Irish Song Lyrics 
from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
John Mitchel 
I am a true-born Irishman, John Mitchel is my name: When first I joined my comrades from Newry town I came; I laboured hard both day and night to free my native land For which I was transported unto Van Dieman´s Land. 
When first I joined my countrymen it was in ´42; And what did happen after that I´ll quickly tell to you; I raised the standard of Repeal, I gloried in the deed; I vowed to heaven I ne´er would rest till Old Ireland would be freed. 
Farewell my gallant comrades, it grieves my heart full sore To think that I must part from you, perhaps for evermore; The love I bear my native land, I know no other crime; This is the reason I must go into a foreign clime. 
As I lay in strong irons bound, before my trial day My loving wife came to my cell, and thus to me did say: "Oh, John, my dear, cheer up your heart, undaunted always be, For it´s better to die for Erin´s rights than live in slavery." 
I was placed on board a convict ship without the least delay; For Bermuda´s Isle our course was steered: I´ll ne´er forget the day. As I stood upon the deck to take a farewell view I shed a tear, but not for fear; my native land, for you. 
Adieu! Adieu! to sweet Belfast, and likewise Dublin too, And to my young and tender babes; alas, what will they do? But there´s one request I ask of you, when your liberty you gain Remember John Mitchel far away, though a convict bound in chains.