1. I was born in the county of Kerry

Near the town of sweet Cahirciveen;

Ah, it's there that the people are merry,

'Mid the hills and the valleys so green

My grandfather had an old fiddle

Ah 'twas he made the melodies flow

And always my cradle was rock'd

To the tune of rollicking Rosin the Bow

Chorus

Then boys, take the floor with your colleens

And shake up your heel and your toe

Just loosen the fiddler's elbow,

And he'll play you up Rosin the Bow.

 

2. The day I was married to Eileen

My grandad was still to the fore,

With his fiddle to set your heart dancing,

When the brogues met the good earthen floor.

Now I think of the bright smiling faces;

Most are Bone where the best of us go.

Still in mem'ry I hear the glad laughter

And the strains of sweet Rosin the Bow.

Chorus

Then boys, take the floor with your colleens . . .

 

3. When my troubles and trials are over,

May my dust rest in Kerry's dear ground:

And my soul that loved God and old Ireland,

To Heaven I hope will be bound.

And there, I feel sure I'll see round me,

The dear ones I loved here below.

On the harp I'm no good, but with cat-gut and wood,

Sure I'll crack them up Rosin the Bow.

Chorus

Then boys, take the floor with your colleens . . .

 

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