I am a true-born Irishman
John Mitchel is my name
To free my own brave countrymen
From Newry town I came …
I struggled hard both night and day
To free my native land
For which I was transported
As you may understand.
When first I joined my countrymen
Was the year of ’42
And then what followed after that
I’ll quickly tell to you
I raised the standard of Repeal
And gloried in the deed
I vowed to heaven I ne’er would rest
Till
Farewell my gallant countrymen
It grieves my heart full sore
To think that I must part from you
Perhaps forever more
The love I have for my native land
I know no other crime
That’s the reason I must go
Unto a foreign clime.
When I was in prison fast confined
Awaiting my trial day
My loving wife she came to me
And this to me did say
‘John, my dear, cheer up your heart
Undaunted always be!
It’s better to die for
Than to live in slavery’.
When I received my sentence
In cold irons I was bound
With hundreds of my countrymen
Assembled all around
My liberty was offered me
If I forsook the cause
I’d rather die a thousand deaths
Than forsake my Irish boys.
I was placed upon a convict ship
Without the least delay
For
And I’ll ne’er forget that day
As I stood upon the deck
To take one farewell view
I shed a tear, but not from fear
My native land for you.
Adieu, adieu to Newry town
And likewise
And to the young and tender babes
Alas, what will they do?
But there’s one request I ask of you
When your liberty you gain
Remember Mitchel far away
A convict bound in chains.