Song information On this page you can find the lyrics of the song Born In Carrickfergus, artist - Andy Irvine.
Date of issue: 31.12.1999
Song language: English
Born In Carrickfergus |
I was born in Carrickfergus in the sweet County Antrim |
And many’s the pleasant childhood hour I spent |
Never dreaming that the future would drive me from my homeland |
I was happy with each moment that God sent |
The broad oak trees in winter their branches bend and sway |
The flowers in the meadow on a long bright summer’s day |
Walking hand in hand with my sister by the strand |
A boat trip from Fisherman’s quay |
O the days we went out sailing on the sea |
I used to watch the older children laughing at the school across our street |
I could scarcely wait to join in with their play |
But I soon found out that my religion marked me down as different |
And our poor school was two long miles away |
All through my teenage years I learned to live in fear |
They beat us and they threatened us, we do not want you here |
And my childhood friends and their families |
They were forced to leave the town |
And I sometimes heard the gunshots that gunned my neighbours down |
Yes I sometimes heard my neighbours gunned down |
A friend was blown up and killed standing at his own front door |
I wept at so many funerals I scarce could weep no more |
And my father’s shop it was boycotted though he treated everyone the same |
And I hope that those who deserted him later felt the shame |
May those who wrecked his business walk in shame |
Carrick was not like Belfast we had no sanctuary to call our own |
We had nowhere like the Falls or the Ardoyne |
On our streets we watched in horror the UVF parading |
The Oppressor in his mask and uniform |
Late one night a car pulled up and a gunman climbed out |
He fired his gun at our window and we heard his obscene shouts |
And the police when they arrived they were hearty hale and bluff |
And I heard the voice of reason crying out enough |
Yes I heard the voice of reason cry enough |
I was born in Carrickfergus in the sweet County Antrim |
I’ve been gone ten years without too much regret |
For the first time in my life I feel confident and trusting |
But the lessons learned I never will forget |
I support the Native People who live throughout this land |
For very well I know the weight of the Oppressor’s hand |
And I teach my children likewise as they flourish and they grow |
And I’m happy living where the Brisbane River freely flows |