Frank Harte - Do Me Justice

From 'There's Gangs of Them Digging' by Frank Harte & Dónal Lunny.

Lyrics:
Well, here I am from Donegal. I feel quite discontented
For to see the way that we're run down, not highly represented.
For to see it is a general rule, to make out Pat a knave or fool,
But never mind, we'll play it cool and stand up for old Ireland.

Do me justice, treat me fair and I'll not be discontented.
And I won't be laughed at anywhere, but highly represented.

Now Mister Punch with his literature; he treats us very badly.
And when he draws our 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.

When on the stage I do appear with a thundering big shillelagh,
With a ragged coat and a tattered hat, you think I'd come out gaily,
With not a word of common sense. They don't know when they give offence.
But they carry on at Pat's expense, why don't they come to Ireland.

They say we're dirty and lazy got, but where's the use to grumble?
But if they visit an Irish home, they're made welcome, though it's humble.
But in public works the country 'round, or where hard work it is to be found,
In a railway tunnels underground, you'll find the boys from Ireland.

Tis very true I like a glass. It makes me feel quite frisky.
I'm very fond 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 betide the foes of home, who would dare run down old Ireland.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Frank
• Harte
• Donal
• Lunny
• Do
• Me
• Justice
• Irish
• Ballad
• Punch