought I'd leave the Irish nation

Here's you boys, now take my advice
To America I'll have ye's not be coming
There is nothing here but war, where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home in dear old Dublin

Well I sold me horse and cow, me little pigs and sow
My little plot of land I soon did part with
And me sweetheart Bid McGee, I'm afraid I'll never see
For I left her there that morning broken-hearted

Here's you boys, now take my advice
To America I'll have ye's not be comin'
There is nothing here but war, where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home in dear old Dublin

Well meself and a hundred more, to America sailed o'er
Our fortunes to be made, we were thinkin'
When we got to Yankee land, they shoved a gun into our hands
Saying "Paddy, you must go and fight for Lincoln"

General Meagher to us he said, if you get shot or lose your leg
Every mother's son of yous will get a pension
Well, meself I lost me leg, they gave me a wooden peg
And by God this is the truth to you I mention

Here's you boys, now take my advice
To America I'll have ye's not be comin'
There is nothing here but war, where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home in dear old Dublin

 

[donna]

Like it. Thanks for posting.

 

[1867crete]

The first time I heard this song was at quite a low point in my life. You can hear his pain in the lyrics. And I related to the song. Gives me goosebumps now like it did then.

 

[RebelWeber]

The songs was also featured in The Gangs of New York

 

[mofederal]

I remember the song used in the movie. It was a sad part in the movie. I otherwise enjoyed the movie, and the book.