Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
Oh, here I am from Donegal, I feel quite discontented
For to see the way that we’re run down, not highly represented
For you see it is a general rule, to make out Pat a knave or fool
But never mind he’ll play it cool and stand up for old Ireland
Chorus:
Do me justice, treat me fair and I won’t be discontented
But I won’t by laughed at anywhere, but highly represented
Now, Mr. Punch with his literature, he treats us very badly
And when he draws or caricature, he depicts us rather sadly
With crooked limbs and villainous face, he thus depicts the Irish race
We think it is a sad disgrace, and we say so in old Ireland
Chorus
When on the stage I do appear, with a thundering bug shillelagh
With a ragged coat and a tattered hat, you think I come out gaily
With not a word of common sense, they don’t know when they give offense
But carry on at Pat’s expense, why don’t they come to Ireland
Chorus
They say we are dirty and lazy got, but where’s the use to grumble
And if they visit an Irish cot, they’re made welcome, though tis humble
But in ‘Palm licks works’, the country round, or where hard work is to be found
In the railway tunnels underground, you’ll find the boys from Ireland
Chorus
Tis true I like a glass, it makes me feel quite frisky
I’m very found of an Irish lass, but I’m partial to the whiskey
I’m very quiet when left alone, but I do what I like with what’s my own
And woe be to the foes at home, who would dare to run down old Ireland
Chorus