One fine day in Kilkenny, in September of the year
Our hurling boys were coming home from Cork and we did cheer

The people filled the streets that night all wearing black and gold
They looked like giant bumblebees, all swarming down the road

Up Kilkenny, up the cats
Hooray, the boys are coming back
So raise a flag up to the sky
Wave that gold and black

They town square was a buzzin' as the train pulled into town
You could move an inch cuz there were people all around

Our three time hurling champions were the fair town's pride and joy
Desired by the girls and emulated by the boys

Don't you try to find a pint at any local pub
They're running out of whisky and they're running out of grub

But the craic is flowing freely and the spirits running high
And if I see an empty barstool then I'll meet you by and by

At 8:00 next morning, the streets are thinning out
The celebration's over, but nobody has a doubt
Though the town will become quiet and the crowds will disappear
We'll be waiting for that train again, about this time next year