The Emigrant's Farewell Lyrics - Cara Dillon

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 obiged for to sell 

To wander along 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