Appalachian Celtic Consort: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

An Irish song about the melancholy trip to America to escape the potato famine. Appropriately, the hornpipe follows as a representation of their arrival in New York. Features Neil on the mandolin and Mark Nelson on vocals.

We sailed away from Derry Quay on the twenty third of May, ☼ We were boarded by a pleasant crew bound for America ☼ Fresh water there we did take on five thousand gallons or more ☼ In case we run short going to New York far from Paddy’s green shamrock shore. ☼ We safely reached the other side in three and twenty days ☼ We were taken as passengers by a man and sent around six different ways. ☼ Then each of us raised a parting glass in case we should never meet more ☼ And drank a toast to old Ireland far from Paddy’s green shamrock shore. ☼ So fair thee well, old Ireland and likewise to Derry town. ☼ And twice farewell to my comrades all who dwell on that sainted ground. ☼ If fortune should ever favor me, or if I should have money in store ☼ I’ll return and I’ll wed the wee lassie I left there on Paddy’s green shamrock shore.