Only Our Rivers Run Free lyrics
Christy MooreWhen apples still grow in November
When Blossoms still bloom from each tree
When leaves are still green in December
It's then that our land will be free
I wander her hills and valleys
And still through my sorrow I see
A land that has never known freedom
Only her rivers run free
I drink to the death of her manhood
Those men who would rather have died
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage
To bring back their rights were denied
Where are you now when we need you
What burns where the flame used to be
Are ye gone like the snows of last winter
But only our rivers run free?
How sweet is life but we're crying
How mellow the wine that were dry
How fragrant the rose but it's dying
How gentle the wind but it sighs
What good is in youth when it's aging
What joy is in eyes that can't see
When there's sorrow in sunshine and flowers
And only our rivers run free
Song Details
Words & Music: Mickey MacConnell
Date: 1973
Brief: Mickey MacConnell wrote the song at at the early age of eighteen. He was born in Bellanaleck in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and has written many songs which have been influenced by the troubles in Northern Ireland, reflecting on the suffering endured on all sides.
Category: Political
Covers: Mary Black, The Kelly Family, The Davitts, Paddy Reilly, Tina Mulrooney, The LIffeysiders, Cu Chulainn, Freedom, The Irish Ramblers, Patsy Watchorn, and more popular versions by The Wolfe Tones and Christy Moore (featured).
Album by Christy Moore: Magic Nights.
