Fields of Athenry lyrics are a folk ballad dealing with a sad part of Irish history. The song is set in the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century. It details the story of Michael, a man who is caught stealing food for his family and being sent to Australia as a result.
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
Michael they are taking you away
For you stole Trevelyans corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lay waiting in the bay
Want the full song right away? Click here to jump directly to ALL the lyrics, as well as two of our all-time favorite recordings of this song.
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Here are five fun facts about Fields of Athenry lyrics. Hopefully they will entice you to sing along next time you hear it!
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
Michael they are taking you away
For you stole Trevelyans corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lay waiting in the bay
Chorus:
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing
We had Dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters Mary when you're free
Against the famine and the crown
I rebelled they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity
Chorus
By a lonely harbour wall
She watched the last star falling
As the prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she lives to hope and pray
For her love in Botany bay
It's so lonely around the fields of Athenry
Songwriters: Tom Kochan
Fields of Athenry lyrics © Fearless Lieder
Paddy Reilly's lovely voice and audience participation make this our favorite version.
A harder version, from Dropkick Murphy's.
Which one do you prefer?
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Learning the lyrics and singing these songs gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!
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Folk songs like this one are an essential part of Irish culture and heritage. Even if you're not really into folk music, these Irish melodies tell fascinating stories that take you back to special times in Ireland's long and proud history.
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