The Wolfe Tones — Croppy Boy

'Twas early, early all in the spring The small birds whistled and did sweetly sing Changing the notes from tree to tree And the song they sang was 'Old Ireland Free' 'Twas early, early on Tuesday night The Yeoman Cavalry gave me a fright To my misfortune and sad downfall I was taken prisoner by Lord Cornwall I bear no hate against living things But I love my country above the King I alone am left of my native race I will go to Wexford and take their place When I was marching o'er Wexford Hill Oh, who could blame me for to cry my fill? I looked behind and I looked before But my gentle mother I could see no more When I was mounted on the gallows high My aged father, he was standing by My aged father did me deny And the name he gave me was 'The Croppy Boy' 'Twas in old Ireland this young man died And in old Ireland his body lies All you good people who do pass by Pray the Lord have mercy on the Croppy Boy