Henry Joy

An Ulsterman I am proud to be
From the Antrim Glens I come.
Although I labour by the sea
I have followed flag and drum.
I have heard the martial tramp of men
I've seen them fight and die.
Ah, lads, I well remember when
I followed Henry Joy.

I pulled my boat up from the sea
I hid my sails away,
I hung my nets on a greenwood tree
And I scanned the moonlit bay.
The boys were out, and the Redcoats too,
I kissed my wife goodbye;
And in the shade of the greenwood glade
I followed Henry Joy. "

In Antrim town the tyrant stood,
He tore our ranks with ball,
But with a cheer and a pike to clear
We swept them o'er the wall.
Our pikes and sabres flushed that day,
We won, but lost, ah, why?
No matter lads, I fought beside
And shielded Henry Joy.

Ah, boys, for Ireland's cause we fought;
For her and home we bled,
Though our pikes were few still our hearts beat true,
And five to one lay dead,
And many a lassie mourned her lad,
And mother mourned her boy;
For youth was strong in that gallant throng
Who followed Henry Joy.


In Belfast town they built the tree,
And the redcoats mustered there.
I seen them come a-beatin' on their drums,
Through the cross at Barracks' Square.
He kissed his sister and climbed aloft,
He bid his last good-bye.
And as he died, I turned and I cried,
"You have murdered Henry Joy!"


From Folksongs and Ballads Popular in Ireland, Ossian Publications
Recorded by Clancy Bros.
RG