Henrik Norbeck's Song Lyrics

Farewell to Old Ireland

Emigrant's Farewell, The
Sheet Music (and more information about this song)

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

Our ship at the present lies in Derry harbour,
To bear us away across the wide swelling sea.
May heaven be her companion and grant her fair breezes,
Till we reach the green fields of America.
It's hard to be forced from the land that we live in,
Our houses and farms all obliged for to sell.
To wander alone among Indians and strangers,
To find some sweet spot where our children might dwell.

Our artists, our farmers, our tradesmen are leaving,
To seek for employment far over the sea.
Where they'll get their riches with care and with industry,
There's nothing but hardship at home if you stay.
So cheer up your spirits, you lads and you lasses,
There's gold for the digging and lots of it, too.
A health to the heart that has courage to ramble,
Bad luck to the lad or the lass that would rue.

We'll call for a bumper of ale, wine and brandy,
We'll drink to the health of those far away.
Our hearts will all warm at the thought of old Ireland,
When we're on the green fields of Americay.

Discography: Cara Dillon

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