Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
Nobody knows the answers,
As the dark clouds keep rolling each day
Casting a shadow upon us,
From Antrim to sweet Bantry Bay
In their droves all the people are leaving, sure,
‘Tis worse than the black forty-four
When they sailed away over the ocean,
With their dreams and their lonely sea stores
Chorus:
What a legacy, such a tragedy,
Thousands are sailing good bye
The land of the eagle is calling,
As we leave the Green Island, good bye
And it’s only six hours to Boston,
And if you serve your time on the plane
In no time at all you’re a chippie,
As good as the best at the game
In Sally O’Brien’s we’ll be dancing,
But we’ll go back someday maybe when
The blue moon it hangs over Durse,
And the river runs up Spancil Hill
Chorus:
What a legacy, such a tragedy,
Thousands are sailing good bye
The land of the eagle is calling,
As we leave the Green Island, good bye
Is this a good time to remember
The brave men and women who died
Whose vision is misrepresented
By shadows who flicker and hide
They dish out their perks and their pensions,
While the big fell turns in his grave
To see the bright diamonds and jewels,
Cast down the cold crest of a wave
Chorus:
What a legacy, such a tragedy,
Thousands are sailing good bye
One last, long look cast behind us,
As they bid the Green Island good bye
As they bid the Green Island good bye