The Day We Are All Irish
During these snow storms this year, I’ve finally managed to watch all 5 seasons of the HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” TV series (2010-14).
Great series! Great writing! Great cast! Great soundtrack!
Here is one of my absolutely favorite songs from the show – the “I wish I was in Carrickfergus” ballad.
For those who are not from Ireland, Carrickfergus is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the north shore of Belfast Lough. The lyrics for the song are posted below.
Loudon Wainwright III – Carrickfergus
- I wish I was in Carrickfergus, only for nights in Ballygran.
- I would swim over the deepest ocean, the deepest ocean for my love to find,
- But the sea is wide and I can’t swim over, nor have I wings to fly.
- If I could find me a handsome boatman to ferry me over to my love and I.
- My childhood days bring back sad reflections of happy times spent so long ago.
- My boyhood friends and my own relations have all passed on now like the melting snow,
- But I’ll spend my days in endless roaming; soft is the grass, my bed is free.
- Ah, to be back now in Carrickfergus on that long road down to the salty sea.
- And in Kilkenny it is reported there are marble stones as black as any ink.
- With gold and silver I would support her, but I’ll sing no more now till I get a drink.
- I’m drunk today and I’m seldom sober, a handsome rover from town to town.
- Oh, but I’m sick now. And, my days are numbered, so come ye young men and lay me down.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!