Lyrics

DEAR MAGDALEN
Gary O’Driscoll © 1993
CHAPEAU ROUGE MUSIC (SOCAN)

[Verse 1]
In the City of Galway down by the sea,
I lay with a farm boy who said he loved me.
Nine short months later I was with child,
My farmer was harvesting, still running wild.

[Verse 2]
To the priest I did go, confessed my great sin,
For absolution, I must go with him.
To the Sisters of Charity, we went away,
My baby was born and stolen away.

[Chorus]
Sisters of Charity, please hear my prayer,
Bring back my baby, we'll go far from here.
"Bite your tongue little harlot! You are with sin!"
"Stay. Do our laundry,
Dear Magdalen."

[Verse 3]
They sent little Mary, to an orphanage school,
While I slaved away and worked like a fool.
The priest told my mother, "Its better you see!
She's safe with the Sisters of Charity."

[Chorus]
Sisters of Charity, please hear my prayer,
"Where is my daughter? Why must I stay here?"
And the Mother Superior came rushing in,
"Here's a basket of underthings,
Dear Magdalen."

[Verse 4]
Now I lie here surrounded by cold convent walls,
Rosaries echo in long empty halls.
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee."
I'll die with the Sisters of Charity.

[Verse 5]
She died in the laundry on Christmas Eve
No one was with her, no one to grieve
In a cold unmarked grave, she can no longer sin,
Good-bye! Rest in Peace!
Dear Magdalen.