| Last night as I lay dreaming
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| My way across the sea
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| James Mangan brought me comfort
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| With laudnum and poitin
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| He flew me back to Dublin
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| In 1819
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| To a public execution
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| Being held on Stephen’s Green
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| The young man on the platform
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| Held his head up and he did sing
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| Then he whispered hard into my ear
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| As he handed me this ring
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| If you miss me on the harbour
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| For the boat, it leaves at three
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| Take this snake with eyes of garnet
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| My mother gave to me!
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| This snake cannot be captured
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| This snake cannot be tied
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| This snake cannot be tortured, or Hung or crucified
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| It came down through the ages
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| It belongs to you and me So pass it on and pass it on
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| 'Till all mankind is free
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| If you miss me on the harbour
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| For the boat, it leaves at three
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| Take this snake with eyes of garnet
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| My mother gave to me He swung, his face went purple
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| A roar came from the crowd
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| But Mangan laughed and pushed me And we got back on the cloud
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| He dropped me off in London
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| Back in this dying land
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| But my eyes were filled with wonder
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| At the ring still in my hand
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| If you miss me on the harbour
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| For the boat, it leaves at three
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| Take this snake with eyes of garnet
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| My mother gave to me!
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| And if you miss me on the harbour
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| For the boat, it leaves at three
|
| Take this snake with eyes of garnet
|
| My mother gave to me! |