[Verse 1]
The Garden of Eden has vanished they say
but I know the lie of it still.
Just turn to the left at the Bridge of Finea
and stop when halfway to Cootehill.
 
[Pre-Chorus]
It's there you will find it, I know sure enough,
when fortune has come to my call.
For the grass it is green around Ballyjamesduff
and the blue sky is over it all.
 
[Chorus 1]
And tones that are tender and tones that are gruff
are whispering over the sea.
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff,
come home, Paddy Reilly, to me.
 
 
[Verse 2]
My mother once told me the day I was born,
the day that I first saw the light,
I looked down the street on that very first morn
and gave a great crow of delight.
 
[Pre-Chorus]
Now, most newborn babies appear in a huff,
and start with a sorrowful squall.
But I knew I was born in Ballyjamesduff
and that's why I smiled on them all.
 
[Chorus 2]
 That baby's a man now, he's toil-worn and tough,
still whispers: come over the sea.
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff,
come home, Paddy Reilly, to me.