PADDY

I went into the talkin’ shop to see about the Bill; The Premier‘ e ups and says: “We're waitin’... waitin’ still!” The Tories grinned, and Balfour strung our gamble Haman-high, I outs into the street again, and to meself sez I:

O, it's Paddy this, and Paddy that, an’ “A cattle-driven crew!” But‘ twas “Murphy o’ the Munsters!” when the trump of battle blew. When the wind of battle blew, my boys, when the blast of battle blew, It was Burke, and Shea and Kelly when we marched to Waterloo.

I looked into a newspaper to see about the land That bred the man who broke the sin that Bonaparte planned; They'd room for cricket scores, and tips, and trash of every kind, But when I asked of Ireland's cause, it seemed to be behind.

For it's Paddy this, and Paddy that, and “Do n't annoy us, please!” But it's “Irish Rifles forward — Fast!” when the bullets talk like bees, When the bullets yawn like bees, my boys, when the bullets yawn like bees, It's “Connaught blood is good enough” when they're chanting R. I. P's.

Yes! Sneerin’ round at Irishmen, and Irish speech and ways Is cheaper — much — than snatchin’ guns from battle's red amaze: And when the damned Death's-Head-Dragoons roll up the ruddy tide The Times wo n't spare a Smith to tell how Dan O'Connell died.

For it's Paddy this, and Paddy that, and “The Fifth'll prate and prance!” But it's “Corks and Inniskillings — Front!” when Hell is loose in France, When Clare and Kerry take the call that crowns the shrapnel dance, O, it's “Find the Dublin Fusiliers!” when Hell is loose in France.

We ai n't no saints or scholars much, but fightin’ men and clean, We've paid the price, and three times thrice for Wearin’ o’ the Green. We held our hand out frank and fair, and half forgot Parnell, For Ireland's hope and England's too — and it's yours to save or sell.

For it's Paddy this, and Paddy that, “Who'll stop the Uhlan blade?” But Tommy Fitz from Malahide, and Monaghan's McGlade, When the ranks are set for judgment, lads, and the roses droop and fade, It's “Ireland in the firin’ line!” when the price of God is paid.