Lyrics
It was on one Monday morning high upon the gallows seen
Kevin Barry gave his young life in the cause of liberty
Just a lad of eighteen summers yet no one can deny
As he walked to death that morning proud he held his head up high.
(Proud he held his head up high.)
Just before he faced the hangman in his dreary prison cell
For the soldiers tortured Barry just because he would not tell
The names of his brave comrades and things they wished to know
Turn informer or we’ll kill you Kevin Barry answered no.
(Kevin Barry answered no.)
Calmly standing to attention while he bade his last farewell
To his broken hearted mother who’s sad grief no one can tell
For the cause he proudly cherished this sad parting had to be
Then to his death he walked smiling that old Ireland might be free.
(Then to his death he walked smiling that old Ireland might be free…)