When all [G] beside a [C] vigil keep, 



The [D] West's asleep, the [G] West's asleep 



Alas! and well may [C] Erin weep 



When [D] Connacht lies in [G] slumber deep. 



There lake and plain smile [C] fair and free, 



'Mid [Am] rocks their guardian [D7] chivalry. 



Sing, [G] Oh! let [D] man learn [Em] liberty 



From crashing [D] wind and lashing [G] sea. 







That chainless wave and lovely land 



Freedom and nationhood demand; 



Be sure the great God never planned 



For slumb'ring slaves a home so grand. 



And long a brave and haughty race 



Honoured and sentinelled the place. 



Sing, Oh! not even their sons' disgrace 



Can quite destroy their glory's trace. 








For often, in O'Connor's van, 



To triumph dashed each Connacht clan, 



And fleet as deer the Normans ran 



Thro' Corrsliabh Pass and Ardrahan; 



And later times saw deeds as brave, 



And glory guards Clanricarde's grave, 



Sing, Oh! they died their land to save 



At Aughrim's slopes and Shannon's wave. 







And if, when all a vigil keep, 



The West's asleep! the West's asleep! 



Alas! and well may Erin weep 



That Connacht lies in slumber deep. 



But, hark! a voice like thunder spake, 



The West's awake! the West's awake! 



Sing, Oh! hurrah! let England quake, 



We'll watch till death for Erin's sake!