SKIBBEREEN by The Long Kesh Ramblers

O, Father dear, I ofttimes hear you speak of Erin's Isle
Her lovely scene, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wild
They say it is a lovely land wherein a prince might dwell
Sure why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell?
My son, I loved my native land with energy and pride
To the blight came oer' all my land my sheep my cattle died
My rent and tax were to pay, but then could I redeem
And that's the now the reason why I left Old Skibbereen
Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the snowy ground,
She fainted in her anguish seeing the desolation round.
She never rose but passed away from life to mortal dream,
And found a quiet grave, me boy in dear old Skibbereen.
When you were only two years old and feeble was your frame,
I could not leave you with my friends, you bore your father's name,
I wrapped you in my cóta mór and in the night unseen
I heaved a sigh and bid goodbye to dear old Skibbereen
Oh father dear, the day will come when vengeance loud shall call
When Irishmen one and all shall rally to her call
And I'll be tbe man to lead the van, beneath our flag of green
And loud and high we'll raise a cry, "Revenge for Skibbereen!"

[@johnsmith8213]

Gives me shivers

[@the_blackfish17]

Excellent

[@klausehrlich1998]

My favourite - bought the vinyl LP when hitch-hiking in Eire in 1974 (and still keep it as a treasure)

[@connorscoursing2053]

Great song ☝️💯

[@whops2k]

Rory had a fine voice.

[@odonnchada9994]

☘️🇮🇪🕊