On the 19th day of April, their gallant ships at sail,
with 55 brave Irish lads through Sons of Granwell.
They landed safely in New York on the 19th day of May,
for to meet their friends and relatives all in the USA.
Their relatives did meet them there as soon as they did land,
with many a bumper drank their prayers as they clasped hand in hand.
Though some of them had few friends there, their hearts were light and bold,
and by those swaggering Yankees there could not be.
As the six of our brave Irish lads were going down Charles Street,
one of these Yankee gentlemen they happened for to meet.
He took them to a nail house where he called for drinks galore.
I'm sure such entertainment they'd never seen before.
The air...
Till it flowed full fast and free, they had a jolly time,
which is more than they expected upon that foreign claim.
But when he thought he had them drunk, the Yankee then did say,
You are listed in the army now to fight for the USA.
They looked at one another,
and then to him made plain,
"'Tis not for this that we came here across the raging main,
but to earn an honest livelihood as thousands did before,
who emigrated from their homes by the dear old Shannon shore.
Six of these Yankee soldiers came dressed without a lay.
They said,
No, lads, you must prepare with us to come away.
This is our esteemed officer, he listed you complete.
So do not strive far to resist, we can no longer wait."
The Irishmen jumped to their feet, which made the Yankees frown,
and with every blow that they did strike,
They brought a soldier down
That officer and all his men
They left in crimson gore
And they proved themselves
St. Patrick's sons
Throughout Columbia's shore
A Frenchman of great fame
Had seen what the soldiers tried to do
He said, I will protect you
From that Yankee criminal crew
I will take you to Ohio
Where I have authority
And I'll keep you in employment there
Till you leave this country
So now to conclude and finish
Let young and all unite
And offer up a fervent prayer
Both morning and night
In honor of the Lord above
To help you hold your sway
And to keep you from all danger
When you go to the USA