FOUR GREEN FIELDS
(learned from Phyllis Sheridan in 1998; written by Tommy Makem in 1967)
What did I have? said the fine old woman.
Long time ago, said the fine old woman.
What have I now? said the fine old woman.
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
What did I have? this fine old woman did say.
I had four green fields, and each one was a jewel;
But strangers came, and took my fields from me;
I had five strong sons; they fought to save my fields.
They fought and died, and that is my grief, said she.
Long time ago, this fine old woman did say.
There was war and death, plundering and pillage,
My children died by mountain, valley and sea;
Their wailing cries rose to the very heavens;
My four green fields ran red with their blood, said she.
What have I now? this fine old woman did say.
I have four green fields, but one of them's in bondage,
In strangers' hands, that tried to take them from me;
But my sons have sons as brave as were their fathers,
My four green fields will bloom once again, said she.