MY LOVELY IRISH ROSE

A winding river winds its way close to an Irish home,

And mingles with strathbregga Bay where flows the Atlantic foam.

' Twas in a cot to close to a spot where the river gently flows

I said farewell to my own dear girl ------- my lovely Irish rose.

O Carn fair, beyond compare, I never will forget;

O Carn fair, beyond compare, I think I see it yet.

We sailed away from Moville Bay, taws at the evening's close,

I waved my hand to the dear old land and my lovely Irish rose.

The strangers' land is fair to see, the stranger, too is kind,

But sure there's none I can compare with the girl I left behind;

I'd rather stray by old Millbrae Just at the evening's close,

On a summer's night with my heart's delight ---- my lovely Irish rose.

O Mary dear, I'm lonely here, without you all the while;

I miss your loving words of cheer and I miss your Irish smile.

Before I go to sleep at night, before my eyes I close,

I pray that God may guide you right --- my lovely Irish rose.

By Fred Kearney

Poet and song-writer