Play/Download Music File Barry Taylor |
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| The tune is based an old English song The Grenadier and the Lady The words are new - written by Barry Taylor. The poignant words are based on his family history. It is a tragic story often repeated in the emmigrant story. |
Oh please ne'er forget me though waves now lie o'er me I was once young and pretty and my spirit ran free But destiny tore me from country and loved ones And from the new land I was never to see. A poor emigrant's daughter too frightened to know I was leaving forever the land of my soul Amid struggle and fear my parents did pray To place courage to leave o'er the longing to stay. They spoke of a new land far away 'cross the sea And of peace and good fortune for my brothers and me So we parted from townland with much weeping and pain 'Kissed the loved ones and the friends we would ne'er see again. The vessel was crowded with desperate folk The escape from past hardship sustaining their hope But as the last glimpse of Ireland faded into the mist Each one fought back tears and felt strangely alone. The seas roared in anger, making desperate our plight And a fever came o'er me that worsened next night Then delirium possessed me and clouded my mind And I for a moment saw that land left behind. I could hear in the distance my dear mother's wailing And the prayers of three brothers that I'd see no more And I felt father's tears as he begged for forgiveness For seeking a new life on the still distant shore. Oh please ne'er forget me though waves now lie o'er me I was once young and pretty and my spirit ran free But destiny tore me from country and loved ones And from the new land I was never to see. |
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| Information and lyrics from Barry Taylor - who told me a long time ago to quit thanking him... | |