American Old Time Song Lyrics: 18 Limerick Races

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 18

LIMERICK RACES.

I'm a simple Irish lad, I've resolved to see some fun, sirs,
So to satisfy my mind, to Limerick town I came, sirs;
Oh, murther! what a precious place, and what a charming city,
Where the boys are all so free, and the girls are all so pretty!

Chorus.
Musha ring a ding a da, ri too ral laddy, Oh!
Musha ring a ding a da, a too ral laddy, Oh!

It was on the first of May, when I began my rambles,
When everything was there, both jaunting car and gambols;
I looked along the road, which was lined with smiling faces,
All driving off ding-dong to go and see the races.-Chorus.

So then I was resolved to go and see the race, airs.
And on a coach-And-four neatly took my place, sirs.
When a chap bawled out, "Behold! " and the driver dealt a blow, birs;
Faith! he hit me just as fair as if his eyes were in his poll, sire.-Chorus.

So then I had to walk and make no great delay, sire.
Until I reached the course when; everything was gay. sirs;
It's then I spied a wooden house, and in the upper story.
The band struck up a tune called, "Garry Owen and glory. " -Chorus.

There was fiddlers playing jigs, there was lads and lassies dancing.
And chaps upon their nan, round the course sure they were prancing.
Some were drinking whiskey-punch, while others bawled out gaily,
"Hurrah! then for the shamrock green and the splinter of shillelagh! " -Chorus

There was betters to and fro to free who would win the race, sire,
And one of the sporting chaps of course came up to me. sirs;
Says he, "I'll bet you fifty pounds and I'll put it down this minute."
"Ah! then, ten to one, " says I, "The foremast horse will win it. " -Chorus.

When the players came to town, and a funny set was they,
I paid my two' thirteens to go and see the play;
They acted kings and cobblers, and everything so gaily,
But I found myself at home when they struck up. "Paddy Carey. " -Chorus.