The Banks of my own Lovely LeeTo the home of my childhood away To the days when each patriot's vision seemed bright Ere I dreamed that those joys would decay My heart was as light as the fair wind that blows Down the Mardyke through each elm tree Where I sported and played 'neath each green leafy shade On the banks of my own lovely Lee Where I sported and played 'neath each green leafy shade On the banks of my own lovely Lee And then in the springtime of laughter and song Can I ever forget the sweet hours With the friends of my youth as we rambled along 'Mongst the green mossy banks and wild flowers Then too when the evening's sun's sinking to rest Sheds it's golden light over the sea The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed On the banks of my own lovely Lee The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed On the banks of my own lovely Lee 'Tis a beautiful land this dear isle of song It's gems shed their light on the world And her faithful sons bore through ages of wrong The banner St. Patrick unfurled Oh would I were there with the friends I love best And my fond bosom partner with me We'd roam thy bank over and when weary we'd rest By thy waters, my own lovely Lee Yes we'd roam thy bank over and when weary we'd rest By thy waters, my own lovely Lee Change Key to D Oh what joys should be mine ere this life should decline To seek shells on thy sea-gilded shore While the steel-feathered eagle, oft splashing the brine Brings longing for freedom once more Oh all that upon earth I wish for or crave That my last crimson drop be for thee To moisten the grass on my forefathers grave On the banks of my own lovely Lee Yes to moisten the grass on my forefathers grave On the banks of my own lovely Lee Slow last line |