Maggie's Farm

What did I have, said the fine old woman
What did I have, this proud old woman did say
I had four green fields, each one was a jewel
But strangers came and tried to take them from me
I had fine strong sons, who fought to save my jewels
They fought and they died, and that was my grief said she

Long time ago, said the fine old woman
Long time ago, this proud old woman did say
There was war and death, plundering and pillage
FOUR GREEN FIELDS

My children starved, by mountain, valley and sea
And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens
My four green fields ran red with their blood, said she

What have I now, said the fine old woman
What have I now, this proud old woman did say
I have four green fields, one of them's in bondage
In stranger's hands, that tried to take it from me
But my sons had sons, as brave as were their fathers
My fourth green field will bloom once again said she.

----------

The old woman in the song is Ireland, and her four sons are the Four Provinces: Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught.

The third verse speaks of the six counties of Ulster partitioned by the British in 1922 and to the present day held under British misrule. I believe this song was written by Mr. Makem. Had the extreeme good fortune to see them all together in the basement of an "Irish Community Center". Geiizus--it was great!