TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO (BALLAD OF MICHAEL GAUGHAN)

By

SEAMUS  ROBINSON  © 1974

( for Vol. Michael Gaughan, IRA, who died on hunger strike in a

 British prison at 7.20 pm on the 3rd of June 1974.His final request

 was: "Take me home to Mayo."

 

( CHORUS )

 

           Take me home to Mayo, across the Irish Sea;

           Home to dear old Mayo, where once I roamed so free.

           Take me home to Mayo, there let my body lie;

           Home at last in Mayo, beneath an Irish sky.

 

1.          My name is Michael Gaughan, from Ballina I came;

       I saw my people suffering and swore to break their chain –

       I raised the flag in England, prepared to fight or die –

         Far away from Mayo, beneath an Irish sky.

 

( repeat chorus )

 

 2.    My body cold and hungry, in Parkhurst Gaol I lie;

        For loving of my country, on hunger strike I die --  

        I have just one last longing, I pray you’ll not deny –

        Bury me in Mayo, beneath an Irish sky.

 

( chorus twice )