Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
In days of old, when we were told by bold Sean McEntee
To take it easy on the bread, the baccy and the tea,
We never thought we’d live to see the likes of it once more
When our visions of provisions, they were swept out of the door
Chorus:
You can’t get petrol, you can try it if you can
‘Tis nowhere to be had except Araby or Iran,
You can steal it, you can siphon it, risk it if you like
But you’d be better off resorting to your old Pierce bike.
We seem to be dependant on the derricks of the East
Where recently supplies from them to us have almost ceased,
It’s a pity if your patience and your pride is getting hurt
So join the queue you sucker for your ten bob’s worth
Chorus
Besided the Petrol shortage, there’s also the ESB
Bord na Mona turf and briquettes and all sorts of energy
As we know the poor old pensioners were given it buckshee
God help us when the winter comes, ’tis cold that they will be
Chorus
The petrol queues are growing every day, I tell no lie
Some are almost two miles long, ‘twould make laugh or cry
With rationing, they’re cashing in, I mean those garage boys
With plenty stock, they’re waiting for the next price rise
Chorus
I’m told that on the Continent, the story is worse still
And recently the Dutch have launched an anti-driving bill
With horses, drays and bicycles they’ll all be very fit
And no traffic jams a-wreaking havoc with their wit
Chorus
They tell us there’s confusion neath the Oriental clime
The Arabs and the Jew boys, they are at it fairly fine
With bullets flying East and West and down the firing-line
With Russians and the Yankees a-watching all the time
Chorus