Gallipoli

I remember the day it stands clear in my mind
We stood down by Dunlaoire to wave you goodbye
Your ma was quietly weeping there was a tear in my eye
As we sent you to Gallipoli to die

You looked so young as you stood there with a glint in your eye
And you sang rebel songs as the streamers flew high
Your ma turned away and I heard a sigh
God your sailing to Gallipoli to die

You were all that we had your mammy and me
When you marched dead erect you were proud as could be
And it killed your poor ma and it's slowly killing me
You were blown to kingdom come on the shores of Gallipoli

We only got the one letter and we knew right away
It said deepest regrets your son was bold and he was brave
You were only eighteen yet your mammy and I
Let you go to Gallipoli to die.

You fought for the wrong country, you died for the wrong cause
And your ma often said it was Ireland's great loss
All those fine young men who marched to foreign shores to fight the wars
When the greatest war of all was at home