John Mitchell

I am a true born Irishman, John Mitchell is my name,
When first I joined my countrymen, Drurytown I came;
I laboured hard both day and night to free my native land,
By which I was transported, as you may understand.

I was taken on board of a transport ship without any more delay,
To Bermuda town, where we were bound, I'll never forget that day;
It was on our deck I stood awhile to take my farewell view,
I dropped one tear but not through fear, my native land to view.

It was there I was taken a prisoner and in strong irons bound,
Where thousands of my countrymen assembled all around;
Sure I could have my liberty, if I'd forsake their cause,
But I'd rather die one thousand deaths than forsake those Irish lads.

As I lay in strong irons bound, my wife came unto me,
"Cheer up your spirits, John," she said, "Undaunted do not be;
Cheer up your spirits, John," she said, "Undaunted do not be,
For I'd rather you die for Erin's rights than to live in slavery."

Now fare you well, my blooming girl, I'm in grief to part with you,
Likewise my young and tender babes, alas, what will they do?
Also my loyal Irishmen will mourn for my downfall,
And the parting with my native land it grieves me more than all.

Cheer up, my loyal comrades, now my time is near at hand,
And think on me when far away all in some foreign land;
For to rise the standard of repeal to glory,
I vowed to heaven I never will rest until Erin will be free.

####.... Author unknown. Traditional Irish ballad ....####

Sung by Jim Rice (1879-1958) of Cape Broyle, NL, and published in MacEdward Leach And The Songs Of Atlantic Canada © 2004 Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive (MUNFLA).

Note: John Mitchell (1815-1875) was an Irish nationalist activist
and political journalist whose writings led to a conviction for sedition
against the British Crown. He was sentenced to 14 years in the
penal colony of Van Dieman's Land but escaped and spent several
years in the USA, establishing three controversial newspapers
defending slavery and the Southern cause. In 1875, he returned to
Ireland and was elected to Parliament. The election was invalidated
twice because Mitchell was a convicted felon, but he died before his
third protest could be settled in his favor. Mitchell remains a famed
Irish historical figure for his involvement in radical agitation and his
Jail Journal. Writings he published in defense of slavery are
remembered today by few other than American historians.