An Sean-bheann Bhocht/the Old Woman's Reel

Good people lend an ear, says the sean-bheann bhocht

While the truth I do declare, says the sean-bheann bhocht

How the landlord threw me out of my home and my farm

And the land that once was mine, says the sean-bheann bhocht

The sean-bheann bhocht

My dwelling they pulled down, says the sean-bheann bhocht

That my father built with tears, says the sean-bheann bhocht

They leveled it to the earth, though my rent I freely gave

And my children there I reared, says the sean-bheann bhocht

The sean-bheann bhocht

People live at my expense, says the sean-bheann bhocht

And pay no recompense, says the sean-bheann bhocht

It does seem to me unjust that I should pay such heavy tithes

When for my own I can't provide, says the sean-bheann bhocht

The sean-bheann bhocht

They've routed the large lakes, says the sean-bheann bhocht

From where nature had them laid, says the sean-bheann bhocht

With the world in such a state, how can a poor man with no lease

Ever hope to hold his place, says the sean-bheann bhocht

The sean-bheann bhocht

They've felled the tallest trees

And the birds they sing no more

Now how can Erin stand, when the yew and oak and gone?

And we are exiled from our home, says the sean-bheann bhocht

The sean-bheann bhocht

My children they must flee, says the sean-bheann bhocht

By the scores each second day, says the sean-bheann bhocht

My children most away, across the raging sea, to live in Amerikay

says the sean-bheann bhocht, the sean-bheann bhocht

And I am left alone, to sorrow and to mourn...

And I am left alone, says the sean-bheann bhocht