Spancilhill – The Song

(1)
Last night as I lay dreaming of pleasant days gone by
My mind been bent on rambling to Irelands isle I did fly
I stepped on board a vision and I followed with a will
Till at last I came to anchor at the Cross of Spancilhill

(2)
Enchanted with the novelty and delighted with the scenes, where in my early childhood I often times has been
I thought I heard a murmer and I think I hear it still,
tis that little stream of water at the Cross of Spancilhill.

(3)
And to amuse my fancy I lay down upon the ground,
Where all my school companions in crowds assembeled´round
some have grown to manhood while more their graves do fill
oh I thought I was back home again at the Cross of Spancilhill.

(4)
It being on a Sabbath morning I thought I heard a bell
O´er hills and valleys sounded in notes that seemed to tell
That Father Dan was coming his duties to fulfil
At the parish church of clooney just one mile from Spancilhill.

(5)
And when the sermon ended we all knelt down in prayer
I hopes for to be ready to climb the golden stairs
And when back home returning we danced with right good will
To Martin Moylan’s music at the Cross of Spancilhill

(6)
It being the twenty-third of June, the day before the fair
When Erins sons and daughters they had all assembled there
The young the old, both stout and bold came there to sport and kill
What a curious combination at the Fair of Spancilhill.

(7)
I went into my old home as every stone can tell
The old boreen was just the same
and the apple tree over the well
I missed my sister Ellen, my brothers Pat and Bill
And only I met strange faces at the Cross of Spancilhill.

(8)
I called to see the neighbours, to hear what they might say
The old were getting feeble and the young ones turning grey
I met with Tailor Quigley, he’s as brave as ever still
Sure he used to mend my britches when I lived in Spancilhill

(9)
I paid a flying visit to my first and only love
She’s as pure as any lili and as gentle as a dove
She threw her arms around me saying Mike I love you still
She is “Mack” the Rangers daughter, the pride of Spancilhill

(10)
I thought I stooped to kiss her as in the days of yore
Says she Mike your only joking as your often were before
The cock flew on the roost again, he crew both loud and shrill
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill.

(11)
But when my vision faded, the tears came in my eyes
I hope to see that dear old spot some day before I die
May the Almighty King of Angels His choisest blessing spill
On that glorious spot of nature
The Cross of Spancilhill.