Roddy McCorley

As recorded by Hobnail, on To the Fray (2008)
Available at iTunes | CD Baby | HobnailMusic.com

O see the fleet-foot host of men, who march with faces drawn,
From farmstead and from fishers' cot, along the banks of Bann;
They come with vengeance in their eyes. Too late! Too late are they,
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.

Up the narrow street he stepped, so smiling, proud and young.
About the hemp-rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung;
There's ne'er a tear in his blue eyes, fearless and brave are they,
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.

When last this narrow street he trod, his shining pike in hand
Behind him marched, in grim array, an earnest stalwart band.
To Antrim town! To Antrim town, he led them to the fray,
But young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.

There's never a one of all your dead more bravely died in fray
Than he who marches to his fate in Toomebridge town today;
True to the last! True to the last, he treads the upwards way,
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.

(All tracks traditional; arr. Clifford (ASCAP), Decker, Kane, Morgan (ASCAP), Osthaus.)

Jeff Morgan: Vocals, guitar, concertina
Peter Kane: Fiddle, mandolin
Patrick Clifford: Bass, vocals
Randy Decker: Drums, percussion, vocals
Buddy Osthaus: Whistles, vocals

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Patrick Clifford. Recording assisted by Courtney Greenwood.
Art direction by Randy Decker.
Front cover and group photo © 2006, 2008 Jeff Morgan.
Back cover photo © 2008 Randy Decker.

(c)(p) 2008 The Irish Side. Made in the USA. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.