Traditional Irish Folk
Opinions of Paddy Magee
I’m Paddy Magee, sir, from Ballinahee, sir
In an illigant ship I come over the say;
Father Donahoe sent me, my passage he lent me–
Sure, only for that, I’d a walked all the way!
He talked of America’s freedom and glory;
“Begorra,” says I, “that’s the counthry for me!”
So, to ind a long story, I’ve now come before ye
To give the opinions of Paddy Magee

Whin Ireland was needing, and famine was feeding
And thousands were dying for something to ate
‘Twas America’s daughters that sent over the waters
The ships that were loaded with corn and whate:
And Irishmen sure will forever remember
The vessels that carried the flag of the free;
And the land that befriended, they’ll die to defend it
And that’s the opinions of Paddy Magee

I’m sure none are bowlder the musket to showlder
Enlisting to learn the sojering trade–
With Corcoran fighting, in Meagher delighting
They swell up the ranks of the Irish Brigade
With Columbia defying the bould British Lion
The sons of ould Ireland forever shall be;
I’ll have no intervention, if that’s their intention–
And that’s the opinions of Paddy Magee
John Bull, ye ould divil
Ye’d betther keep civil!
Remimber the story of ‘Seventy-six
Whin Washington glorious he slathered the Tories;
Away from Columbia you then cut your sticks
And if once again you’re inclined to be meddling
There’s a city that’s called New Orleans, d’ye see
Where Hickory Jackson he drove off the Saxon–
Now that’s the opinions of Paddy Magee

Though now we’re in trouble, it’s only a bubble
We’ll soon make the foes of the Union retire;
Foreign knaves that would meddle had better skedaddle
For them Uncle Sam has a taste of Greek fire!
They’ll find if they try it, Columbia’s a giant
And victory perched on the flag of the free;
For the American nation can whale all creation–
Now that’s the opinions of Paddy Magee
Now that’s the opinions of Paddy Magee