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When first I came to the USA with my guitar in hand
I was told that I could get a job singing songs from Ireland
So I headed up to Boston, I was sure it would be alright
But the very first night I got on the stage, I was in for a big surprise
They said:
CHORUS
You’re not Irish, you can’t be Irish, you don’t know “Danny Boy”
Or “Toora Loora Loora” or even “Irish Eyes”
You’ve got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland
So cut out all the nonsense and sing “McNamara’s Band”
To tell the truth I got quite a shock and I didn’t know what to say
So I sang a song in Gaelic, I thought that might win the day
But they looked at me suspiciously and I didn’t know what was wrong
Then all of a sudden they started to shout “ Now sing a real Irish song”
The next day I was on my way, for Chicago I was bound
I was ready to give it another try and not let it get me down
From the stage they looked quite friendly but I’d hardly sung one word
When a voice called out from the back of the room and what do you think I heard?
Now I’ve travelled all round the country, but it’s always been the same
From LA to Philedelphia, and from Washington to Maine
But sometimes now I wonder if it’s a secret society
And it doesn’t matter wherever I go, they’ll be waiting there for me
Saying:
You’re not Irish, you can’t be Irish, you don’t know “Danny Boy”
Or “Toora Loora Loora” or even “Irish Eyes”
You’ve got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland
So cut out all the nonsense and sing “McNamara’s Band”
Love of the Land - Green Linnet, GLCD 1097
Words and Music by Robbie O'Connell © 1985
Slievenamon Music (BMI)
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