Rocky Road to Dublin

In the merry month of May from me home I started, Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted, Saluted Father dear, kissed me darling mother, Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother, Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born, Cut a stout blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins; In a brand new pair of brogues to rattle o'er the bogs And frighten all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin,

(Chorus): One two three four five, Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol la de dah!

In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary Started by daylight next morning bright and early Took a drop of the pure to keep me heart from sinking; That's a Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking See the lassies smile, laughing all the while At me darlin' style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin' Asked me was I hired, wages I required Till I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin,

(Chorus)

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it be a pity To be soon deprived a view of that fine city. Decided to take a stroll, all among the quality; Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality. Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind, No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin' Enquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin,

(Chorus)

From there I got away, me spirits never falling, Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing. The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he; When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy. Down among the pigs, played some funny rigs, Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling; When off to Holyhead wished meself was dead, Or better far instead on the rocky road to Dublin,

(Chorus)

The boys of Liverpool, when we were safely landed, Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it. Blood began to boil, temper I was losing; Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing. "Hurrah me soul!" says I, let the shillelagh fly. Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in, With a loud "hurray!" joined in the fray. Soon we cleared the way on the rocky road to Dublin,

(Chorus)