Paddy Goes To Holyhead - Henry Joy

Henry Joy

An Ulsterman I am proud to be
From the Antrim Glens I come
Although I labour by the sea
I have followed flag and drum
I have heard the martial tramp of men
I´ve seen them fight and die
Ah, lads, I well remember when
I followed Henry Joy

I pulled my boat up from the sea
I hid my sails away
I hung my nets on a greenwood tree
And I scanned the moonlit bay
The boys were out, and the Redcoats too
I kissed my wife goodbye
And in the shade of the greenwood glade
I followed Henry Joy

In Antrim town the tyrant stood
He tore our rank swith ball
But with a cheer and a pike to clear
We swept them o´er the wall
Our pikes and sabres flushed that day
We won, but lost, ah, why
No matter lads, I fought beside
And shielded Henry Joy

Ah, boys, for Ireland´s cause we fought
For her and home we bled
Though our pikes were few
still our hearts beat true
And five to one lay dead
And many a lassie mourned her lad
And mother mourned her boy
For youth was strong in that gallant throng
Who followed Henry Joy