De Danann And Andy Irvine The Emigrant's Farewell Lyrics

Farewell to old Ireland the land of my childhood
That now and forever I am bound for to leave
Farewell to the shores where the shamrock is growing
It's the bright spot of beauty in the home of the brave
I will think on its valleys with fond admiration
Though never again its green hills will I see
For I'm bound for to cross o'er the wild swelling ocean
In search of fame fortune and sweet liberty

It's hard to be forced from the lands that we live in
Our houses and farms we're obliged for to sell
And to wander alone among Indians and strangers
To Find some sweet spot where our children may dwell
O I have a wee lassie I fain would take with me
Her dwelling at present lies in County Down
It would break my poor heart for to leave her behind me
We'll both roam together this wide world around

So it's come along Bessie my own blue-eyed lassie
Bid farewell to your mother and then come with me
And I'll make my endeavour for to keep your mind easy
Till we reach the green fields of Amerikay
Our ship at the present lies in lovely Derry
To bear us away o'er the wild swelling sea
May heaven be her pilot and grant her fond breezes
Till we reach the green fields of Amerikay

Our artists our farmers our tradesmen are leaving
To seek for employment far over the sea
Where they will get riches with care and with industry
There is nothing but hardship at home if you stay
So it's cheer up your hearts now you lads and gay lassies
There's gold for the digging and lots of it too
Here's health to the heart that has courage to venture
Bad luck to the lad or the lass that would rue

There's brandy in Quebec at ten cents a quart boys
The ale in New Brunswick's a penny a glass
There is wine in that sweet town they call Montreal boys
At inn after inn we will drink as we pass
And we'll call for a b__per of ale wine and brandy
And we'll drink to the health of those far far away
Our hearts will all warm at the thoughts of old Ireland
When we're in the green fields of Amerikay