Henrik Norbeck's Song Lyrics

Rocks of Bawn

Sheet Music (and more information about this song)

Come all ye loyal heroes and listen unto me.
Never hire with any master till you know what your work will be
For you must rise up early by the clear day light till the dawn
or you never will be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn.

Now rise up, gallant Sweeney, and give your horse some hay
Go give him a good feed of oats before you're going away
Don't feed him on soft turnip that grows on your green lawn
Or you never will be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn.

My curse upon you, Sweeney, you had me nearly robbed
You were sitting by the fireside, with your doodeen in your gob
You're sitting by the fireside, from clear daylight till dawn
And you never will be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn

My shoes they are all worn out, my stockings are all thin
My heart is always trembling, for fear I might give in
My heart is always trembling, from clear daylight till the dawn
I'm afraid I'll ne'er be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn.

I wish the Sergeant-Major would send for me in time
And place me in some regiment all in my youth and prime
I'd fight for Ireland's glory, from the clear daylight till the dawn
And I never would return again to plough the Rocks of Bawn.

Discography: Joe Heaney
Arcady (Niamh Parsons)

History: Slow, free rhythm

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