134. I Left Ireland and Mother because We Were Poor

 

134

1 Left Ireland and Mother because We Were Poor

This song of the Irish immigrant was sung in the North Woods
(Dean 1 17-18, a considerably fuller text). I have not found it
recorded elsewhere.

'Boy Leaving Home.' Reported by L. W. Anderson : "Collected from
Lizzie Hines as sung by her aunt, Mrs. W. T. Perry, Kitty Hawk."

1 There is a dear spot in Ireland
I long for to see.

It is my old native birthplace.
But it's heaven to me.

2 We hadn't any money,
But my poor mother dear
Pressed a kiss on my forehead,
Bid my heart be [of] good cheer.

3 How sad is my heart!
My poor mother is gone.
I left Ireland and mother
Because we were poor.