To mark Independence Day 2017, I have a very special song to share with you.  A reader sent me the lyrics to “America Bound,” a song he wrote to honor the journey his ancestors took from Donegal to America many years ago.

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Here’s a little background to the song, by Sean O’Rourke ….

“In the early 1900’s, my great grandfather (Charles McBride) was the schoolmaster on a small island off the coast of Donegal, when he decided to bring his family to America.

He was unable to get a teaching certificate in the US so he took a job as a sandhog and helped with the construction of the Holland tunnel.

He died a few years before I was born, but his, and many other stories of the young men and women that came to America in search of a better life, have always intrigued me…..”

 

America Bound

By Sean O’Rourke

 

 

Hey Sheelah, I don’t like the sound

of just how fast the winters comin’ around.

We gotta get out of this little town

there’s a great big world dying to be found.

Hey Sheelah we’re America Bound.

We’re America Bound.

 

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Gweedore in the morning light looks so fine.

Standing in the Donegal breeze

the thought has crossed my mind

to leave my friends and family far behind, far behind.

 

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Grace is lookin’ kind of weak.

Mary and Maggie just don’t have enough to eat.

Little Johnny won’t say a word.

You know how bad this hurts.

Hey Sheelah we’re America Bound.

We’re America Bound.

 

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Gweedore in the morning light looks so fine.

Standing in the Donegal breeze

the thought has crossed my mind

to leave my friends and family far behind, far behind.

 

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A sandhog is what they call me

I’m diggin’ a tunnel to New Jersey.

I got our fortune in my hands

with my Celtic cross I dig this land.

Hey baby our fortune is found,

but we’re America Bound.

We’re America Bound.

 

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New York in the morning light looks alright.

Standing in the Brooklyn breeze

the thought has crossed my mind

to see my friends and family one more time, one more time.

 

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Hey Sheelah we’re America Bound.

We’re America Bound.

We’re America Bound.

 

And so, this 4th of July let’s think about those who have gone before us. Those who took the perilous journey across the ocean to reach a distant shore in search of a better life. Their sacrifices and dedication to the American dream are our inheritance.

And a big thank you to Sean for sharing his beautiful immigrant tale with us today.

Wishing you and yours, a very happy 4th of July.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom