The wearing of the Green (midi)

D A

1. Oh, Paddy, dear, and did you hear the news that’s going round,

G D A D

the Shamrock is forbid by law to grow on Irish ground.

A

No more St. Patrick’s day we’ll keep, his colours can’t be seen,

G D A D

for there’s a cruel law against the wearing of the green.

D A

2. I met with Napper Tandy and he took me by the hand,

G D A D

He said, “How’s poor old Ireland, and how does she stand?”

A

She`s the most distressful country, that ever yet was seen,

G D A D

for they`re hanging men and women for the wearing of the green.

D A

3. And if the colour we must wear is England`s cruel red,

G D A D

let it remind us of the blood that Ireland has shed.

A

Then pull the shamrock from your hat, and throw it on the sod,

G D A D

and never fear. `twill take root there, tho` under foot `tis trod.

D A

4. When the law can stop the blade of grass from growing as they grow,

G D A D

and when the leaves in summer-time their colour dare not show,

A

then I will change the colour, too, I wear in my caubeen,

G D A D

but till that day, please God, I`ll stick to wearing of the green.

(Dion Boucicault)