Kevin Barry Lyrics

In Mountjoy Gaol
One Monday morning
High upon the gallows tree
Kevin Barry gave his young life
For the cause of liberty

Just a lad of eighteen summers
Yet there's no one can deny
As he walked to death that morning
He proudly held his head on high

Why not shoot me like a soldier
Do not hang me like a dog
For I fought to free old Ireland
On that bright September morn

All around that little bakery
Where we fought them hand to hand
Why not shoot me like a soldier
For I fought to free Ireland

Just before he faced the hangman
In his dreary prison cell
British soldiers tortured Barry
Just because he would not tell

The names of his brave comrades
And other things they wished to know
Turn informer or we'll kill you
Kevin Barry answered no

Calmly standing to attention
While he bid he last farewell
To his broken hearted mother
Whose sad grief no man can tell

For the cause he proudly cherished
This sad parting had to be
Then to death walked softly smiling
That old Ireland might be free

Another martyr for old Ireland
Another murder for the crown
Whose brutal laws may kill the Irish
But can't keep their spirit down

Lads like Barry they are no cowards
From the foe they will not fly
Lads like Barry will free Ireland
For her sake they live and die