Lyrics Bound for Botany Bay - John Doyle

Bound for Botany Bay

My name is James O’Donnell,
In iron and chains I’m bound.
In exile from my native land,
As a traitor to the crown.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
I was born into the Dublin streets,
A native wild and free.
When I was young I’d sport and run
By the Coombe and liberties.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
And all were poor, we did endure
The worst of old John Bull.
The depravations of our lot,
We swore we’d pay in full.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
So I joined the brave militia men
And assembled in a band.
We marched on, the fight to win,
And free our native land.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
We fought hard and we fought long,
But outnumbered five to one.
We were hunted through the lanes and streets,
Killed with pikes and guns.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
INSTRUMENTAL
Some were hung, on the gibbet spun,
Woeful was their fate.
I was taken to Kilmainham Gaol
My sentence to await.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
The jury found me guilty,
I stood my crime to pay.
The Judge called out from the dock,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
I saw my aged father
Trembling at the bar.
Likewise I saw my mother
Tearing her white hair.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
I was put on board a vessel,
Moored at Customs House Quay.
The sailors stood around and jeered,
«No more this land you’ll see.»
Oh son, oh son, you’re days are done,
You’re bound for Botany Bay
I watched old Eireann fade from view,
And tears did fill my eyes.
That verdant land I’ll see no more,
Until the day I die.
Oh son, oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
My Name is James O’Donnell,
In iron and chains I’m bound.
In exile from my native land,
A traitor to the crown.
Oh son oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.
Oh son oh son, where are you gone,
You’re bound for Botany Bay.