Skibbereen (Lyrics)

(The writer of this song is thought to be Patrick Carpenter, who was credited for these verses in "The Irish Singer's Own Book", of 1880 [thanks to sdog1981]. It is a traditional, narrative song that takes place during the famine and rebellion of 1848. This song is recorded as originating from County Tyrone.)

Oh father dear, I oft-times hear you speak of Erin's isle
Her lofty hills, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wild
They say she is a lovely land wherein a saint might dwell
So why did you abandon her, the reason to me tell.

Oh son, I loved my native land with energy and pride
Till a blight came o'er the praties; my sheep, my cattle died
My rent and taxes went unpaid, I could not them redeem
And that's the cruel reason why I left old Skibbereen.

Oh well do I remember that bleak December day
The landlord and the sheriff came to take us all away
They set my roof on fire with their cursed English spleen
I heaved a sigh and bade goodbye to dear old Skibbereen.

Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the stony ground
She fainted in her anguish seeing desolation 'round
She never rose but passed away from life to immortal dream
She found a quiet grave, me boy, in dear old Skibbereen.

And you were only two years old and feeble was your frame
I could not leave you with my friends for you bore your father's name
I wrapped you in my cóta mór in the dead of night unseen
I heaved a sigh and bade goodbye to dear old Skibbereen.

Oh father dear, the day will come when in answer to the call
All Irish men of freedom stern will rally one and all
I'll be the man to lead the band beneath the flag of green
And loud and clear we'll raise the cheer, Revenge for Skibbereen!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ronnie
• drew
• skibbereen
• dubliners
• dublin
• folk
• oldies
• classic
• music
• world
• ireland
• irish
• rebellion
• famine
• history

[3tangle3]

WhiIst loving this, I like the original lyrics you posted better sung :)

[guarunteedubliner]

@3tangle3 Thank you. I was trying to keep the lyrics as close to the trad as I could find--that is nothing against Ronnie at all . . . Folk music is one of those things that molds with the singer. It's very personal, yet inclusive.

[sdog1981]

The first known publication of the song was in a 19th-century publication, The Irish Singer's Own Book (Noonan, Boston, 1880), where the song was attributed to Patrick Carpenter, a poet and native of Skibbereen.

[guarunteedubliner]

@sdog1981 Thanks! <3

[rjtierney100]

bet he is glad he left skib now .,with the state of the island now!!

[3tangle3]

@guarunteedubliner I strongly agree with you, but I want to hear ronnie sing the other version as well, but hes has passed from this realm :( RIP

[wildcat2806]

Not bein thick but the lyrics are a bit off.. ??? Or is dat jus me????

[Sshannn1902]

I am looking for this song, it's just a woman who sings.

Can anyone help me? :)

thanks

[janeos01]

Thanks so much, I liked it

[blekii]

nice



[sdog1981]

@guarunteedubliner Your Welcome!