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Patsy Watchorn Songbook/Only Our Rivers Run Free

ONLY OUR RIVERS RUN FREE
(Mickey MacConnell)

Notes

Only Our Rivers Run Free was written in 1965 by Mickey MacConnell, born 1947 in County Fermanagh. The song has turned into one of the best-loved Irish ballads over the years. 
Mickey himself remembers: "This song was originally recorded by Christy Moore in 1971. It has travelled well and has endured beyond all my wildest expectations. It is now almost regarded as an anthem for the dispossed. I'm very proud of it."
You can listen to Mickey's own version by clicking here and visit his website too. 
Patsy has recorded Only Our Rivers (mp3 sample here) for his album HEARTS ON FIRE which was a joy to Mickey as he wrote us: "I'm delighted that Patsy has included my song on his new CD!"

Lyrics

When apples still grow in November, when blossoms still grow on each tree
When leaves are still green in December, it's then that our land will be free
I wander her hills and her valleys and still through my sorrow I see
A land that has never known freedom, and only her rivers run free

I drink to the death of her manhood, to those men who would rather have died
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage, to bring back their rights were denied
But where are we now when we need you, what burns where the flame used to be
Are you gone like the snow of last winter, and still only her rivers run free

How sweet is life but we're crying, how mellow the wine but we're dry
How fragrant the rose but it's dying, how gentle the wind but it sighs
What good is in youth when it's aging, what joys are in eyes that can't see
When there's sorrow and sunshine and flowers and only our rivers run free

Copyright EMI (London)

 

 


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