Unicorn Song Lyrics:  Learn the Words to a World Famous Pub Song!

Learn Unicorn Song lyrics today, and tomorrow you can be one of the thousands of people who express their Irish love of music - loudly - at pubs across the Emerald Isle and around the world.  Tell me if you've heard this before:

A long time ago, when the earth was still green
And there were more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the earth was being born
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn

If you are short on time and want ALL of the lyrics NOW, click here for the full song and two of our favorite performances.

If you have a bit more time and would like to hear some fun facts about the Unicorn Song, keep on a'readin.

6 Fun Things to Know About the Unicorn Song

Here are a few fun facts about this amazing song.  Hopefully they will entice you to sing along the next time you hear it!

1. Unicorn Song lyrics tell the story of Noah and the Great Flood but with a twist. Have a look at the lyrics to see what we mean!
2. This famous song was actually written by Shel Silverstein, a popular American poet, cartoonist, screenwriter, author of children’s books, and singer-songwriter. 
3. But it was the Irish Rovers who made the song popular in the Emerald Isle and in the rest of the world.
4. The Irish Rovers were named after the popular traditional Irish song of the same name.  The original members were born in the Emerald Isles but immigrated to Canada
5. When the Irish Rovers version of the Unicorn Song became popular on the Irish airwaves, it quickly became popular in the pubs.  
6. In fact, it is one of the most famous songs by the band with over 8 million copies in worldwide sales and growing.

Unicorn Song Lyrics

Irish expressions is about having an Irish experience, on demand, wherever you happen to be.  What better way than to sing along? 

To help you do just that, here are the Unicorn Song lyrics!

A long time ago, when the earth was still green
And there were more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the earth was being born
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn

Now god seen some sinnin' and it gave him pain
And he says, "stand back, I'm going to make it rain"
He says, "hey, brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo"

And take some of them green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
Don't you forget my unicorn"

Old Noah was there to answer the call
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started fallin'
He marched in the animals two by two
And he called out as they went through

"Hey, Lord"I've got your green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn
I just can't see no unicorn"

Then Noah looked out through the driving rain
Them unicorns was hiding, playing silly games
Kicking and splashing while the rain was pouring
Oh, them silly unicorns

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, "close the doors 'cause the rain is pourin'
And we just can't wait for no unicorns"

The ark started movin', it drifted with the tide
Them unicorns looked up from the rock and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
And that's why you'll never see a unicorn, to this very day

You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
You're never gonna see no unicorn

Songwriters: Shel Silverstein

The Unicorn lyrics © T.R.O. Inc.

Our Favorite Performance

Here is a classic stage performance by the Irish Rovers.

Another Version - Which Do You Like Better?

This one is illustrated and fun!

Want More Irish Song Lyrics?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish songs!  The music of the Emerald Isle brings people together, telling stories that touch every human emotion.

Learning the lyrics and singing these songs gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!

We have captured 10 of our favorite Irish songs - like Danny Boy, Wild Rover and Red is the Rose in an e-book we call "An Illustrated Irish Songbook."

This fun, free guide is available to you to download.  Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your email address to get instant access!

What's Next?

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. 

• Sing them, listen to them, dance to them, to celebrate Irish culture and share your personal Irish side!
• For more information of this type, you may want to pay a visit to our main section on Irish Song Lyrics.
• And you enjoyed this page in particular, please share your feedback, opinions and stories with your Irish Expressions community!  You can do that by visiting us on Facebook.

Express Your Irish Side With Real Irish Gifts

A note from Bruce:

My friend Stuart Marley and his wife Meredith are the founders of Real Irish Gifts and Travel, one of the finest Irish-themed businesses I have encountered. They have been operating since 1999. 

Members of the Irish Expressions community (that's you!) get 15% off anything in their online store, 365 days a year.  Simply click on the link below and receive your discount automatically at checkout.  Enjoy!

ENJOYING IRISH EXPRESSIONS?  PLEASE CLICK BELOW AND SHARE!