Rocky Road To Dublin (Down The River)
by Orthodox Celts
In the merry month of June from my home I started
Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted
Saluted father dear kissed me darlin' 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 black thorn to banish ghost and goblins
Brand new pair of brogues rattled o'er the bogs
Frightened all the dogs on 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 lol de ra
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight next morning light and airy
Took a drop of the pure to keep my heart from sinking
That's an Irish cure whene'er he's on for drinking
To see the lasses smile, laughing all the while
At my curious style, t'would set your heart a-bubbling
Ax'd if I was hired, wages I required
I was almost tired on rocky road to Dublin
In Dublin next arrived I thought it such a pity
To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city
Then I took a stroll among the quality
Bundle it was stole in a neat locality
Something crossed my mind, then I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a-wobblin'
Enquiring for the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
Wasn't much in vogue on rocky road to Dublin
From there I got away my spirits never failing
Landed on the quay as the ship was sailing
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 bubblin'
Off to Holyhead, wished myself was dead
Or better far, instead, on rocky road to Dublin
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called myself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losin'
Poor old Erin's isle they began abusin'
"Hurrah me soul" sez I, me shillelagh I let fly
Galway boys were by, saw I was a hobble in
Then with a loud Hurrah, joined in affray
Quickly cleared the way, on rocky road to Dublin
