My son, I loved our native land with energy and pride
Until a blight came on my land, my sheep and cattle died.
The rent and taxes were to pay, I could not them redeem,
And that’s the reason why I left old Skibbereen.

Oh it’s well I do remember that bleak December day,
The landlord and the sheriff came to drive us all away.
They set my roof on fire with their demon yellow spleen,
And that’s another reason why I left old Skibbereen.

Verses from Skibbereen (traditional)