My name’s Duncan Campbell, from the shire of Argyll,
I’ve travelled this country for many a mile –
I’ve travelled thro’ England and Scotland and a’,
And the name I go under’s bold Erin-go-Bragh.
One night in Auld Reekie, as I walked down the street,
A saucy policeman by chance I did meet;
He glowered in my face and gave me some jaw,
Saying “When came ye over , bold Erin-go-Brath?”
“I am not a Paddy, though Ireland I’ve seen,
Nor am I a Paddy, though in Ireland I’ve been
But though I were a Paddy, that’s nothing ava,
There’s many a bold hero from Erin-go-Bragh.”
“I know you are a Pat by the cut of your hair,
But you all turn Scotchmen as soon’s you come here;
You have left your own country for breaking the law,
We are seizing all stragglers from Erin-go-Brath.”
“Though I were a Paddy, and you knew it to be true,
Or were I the devil – pray, what’s that to you?
Were it not for the baton you have in your paw,
I would show you a game played in Erin-go-Bragh.”
Then a switch of blackthorn that I held in my fist,
Across his big body I made it to twist;
And the blood from his napper I quickly did draw,
And paid him stock and interest for Erin-go-Brugh.
The people came round like a flock of wild geese,
Crying, “Stop, stop the rascal, he has killed the police!”
And for every friend I had, I’m sure he had twa-
It was very tight times with bold Erin-go-Bragh.
But I came to a wee boat that sails on the Forth,
I picked up my all, and I steered for the North;
Farewell to Auld Reekie, policeman and a’,
May the devil be with them says Erin-go-Bragh.
Now, all you brave fellows that listen to my song,
I don’t care a farthing to where I belong;
I come from Argyll, in the Highlands so braw,
But I ne’er take it ill when called Erin-go-Bragh.
