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Erin​-​go​-​Bragh

from Across the Water by SixMileBridge

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about

translation: Ireland forever

18th century traditional, expressing eternal allegiance to Ireland

lyrics

My name is Duncan Campbell from the shire of Argyll
I’ve traveled this country for many’s the mile
I’ve traveled through Ireland, Scotland, and all
And the name I go under is bold Erin-Go-Bragh

One night in auld Reekie as I walked down the street
A saucy great police I chanced for to meet
He glowered in my face and he gave me some jaw
Saying when came you over, Erin-Go-Bragh?

Well, I am not a Pat, though in Ireland I’ve been
Nor am I a Paddy, though Ireland I’ve seen
But were I a Paddy that’s nothing at all
For there’s many’s the bold hero from Erin-Go-Bragh

Well, I know you’re a Pat by the cut of your hair
But you all turn to Scotsmen as soon as you’re here
You left your own country for breaking the law
And we’re seizing all stragglers from Erin-Go-Bragh

Oh, and were I a Pat, and you knew it were true
Or were I the devil, then what’s that to you?
Were it not for the stick that you hold in your paw
Then I’d show you a game played in Erin-Go-Bragh

Then a lump of blackthorn that I held in my fist
About his big body I made with a twist
And the blood from his napper I quickly did draw
And paid him stock and interest from Erin-Go-Bragh

Then the people came around like a flock of wild geese
Saying “Catch that daft rascal - he’s killed the police!”
And for every friend I had I’d swear he had twa
It was terrible hard times for Erin-Go-Bragh

So come all you young people wherever you’re from
Who don’t give a damn to what place you belong
I come from Argyle in the highlands so braw
But I ne’er took it ill being called Erin-Go-Bragh

But I came from a wee boat that sails on the Forth
And I packed up my gear and I steered for the north
Farewell to auld Reekie, your police and all
And the devil go with you says Erin-Go-Bragh

credits

from Across the Water, released February 21, 2017

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Maggie Drennon image

Maggie Drennon New York, New York

Maggie Drennon is a premiere voice in Celtic singing, a long standing influence in folk music. She was a founding member of Ceili's Muse in 1989, and SixMileBridge in 1997

Now, with a solo performance that is meaningful yet lighthearted, she is deeply devoted to sharing Celtic traditions with American audiences.

Most importantly she brings us the soaring voice that will inspire your heart! ... more

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