American Old Time Song Lyrics: 08 Paddy On The Canal

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 8

PADDY ON THE CANAL.

When I landed in sweet Philadelphia, the weather was pleasant and clear,
I did not stay long in the city, as quickly I shall let you hear.
I did not stay long in the city, for it happen'd to be in the Fall,
I never reef 'd a sail in my rigging, till I anchor'd out on the canal.

Chorus.
So fare you well, father and mother, likewise to old Ireland too;
So fare you well, sister and brother, so kindly I'll bid you adieu.

When I came to this wonderful rampire, it fill'd me with the greatest surprise
To see such a great undertaking, on the like I never open'd my eyes;
To see a full thousand brave fellows at work among mountains so tall,
To dig through the valleys so level, through rocks for to cut a canal.
So fare you well, father and mother, &c.

I enter'd with them for a season, my monthly pay for to draw,
And being in very good humor, I often sung Erin-Go-Bragh.
Our provision it was very plenty, to complain we'd no reason at all,
I had money in every pocket while working upon the canal.
So fare you well, father and mother, &c.

I learnt to be very handy, to use both the shovel and spade,
I learnt the whole art of canalling-I think it an excellent trade.
I learned to be very handy, although I was not very tall,
I could handle the sprig of shillelah, with the best man on the canal.
So fare you well, father and mother, &c.

I being an entire stranger, be sure I had not much to say,
The boss came 'round in a hurry, says, " Boys, it is grog-time a day ;"
We all marched up in good order, he was father now unto as all,
Sure I wish'd myself from that moment to be working upon the canal.
So fare you well, father and mother, &c.

When at night we all rest from our labor, be sure but our rent is all paid,
We lay down our pick and our shovel, likewise our ax and our spade.
We all set a-joking together, there was nothing our minds to enthrall,
If happiness so in this wide world, I am sure it is on the canal.
So fare you well, father and mother, &c.