On The 18th Day Of November / The Laughing Boy lyrics

On the 18th day of November

just outside the town of Macroom

the Tans in their big Crossley tenders

came roaring along to their doom.

But the boys of the column were waiting

with hand grenades primed on the spot

and the Irish Republican Army

made shit of the whole mucking lot

(Brendan Behan)

The Laughing Boy

T'was on an August morning, all in the dawning hours,

I went to take the warming air, all in the Mouth of Flowers,

And there I saw a maiden, and mournful was her cry,

'Ah what will mend my broken heart, I've lost my Laughing Boy.

So strong, so wild and brave he was, I'll mourn his loss too sore,

When thinking that I'll hear the laugh or spinging step no more.

Ah, cure the times and sad the loss my heart to crucify,

That an irish son with a rebel gun shot down my Laughing Boy.

Oh had he died by Pearse's side or in the GPO,

Killed by an English bullet from the rifle of the foe,

Or forcibly fed with Ashe lay dead in the dungeons of Mountjoy,

I'd have cried with pride for the way he died, my own dear Laughing Boy.

My princely love, can ageless love do more than tell to you,

Go raibh maith agat for all you tried to do,

For all you did, and would have done, my enemies to destroy,

I'll mourn your name and praise your fame, forever, my Laughing Boy.

(Brendan Behan)

• Artist:Alexia Vasiliou