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 ranks with 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.