Peggy Hinsman's Blog

Here are the lyrics of a song Four Green Fields that refer to the four provinces of Ireland: Munster (south), Ulster (north), Connaught (west) and Leinster (east) and the invasion of Ireland by the British.  The “old woman” is actually Ireland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Green Fields:

Verse 1:

“What did I have?”, said the fine old woman.

“What did I have?”, this proud old woman did say.

I had four green fields, and each one was a jewel.

But strangers came and tried to take them from me.

I had fine strong sons who fought to save my jewels.

The fought and they died, now that is my grief said she.

Verse 2:

“Long time ago”, said the fine old woman.

“Long time ago”, this proud old woman did say.

There was war and death, plundering and pillage.

My children starved, by mountain, valley and sea.

And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens.

And my four green fields ran read with their blood, said she.

Verse 3:

“What have I now?”, said the fine old woman.

“What have I now?”, this proud old woman did say.

I have four green fields, but one of them is in bondage.

In strangers hands, who’ve tried to keep it from me.

But my sons have sons, as brave as were their fathers.

And my fourth green field, shall bloom once again, said she.

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