American Old Time Song Lyrics: 08 I Dreamed That Old Ireland Was Free
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 8
I Dreamed that Old Ireland was Free.
Written and sung by Johnny Gibbons.
One night as I slumbered in sweet, peaceful rest,
Tired out from a long day of toil,
My thoughts, like a bird, o er the ocean's white crest,
Wandered back to my own native soil;
But a great change had come, since the time when a boy,
I played 'round my old mother's knee,
And my heart seemed to leap in my bosom with joy,
For I dreamed that old Ireland was free.
Chorus.
The days of her freedom at last had a word,
The time that we all long to see;
For which our great ancestors nobly had strove-
I dreamed that old Ireland was free.
I thought the chains that bad bound her were broke,
And the dear little isle of my birth
At last from her slumbers of years had awoke,
And again was a power on earth;
The green flag of Erin was proudly unfurled,
O'er the emerald isle of the sea,
And loudly announced to the wondering world,
At last dear old Ireland was free.-Chorus.
I awoke and I found that 'twas only a dream,
A dream that had fled w ith the night.
For when through the window the morning sunbeam
Shone in, my visions took flight;
I sank on my knees by mv bedside to pray,
That the time may not far distant be
When my vision shall come in the broad light of day,
And will welcome old Ireland free. - Chorus.