Farmer Michael Hayes Lyrics

I am a bold undaunted fox that never yet was trapped or caught

My rent rates and taxes I was willing for to pay

I made me name on fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklong

Where my fore fathers lived and died 2000 years or more

I lived as happy as King Saul and loved my neighbours one and all

I had no animosity for either friend or foe

Until I was of late betrayed by one who was a bailiff

He told me I should leave the place and show my face no more

The day that he evicted me 'tis then I knew that I should flee

Late one night I tracked him down and left him lying low.

He fell victim to a shot - his agency was soon forgot

From that day on they're searching for Farmer Michael Hayes

Soon there was a great lookout by land and sea myself to rout

From Dublin Quay to Belfast along the raging sea

By telegraph they did insert a great reward for my arrest

My figure size and form and my name without mistake

They broke their brogues a thousand pairs this great reward to obtain

Still their search was all in vain for farmer Michael Hayes

Around the coast they made a steer from Poolbeg Lighthouse to Cape Clear

Killarney Town and Sweet Tralee they then crossed into Clare.

When they landed on the shore they searched Kilrush from tip to toe

They searched the baths at sweet Lisdoon likewise Miltown-Malbay

Galway being a place of fame they thought 'twas there I might remain

Still their search was all in vain for I showed them all my tail.

They searched the train at Oranmore as it was leaving for Athlone

Every wagon car and coach they met along the road

Connemara being remote they thought twas there I might resort

But still they were at nothing...I gave them all leg bail.

In Swinford Town as I lay down I heard the dreadful cry of hounds

Which me set off for Charlestown through Knock and Castlebar

Passing Hagfield I called in and had a drink with Joe O'Broin

Which filled my heart with strength and speed whilst the hounds were getting slow

And as the moon began to shine I thought I'd make a foreign clime

And leave them all to search away for Farmer Michael Hayes

So to Dublin Town I made my way then to Cobh and America

Now I'm in the Land of Liberty and a fig for all my foes