Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore

Traditional
Key of D, open D tuning (DAF#DAD)

When I was putting together material for the album this song was one that I decided on from the start. For me it's one of the best among the Irish Emigration songs.

From Derry quay we sailed away on the twenty-third of May
We were boarded by a pleasant crew bound for Amerikay
Fresh water then we did take on, six thousand gallons or more
In case we'd run short going to New York,
Far away from the Shamrock Shore

Chorus:
So fare thee well sweet Lisa dear and likewise to Derry town
And twice farewell to my comrade boys
Who dwell on that sainted ground
If fortune it ever should favour me
Or I to have money in store
I'll come back and I'll wed, the wee lassie I left
On Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore

We sailed three days, we were all sea-sick, not a man on board was free
We were all confined unto our bunks, with no one to pity poor me
No father dear or mother kind, to hold up my head when 'twas sore
Which made me think more of the lassie I left
On Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore

Chorus

We safely reached the other side in three and twenty days
We were taken as passengers by a man and led 'round in six different ways
We each of us drank a parting glass, in case we might never meet more

And we drank a health to old Ireland
And Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore

Chorus