Back Home in Derry

notes:
historical: This song is by Bobby Sands. It's about Irish prisoners who were sent to live in the British penal colonies in Australia. Derry is a county and a town in Northern Ireland. Actually the town is offically called "Londonderry" but don't get me started on that.
CDs/MP3s: The Prodigals haven't recorded this. I'm sure someone else has, though.
special Prodigals info: Lately, Ray has started going around in a goatee. He also got a big tattoo on one arm, and bleached the tips of his hair blond. He's turning into such a rock star! I have underwear that says "Rock Star." Amy has some too.

I've been known to sing, "Ohhhh I wish I was back home in Kerry" instead of "Derry," because Kerry is a wonderful county. It's also the butt of all of Ireland's jokes. For the analogy inclined, Kerry:Ireland :: Poland:Europe.

Back Home In Derry

In 1803 we sailed out to sea
Out from the sweet town of Derry
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown
And the marks of our fetters we carried
In rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains
As our good wives we left home in sorrow
As the mainsails unfurled our curses we hurled
On the English and thoughts of tomorrow

Chorus:
Oh, I wish I was back home in Derry
Oh, I wish I was back home in Derry

I cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelight
White horses rode high as the devil passed by
Taking souls to Hades by twilight
Five weeks out to sea, we were now forty-three
Our comrades we buried each morning
And in our own slime we were lost in a time
Of endless nights without dawning

Chorus

Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man
To live out his life in slavery
Where the climate is raw and the gun makes the law
Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery
Twenty years have gone by and I've ended my bond
And comrades' ghosts are behind me
A rebel I came and I'll die just the same
On the cold winds of night you will find me

Chorus