KEVIN BARRY

(Click here to listen to 'Kevin Barry')

In Mountjoy jail one Monday morning, high upon the gallows tree
Kevin Barry gave his young life for the cause of liberty
Just a lad of eighteen summers, yet there's no-one can deny
As he walked to death that morning, he proudly held his head up high

Just before he faced the hangman, in his dreary prison cell
British soldiers tortured Barry, just because he would not tell
The names of his brave comrades, and other things they wished to know
Turn informer or we'll kill you, Kevin Barry answered, no

Another martyr for old Ireland, another murder for the crown
Whose brutal laws may kill the Irish, but can't keep their spirits down
Lads like Barry are no cowards, from the foe they will not fly
Lads like Barry will free Ireland, for her sake they'll live and die

Calmly standing to attention, while he bade his last farewell
To his broken hearted mother, whose no grief no-one can tell
For the cause he proudly cherished, this sad parting had to be
Then to death he walked softly smiling, that old Ireland might be free