Irish Soldier Song
[Verse]
I am the bride of Jack OâGrady
The finest man in county leash
It was a month ago last Friday noon
We said our vows before the priest
The sun was shining on the hills of Irish green
He says that some day I will live just like a queen
1861 will be our lucky year
And I think he is sincere
Yes I think he is sincere
[Chorus]
Cuz heâs an Irish sprite with a future bright in the factory he could toil
But to my dismay in a week and a day heâs bound for American soil
In the one hand heâs his passage, in the other heâs a dream
And he looks at me with his heart on fire and his Irish eyes agleam
So wonât you tell me, mother, whatâs a shy young bride to do?
When her man sets sail on a western gale and he says, âIâll send for youâ
[Verse]
October 12th my darling Moira
Two lonely weeks upon the sea
The captain says that we are right on time
Soon in America Iâll be
And when I get there with the talent I enjoy
There is no doubt that Iâll be quick to find employ
1861 will be our lucky year
Oh how I wish that you were here
I miss you very much, my dear
[Chorus]
In the hold of a ship itâs a very long trip to the land of Amerikee
And I wonât grow fat âless I beat the rats to the hard tack they call feed
And I swear by the waves Iâll scrimp and save and send my loving bride
My fortune if thatâs what it takes so sheâll enjoy the ride
Oh you there in the crowâs nest can you still not see the shore?
Cuz Iâm wretched and Iâm seasick and I cannot take much more
[Verse]
December 1 my darling Moira
I have such good news to report
Iâm now a citizen of these United States
And I am living in New York
And very soon if I can save my money well
You will be bidding dear old Ireland farewell
1862 will be our lucky year
I think youâll like it over here
I miss you very much my dear
[Chorus]
But a man in blue on a morning grey came knocking on my door
And he says young men of fighting age are going off to war
And I have no voice, I have no choice, I do as they command
These are not the United States oh how I hate this land
And just a few short weeks ago my heart was filled with joy
But now I am a soldier not a carefree Irish boy
[Interlude] x2
We fought for dear life in cold harbor one day
Then Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Chesapeake Bay
Fixing our bayonetâs fighting the smoke
One long last look at the letter you wrote
And itâs hail to old Abraham, brave Ulysses
Death to the rebels and Robert E. Lee
âTill we all go marching home
[Verse]
April 15 my darling Moira
Compared to most I canât complain
Thereâs a little part of me on every battlefield
But all important parts remain
Iâm not the carefree Irish boy I used to be
Nor will I ever be again
[Outro]
You could add 100 years to my short 23
And Iâd not forget those fallen men
And for that reason Iâll be heading home to you
And dear old Ireland âcross the sea
1865 will be our lucky year
When Jack OâGrady leaves this pier
And the union soldier stays right here
Iâll see you very soon my dear