For those interested in the emigration of tens of thousands of Irish people to the US in the 19th century, this song is based on actual letters exchanged by the emigrants and their family back home. Kilkelly Peter Jones Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 60, my dear and loving son John Your good friend the schoolmaster Pat McNamaras so good As to write these words down. Your brothers have all gone to find work in England, The house is so empty and sad The crop of potatoes is sorely infected, A third to a half of them bad. And your sister Brigid and Patrick ODonnell Are going to be married in June. Your mother says not to work on the railroad And be sure to come on home soon. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 70, dear and loving son John Hello to your Mrs and to your 4 children, May they grow healthy and strong. Michael has got in a wee bit of trouble, I guess that he never will learn. Because of the dampness theres no turf to speak of And now we have nothing to burn. And Brigid is happy, you named a child for her And now shes got six of her own. You say you found work, but you dont say What kind or when you will be coming home. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 80, dear Michael and John, my sons Im sorry to give you the very sad news That your dear old mother has gone. We buried her down at the church in Kilkelly, Your brothers and Brigid were there. You dont have to worry, she died very quickly, Remember her in your prayers. And its so good to hear that Michaels returning, With money hes sure to buy land For the crop has been poor and the people Are selling at any price that they can. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 90, my dear and loving son John I guess that I must be close on to eighty, Its thirty years since youre gone. Because of all of the money you send me, Im still living out on my own. Michael has built himself a fine house And Brigids daughters have grown. Thank you for sending your family picture, Theyre lovely young women and men. You say that you might even come for a visit, What joy to see you again. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 92, my dear brother John Im sorry that I didnt write sooner to tell you that father passed on. He was living with Brigid, she says he was cheerful And healthy right down to the end. Ah, you should have seen him play with The grandchildren of Pat McNamara, your friend. And we buried him alongside of mother, Down at the Kilkelly churchyard. He was a strong and a feisty old man, Considering his life was so hard. And its funny the way he kept talking about you, He called for you in the end. Oh, why dont you think about coming to visit, Wed all love to see you again. https://youtube/watch?v=WXEr08aRhts
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 11:46:28 +0000