Lyrics:
|
|
While you honour in song and in story
The names of the patriot men
Whose valour has covered with glory
Full many a mountain and glen.
Forget not the boys of the heather
Who marshalled their bravest and best.
When Ireland was broken in Wexford
And looked for revenge in the West.
Chorus:
I give you the gallant old West, boys,
Where rallied our bravest and best.
When Ireland was broken and bleeding,
Hurrah for the men of the West!
The hilltops with glory were glowing
'Twas the eve of a bright harvest day
When the ships we'd been wearily waiting
Sailed into Killala's broad bay
And over the hill went the slogan
To waken in every breast
The fire that has never been quenched, boys,
Among the true hearts of the West.
Chorus
Killala was ours ere the midnight
And high over Ballina town
Our banners in triumph were waving
Before the next sun had gone down.
We gathered to speed the good work, boys,
The true men anear and afar
And history can tell how we routed
The redcoats through old Castlebar.
Chorus
And pledge me the stout sons of France, boys,
Bold Humbert and all his brave men,
Whose tramp, like the trumpet of battle
Brought hope to the drooping again.
Since Ireland has caught to her bosom
On many a mountain and hill
The gallants who fell, so they're here, boys
To cheer us to victory still
Chorus
Though all the bright dreamings we cherished
Went down in disaster and woe,
The spirit of old is still with us
That never would bend to the foe
And Connaught is ready whenever
The loud rolling tuck of the drum
Rings out to awaken the echoes
And tell us the morning has come.
Chorus
|