The Garden of Eden has vanished they say
But I know the lie of it still
Just turn to the left at the bridge of Finea
And stop when halfway to Cootehill

It's there you'll find it I know sure enough
For fortune has come to my call
The grass it is green around Ballyjamesduff
And the blue sky is over it all

And tones that are tender and tones that are ruff
Come whispering over the sea
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me

My mother once told me that when I was born
The day that I first saw the light
I looked down the street on that very first morn
And gave a crow of delight

Now most newborn babies appear in a puff
And start with a sorrowful squall
But I knew I was born in Ballyjamesduff
And that's why I smiled at them all

The baby's a man now, he's toil-worn and tough
Still, whispers come over the sea
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me...