In the merry month of May, when from home I started
Kissed the girls of Tuam, sadly broken hearted
Saluted my father dear, kissed my darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, my tears in grief to smother;

When away to reap the corn, leave where I was born
Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghost and goblin
In a brand-new pair of brogues, rattling o'er the bogs
Frightening all the dogs, on the rocky road to Dublin.

Chorus:
One two three four five, hunt the hare and turn her
Down the rocky road, all the way to Dublin
Rye-ful daddle dah...

In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight, next morning bright and early
Took a drop of the pure, to keep me spirits from sinking
That's an Irishman's cure whenever he's on for drinking;

I see my lassie's smile, laughing all the while
At my curious style to set my heart a-bubbling
Asking on ahead, my wages I required
Till I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin.

return to the English-language songs page >>>>>>>
return to the sean-nós singing page >>>>>>>