John Mitchell
I am a boatsman by my trade John Mitchell is my name,
When first I joined the country from Newry town I came;
I struggled hard both day and night to free my native land,
Until I became transported as you shall understand. As sung by Lemmy Brazil, Gloucester 29 September 1967 (Springthyme 67.6.41). In: Shepheard,
Peter. Folk Songs and Ballads of the Brazil Family of Gloucester (1967).
I am a boatsman by my trade John Mitchell is my name,
When first I joined the country from Newry town I came;
I struggled hard both day and night to free my native land,
Until I became transported as you shall understand.
When first I joined this country it was in ’43,
And what had followed after it’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to me;
I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . my parents, I gloried in the deed,
I vowed to Heaven I’d never rest till old Ireland was let free.
And when I reached old Dublin town, it grieved my heart full sore,
In parting from old Ireland, it grieved me worst of all;
But if ever I return again I will make you my bride,
I’ll roll you in my loving arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Here’s adieu unto my tender wife likewise my children three,
Likewise my dear old mother she’ll shed a tear for me;
My friends and my relations all, they’ll mourn for my down fall,
And parting from old Ireland, it grieved me worst of all.
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