Erin-Go-Bragh

My name's Duncan Campbell from the shire of Argyll
I've travelled this country for many's the mile
I've travelled through Ireland, Scotland and a'
And the name I go under's bold Erin-go-bragh

One night in Auld Reekie as I walked down the street
A saucy big polis I chanced for to meet
He glowered in my face and he gi'ed me some jaw
Sayin' "When cam' ye over, bold Erin-go-bragh?"

"Well I am not a Pat though in Ireland I've been
Nor am I a Paddy though Ireland I've seen
But were I a Pat, now, what's that at a'?
For there's many's the bold hero from Erin-go-bragh"

"Well I know you're a Pat by the cut of your hair
But you all turn to Scotsmen as soon as you're here
You left your ain country for breaking the law
And we're seizing all stragglers from Erin-go-bragh"

"Were I a Pat and you knew it were true
Or were I the devil, then what's it to you?
Were it not for the stick that you hold in your paw
I would show you a game played in Erin-go-bragh"

And a lump of blackthorn that I held in my fist
Around his big body I made it to twist
And the blood from his napper I quickly did draw
And paid him stock-and-interest for Erin-go-bragh

Then the people came around like a flock of wild geese
Crying "Catch that daft rascal, he's killed the police"
And for every friend I had I'll swear he had twa
It was terrible hard times for Erin-go-bragh

But I cam' to a wee boat that sailed in the Forth
And I packed up my gear and I steered for the North
Fareweel to Auld Reekie, you polis and a'
And the devil gang with you, says Erin-go-bragh

So come all you young people, wherever you're from
I don't give a damn to what place you belong
I come from Argyll in the Hielands so braw
But I ne'er took it ill being called Erin-go-bragh

DT #531
Laws Q20
recorded by Dick Gaughin
SOF