Henry Joy Lyrics

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 rank swith 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