Croppy Boy - The Wolfe Tones

'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 yeomen 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