One cold winter’s morning, just as day was dawning
I sailed out of Galway, across the wild sea
My home left behind me, no friends to stand by me
Alone I was bound for Americay
In New York I landed, flat broke I was stranded
In search of employment I walked through the town
There was no job waiting so without hesitating
I went to the station, my name to put down
Then up spoke the captain, said he ‘My fine young man
Here’s pen and here’s paper, you know what to do!’
Praying nothing would harm me I joined Lincoln’s Army
To fight for the stars, the Red, White and the Blue
Well they gave me a cap and boots of strong leather
They gave me a gun and a fine coat of blue
And then in marching formation for God and the nation
We left New York City our duty to do
Then General Sherman, he gave us a sermon
On the love of one’s country and the rights of mankind
As we marched down through Georgia my thoughts were on Galway
And the friends and relations I left far behind
Johnny Rebel was waiting, ourselves he was hating
And all that we stood for he hated that, too
But he was a fine fellow and this I will tell you
He stood his ground bravely, no more could he do
For four angry years, through blood, sweat and tears
We slaughtered each other never counting the cost
Through hail and fine weather, brother fought brother
'Til compassion was gone and all reason was lost
And nobody questioned or made a suggestion
As to why they all died they just could not explain
Ah, but if this war’s over, before we’re much older
I promise it never will happen again
Now the fighting has ended and peace is descended
In this war blackened country our comrades lie low
Lying shoulder to shoulder, their bones growing colder
The marching is over, there’s nowhere to go
And so, Mister Lincoln, I find myself thinking
In spite of what’s happened I know what we’ll do
And God if he’s willing, there’ll be no more killing
And we’ll raise up the stars, the Red, White and the Blue
Other The Irish Rovers songs:
all The Irish Rovers songs all songs from 1998