The Boys Of Wexford
Words:
Robert Dwyer Joyce
(1830-1883)
Another ballad of the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
Melody:
Traditional
In comes the captain's daughter,
The captain of the Yeos,
Saying: Brave United Irishmen,
We'll ne'er again be foes.
A thousand pounds I'll bring
If you will fly from home with me,
And dress myself in man's attire
And fight for liberty.

Chorus:
We are the boys of Wexford,
Who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the galling chain
And free our native land.

I want no gold, my maiden fair,
To fly from home with thee;
You shining eyes will be my prize -
More dear than gold to me.
I want no gold to nerve my arm
To do a true man's part -
To free my land I'd gladly give
The red drops of my heart."

Chorus
 

And when we left our cabins, boys,
We left with right good will
To see our friends and neighbours
That were at Vinegar Hill!
A young man from our Irish ranks
A cannon he let go;
He slapt it into Lord Mountjoy -
A tyrant he laid low!

Chorus

We bravely fought and conquered
At Ross and Wexford town;
Three Bullet Gate for years to come
Will speak of our renown;
Through Walpole's horse and Walpole's foot
On Tubberneering's day,
Depending on the long, bright pike,
We cut our gory way.

Chorus

And Oulart's name shall be their shame,
Whose steel we ne'er did fear.
For every man could do his part
Like Forth and Shelmalier!
And if for want of leaders,
We lost at Vinegar Hill,
We're ready for another fight,
And love our country still!

Chorus

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