| lyric | Oh how oft do my thoughts in their fancy take flight,
to the scenes of my childhood away.
To the days when each patriot’s vision seemed bright,
ere I dreamed that those joys should decay.
When my heart was as light as the wild winds that blow,
down the Mardeyke throught each elm tree.
Where I sported and played ’neath each green leafy shade,
On the banks of my own lovely Lee.
And then in the springtime of laughter and song,
Can I ever forget the sweet hours
With the friends of my youth as we rambled along
‘Mongst the green mossy banks and wild flowers.
Then too, when the evening sun’s sinking to rest
Sheds its golden light over the sea
The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed
On the banks of my own lovely Lee
The maid with her lover the wild daisies pressed
On the banks of my own lovely Lee.
‘Tis a beautiful land this dear isle of song
Its gems shed their light to the world.
And her faithful sons bore thro’ ages of wrong
The standard St. Patrick unfurled.
Oh! would Iwere there with the friends I love best
And my fond bosom’s partner with me
We’d roam thy banks over, and when weary we’d rest
By thy waters, my own lovely Lee.
We’d roam thy banks over, and when weary we’d rest
By thy waters, my own lovely Lee.
Oh what joys should be mine ere this life should decline'
To seek shells on thy sea-gilded shore.
While the steel-feathered eagle, oft splashing the brine
Brings longing for freedom once more.
Oh all that on earth Iwish for or crave
Is that my last crimson drop be for thee
To moisten the grass of my forefathers’ grave
On the banks of my own lovely Lee,
To moisten the grass of my forefathers’ grave
On the banks of my own lovely Lee. |