Kathleen's Choice

Will you feel the pain of a cold winters' day with your collar turned up to the rain

You're out on the street with the men that you meet, in hushed conversation again,

This country of ours is ravaged I know, and your place in the ranks is assured,

will you stand with the boys or the woman you love, will I look on as your coffin is lowered.

Chorus

Kathleen oh Kathleen, Kathleen of mine sure you will love this country in time

Kathleen oh Kathleen Kathleen of mine, forgive me the choice is not mine

When we started out in 1955 it seemed like the world could be ours,

we'd walk hand in hand along Great Georges street calling in to Joe Cassidy's bar,

we danced to the songs of Dickey Valentine, Johnnie Ray and Fats Domino

We'd kiss on the falls at the end of the night stopping off at Saint James Row

Repeat Chorus

But is soon became clear that the troubles were here and the calling for men had begun,

I chose to stand at my country's command, and live with the damage that's done,

so I'll stay with the boys not the woman I love, and pray we will both bear the pain,

I bid you farewell for I must go away, and I hope that we'll soon meet again.

Repeat Chorus

© Padraig Lalor July 2005