I remember the day, it stands clear in my mind
We stood down to Dun Laoighaire to wave you goodbye
Your ma was quietly weeping, there was a tear in my eye
As they sent you to Gallipoli to die

You looked so young as you stood there, a glint in your eye
And you sang rebel songs as the streamers flew high
Your ma turned away, and I heard her sigh
For you are sailing to Gallipoli to die

You were all that we had, your mammy and me
When you marched head erect, you were proud as could be
And it killed your poor ma, and it slowly killed me
When you were blown to kingdom come on the shores of Gallipoli

We got only the one letter and we knew right away
It said "Deepest regrets your son was bold and he was brave"
You were only 18, yet your mammy and I
Let you go to Gallipoli to die

You were all that we had, your mammy and me
When you marched head erect, you were proud as could be
And it killed your poor ma, and it slowly killed me
When you were blown to kingdom come on the shores of Gallipoli

You fought for the wrong country, you died for the wrong cause
And your ma often said that it was Ireland's great loss
All those fine young men who marched to foreign shores to fight the wars
When the greatest war of all was at home
You were all that we had, your mammy and me
When you marched head erect, you were proud as could be
And it killed your poor ma, and it slowly killed me
When you were blown to kingdom come on the shores of Gallipoli

You were all that we had, your mammy and me
When you marched head erect you were proud as could be
And it killed your poor ma, and it slowly killed me
When you were blown to kingdom come on the shores of Gallipoli