Fields of Athenry Lyrics

The Fields of Athenry lyrics and music were written by Pete St. John in 1979 about two fictional characters Michael and Mary. Michael is caught stealing corn from the food depot, and is relentlessly sentenced by Charles Trevelyan(who is an historical figure) to a prison ship bound for Botany Bay.

Of all the recordings of this song, from Paddy Reilly, Sinead O'Connor to the Dubliners the most spine chilling and impressive recordings is by a street musician, Brian O'Donnell. The dashed hopes and dreams of these fictional characters are epitomized by the lisping innocence of this youthful voice. All the hopes and dreams Michael and Mary had can be imagined by listening to him sing with so much heart.

The The Fields of Athenry Lyrics are a prime example of Irish song lyrics that evoke deep mental pictures and strong feelings of injustice that is wrought on this young couple.

By the lonely prison wall.
I heard a young girl calling
Michael they are taking you away,
For you stole Trevelyan's corn.
So the young might see the morn.
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay.

Low, lie the fields of Athenry,
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing,
We had dreams and songs to sing.
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

By the lonely prison wall.
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters Mary when you're free,
Against the famine and the Crown
I rebelled they ran me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity.

Low, lie the fields of Athenry,
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing,
We had dreams and songs to sing.
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

By a lonely harbour wall
She watched the last star falling
And that prison ship sailed out against the sky
Sure she'll wait and hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

Low, lie the fields of Athenry,
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing,
We had dreams and songs to sing.
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

Saint Patrick,
Apostle of Ireland
Saint Patrick History