Roddy McCorley
Legacy of Defiance: Roddy McCorley's Courageous Stand
Lyrics
Oh, see the fleet foot hosts of men who come with faces wan
Describing a group of men with pale faces approaching, likely with a serious purpose.
From farm stead and from thresher's cot along the banks of Ban.
These men come from farms and cottages near the Ban River.
They come with vengeance in their eyes, too late, too late are they,
They arrive with a desire for revenge but are too late for something.
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today!
Youthful Roddy McCorley is condemned to die on the Bridge of Toome today.
Up the narrow street he stepped, smiling, proud and young.
Roddy walks up a narrow street, appearing proud and youthful.
About the hemp rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung.
He wears a hemp rope around his neck, and his golden ringlets cling to it.
There was never a tear in his blue eyes, both glad and bright were they,
Roddy shows no tears, and his blue eyes are both happy and bright.
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today!
Roddy heads to his execution with a sense of calm acceptance.
When he last stepped up that street his shining pike in hand
In his last appearance, Roddy carries a shining pike (a spear) in his hand.
Around him marched in grim array a stalwart earnest band.
He is accompanied by a determined and serious group of supporters.
For Antrim Town! For Antrim Town! He led them to the fray,
They shout for Antrim Town, indicating a strong connection to a place or cause.
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today!
Roddy leads them into battle as he heads towards his death.
There is never a one of all who die more bravely fell in fray
No one who dies in battle is more courageous than Roddy McCorley.
Than he who marches to his death on the Bridge of Toome today.
Describing the bravery of one marching to his death on the Bridge of Toome.
True to the last, true to the last, he treads the upward way
Roddy remains true to his cause until the end, ascending a noble path.
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today!
Reiterating Roddy's journey towards his demise on the Bridge of Toome.
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today!
Final repetition emphasizing Roddy McCorley's fate on the Bridge of Toome.
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