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William O​’​Brian

from The Old Songs’ Home by Shelley Posen

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about

as sung by Loy Gavan

lyrics

You loyal hearted Irish boys, attend to what I say
The lines are true I now tell you I’m going to relate
It’s of an Irish immigrant in the town of Temple Moor
Seeking for employment came to Columbia’s shore.

William O’Brian was this young man’s name, the subject of my song
Before the cruel war broke out, to America he come
He was of noble bearing, his spirit light and free
And with the draft he joined the north against the enemy.

In the Philadelphia regiment I mean to let you know
O’Brian in many a battle fought against the southern foe
The major’s daughter fell in love with him as you will plainly see
Her father swore and was resolved to prove his destiny.

On March the fifth at New Orleans, as you will plainly hear
He did insult the soldier boy upon the battle square
“ You may thank your daughter,” said O’Brian, “or else I’d end the strife,”
The major then a sword he drew and tried to take his life.

O’Brian then a pistol drew with an eye both sharp and keen
And like a gallant soldier, he quickly took his aim
In order to defend himself he fired that fatal ball
Which lodged all in the major’s breast and caused the tyrant fall.

When the report was heard the guards did him surround
He was taken prisoner, strong arms were quickly bound
Court martial on O’Brian then was held immediately
And he was sentenced to be shot far from his counteree.

His coffin was got ready, he was ordered to kneel down
A sergeant with a handkerchief, his eyes were firmly bound
By a holy priest from Carmeltown he was prepared to die
In hopes for to get pardoned from the Lord that rules on high.

They were ordered to fix bayonets, get ready, present, and fire
Before they could get ready, the major’s daughter did appear
With a voice as loud as thunder, saying, “Come set this prisoner free
For here’s a letter for his reprieve that’s granted unto me.”

She quickly stepped up to O’Brian, she took him by the hand
Saying, “Rise up, my bold Tipp’rary lad, you are now at my command,
‘ Tis true that I’m in love with you, though you’ve taken my father’s life
And he had vowed and sworn that I ne’er would be your wife.”

Now to conclude and finish and to see what love could do
She got married to O’Brian and proved both loyal and true
She saved him from that fatal ball, her dear and only joy
She is now in New York City with her bold Tipp’rary boy.

credits

from The Old Songs’ Home, released January 1, 2003

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Shelley Posen Ottawa, Ontario

SHELLEY POSEN is a Canadian songwriter and performer of his own and traditional songs. He writes in many styles and on many subjects. His songs are widely recognized for their wit, craftsmanship, and the profound effect many seem to have on listeners.

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