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These lyrics are
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These lyrics are
presented to you by: www.bogsiderogues.com |
Take Me Home To Mayo
Seamus (Jim) Robinson
Note: The group "The Wolfhound" were the first to record this song written by Seamus Robinson. It was released first as a single and then on a vinyl album. It was first recorded in June 1974 in the home of the author. It is written about Mayo man, Michael Gaughan of Ballina, who died in Parkhurst prison on hunger strike in June 1974 at age 24 alongside another Mayo man, Frank Stagg, and others of the Belfast Ten. They were fighting for political status for prisoners, a fight that continued into the 1980's with more hunger stikes including that of the famous ten that died in 1981, led by Bobby Sands. Michael was a loyal IRA man, belonging to a London branch while working in England. He was eventually given a republican Funeral and buried in Ballina, 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.
My name is Michael Gaughan, from Ballina I came.
I saw my people suffering and swore to break their chains.
I raised the flag in England, prepared to fight or die.
Far away from Mayo beneath an Irish sky.
Chorus
My body cold and hungry in Parkhurst jail I lie,
For loving of my country on hunger strike I die.
I have but one last longing I pray you'll not deny,
Bury me in Mayo beneath an Irish sky.
Chorus