Henry Joy (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins
Another trad Irish rebel song for you, this time about Henry Joy McCracken (31 August 1767 - 17 July 1798) who was a leading member of the United Irishmen and led their forces in the field in Antrim in the Rebellion of 1798 with the aim of establishing an independent Irish republic. Following the defeat and dispersal of the rebels under his command, McCracken was court-martialed and executed in Belfast. This song remembers his gallant efforts and ultimate sacrifice for a free and united Ireland.
Lyrics:
An Ulster man I am proud to say from the Antrim Glens I come
Although I labored by the sea I followed fife and drum
I have heard the martial tramp of men; I've seen men fight and die
Ah! lads I well remember when I followed Henry Joy
I pulled my boat up from the sea I hid my sail 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 good-bye
And in the shade of the greenwood glade, sure 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 the o'er the wall
Our pikes and sabers flashed that day - we won, but lost, ah why
No matter lads, I fought beside, and shielded Henry Joy
It was for Ireland's cause we fought, for home and sire we bled
Though our pikes were few still our hearts were true, and five to one lay dead
But many a lassie mourned her lad and mother mourned her boy
For youth was strong in that gallant throng, who followed Henry Joy
In Belfast Town they built a tree, and the Redcoats mustered there
I watched them come at the beat of the drum, rolled out from the barrack square
He kissed his sister and went aloft, he waved a last good-bye
"My God, he died," I turned and cried, "They have murdered Henry Joy!"