Lyrics
Oh, Paddy dear, and did you hear
Expressing a question to someone named Paddy about recent news.
The news that's going round?
Referencing circulating news or information.
The shamrock is forbid by law
Noting that the shamrock is prohibited by law in Ireland.
To grow on Irish ground!
Emphasizing the ban on the shamrock's growth in Irish soil.
St. Patrick's Day no more we'll keep,
Declaring the discontinuation of celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
His color can't be seen,
Explaining that the color associated with St. Patrick can't be displayed.
For there's a bloomin' law agin'
Highlighting a legal prohibition against wearing the color green.
The wearing of the green.
Expressing discontent with a law against wearing green.
I met with Napper Tandy
Introducing a character, Napper Tandy, and describing a meeting.
And he took me by the hand,
Describing a physical interaction with Napper Tandy.
And he said, "How's poor old Ireland
Quoting Napper Tandy's inquiry about the state of Ireland.
And how does she stand?"
Asking about the condition of Ireland.
"She's the most distressful country
Describing Ireland as a distressed country.
That ever yet was seen;
Emphasizing the extreme distress of Ireland.
They're hanging men and women there
Indicating severe consequences, including hangings, for wearing green.
For wearing of the green."
Reiterating the risk associated with wearing the color green.
Then since the color we must wear
Acknowledging the enforced adoption of England's red color.
Is England's cruel red,
Asserting that Ireland's songs will remember the shed blood.
Sure Ireland's songs will ne'er forget
Connecting the red color to the bloodshed in Ireland's history.
The blood that they have shed.
Suggesting the removal of the shamrock but acknowledging its resilience.
You may take the shamrock from your hat now,
Advising to discard the shamrock, anticipating its continued growth.
Cast it on the sod,
Encouraging throwing the shamrock on the ground.
But 'twill take root and flourish still,
Asserting that the shamrock will persist despite being trampled.
Tho' under foot it's trod.
Highlighting the resilience and persistence of the shamrock.
When the law can stop the blades of green
Expressing defiance against a law preventing the growth of green.
From growing as they grow,
Speculating on a future where green blades are restricted from growth.
And when the leaves in summertime
Envisioning a time when leaves can't display their green color.
Their verdue dare not show,
Elaborating on the potential suppression of green in summertime.
Then I will change the color that I
Committing to a change in color if green is forbidden.
Wear in my canteen;
Expressing determination to wear green until laws change.
But 'till that day, please God, I'll stick
Pledging allegiance to wearing green until a specified day.
To wearing of the green
Reaffirming the commitment to wearing green until conditions change.
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