For hundreds of years now we've kept on the fight,

And the history books told me of Ireland's plight,

So with gallant Francis I followed the cause,

To conquer the tyrant and defy England's laws.

[chorus]

Farewell to Bellaghy, likewise Talaghtduff,

And the green hills of Derry that I dearly love,

My thoughts return to you from a dark H-Block cell,

So friends and brave comrades I bou farewell.

 

Through the hills of south Derry we marched and we drilled,

To our exploits in action all Irish youth thrilled,

Most feared men in Ulster, volunteers on the run,

We give England our answer from the barrells of our guns.

 

Oh gallant south Derry you are forever blessed,

In the struggle for freedom you have given your best,

There's Hughes and there's Bateson, Sheridan and Leigh,

And enscribed with their names now brave Tom McElwee.