Trip Through Holyhead
Words & Music Keiran Halpin Celtic Music
(Recorded by Tom Lewis on Demand Performance)
Fifty-three and the factory’s closing;
there’s not enough work to go round,
My brother he stuck to the farming; I headed for London Town.
South Camden and I’m in my lodging; the room is both dirty and
small,
But the landlady’s simple and friendly; makes up for the damp
on the wall
Makes up for the damp on the wall.
Seven-thirty a.m. in the morning; myself and the lads on the
road,
The noise of the 'dozers is deafening; and the work is a sight
to behold
And the sub is a gift sent from heaven; it’ll bide me until I
get paid
It’ll pay for the rent and the drinking and leave me a bit for
to save.
And leave me a bit for to save.
Now I’ve worked for Laing and for Wimpey; I’ve been sent from
Billy to Jack
I’ve worked till there’s nothing left in me; and I’ve worked
till they’ve broken my back
Come payday I’m out on the banter; there’s not a lot else for
to do,
I’ve sent a few bob to my parents; so the rest is for me and
for you.
The rest is for me and for you
Come Christmas I’m standing in Euston; my brown leather
suitcase in hand
The nine thirty waiting to take me; back over to sweet
Inishmaan,
And it’s out beyond Watford and Rugby; by Chester I’ve had my
eight beer,
Past Bangor and the cold Straights of Menai; and finally
Holyhead Pier.
And finally Holyhead Pier.
You would think the whole country of Erin; was waiting to get
on the boat.
There was accents from Antrim to Kerry; from Westmeath to the
high Hill of Howth,
And in no time we’re into Dun Laoghaire; with the dawn rising
clear in the sky.
I’m on the last leg of my journey; it’s hello to the fair
Erin's Isle.
(Say) Hello to the fair Erin's Isle.
There’s much jubilation and laughter; it’s true that there’s
no place like home,
With all of my friends and relations; but it's too soon I have
to be going.
For there’s not enough work in this country; no there’s not
enough land to go round,
So thousands of others just like me; are heading out for
London Town.
We’re heading out for London Town
