Dear Old Wexford Town

Words: Fr. Patrick Kavanagh
Air: Traditional

My bonny barque bounds light and free across the ocean foam
It bears me far from Inisfail to seek a distant home
A lonely exile driven neath misfortunes coldest frown
From my loved home and cherished friends
And Dear Old Wexford Town

Whilst here upon the deck I stand and view the fading shore
What thoughts arise within my heart of friends I’ll see no more
Of the loving deeds and pleasant smiles and fast my tears roll down
When thinking now of friends who dwell in Dear Old Wexford Town

I know not yet but fondly know where’re my footsteps roam
Will I travel away with my heart sweet thoughts of friends and home
So farewell Carnsore and ore my soul the night comes sadly down
Oh God be with you Ireland and dear old Wexford Town

Note:
The full version of Dear Old Wexford Town will be posted on this site in the near future.
See also Peggy Sweeney’s album An Emigrants Letter (2006) for a recorded version available from www.kerrymusic.com and all good record shops.