The Jeannie Johnson

Between 1848 and 1855 the Jeannie Johnson sailed across the sea

Carrying famine victims from Ireland ,

to Quebec from Tralee

 

Chorus

She made her maiden voyage on April 24,

with around 200 starving on board,

all in search of a new life away

from the homeland and the famine ravaged hoards

 

The captain was a Cork man the ships' doctor Dublin born

The crew they came from all sides of the globe

The passengers were farmers, labourers and artisans

Women and children of the robe

 

Repeat chorus

 

On the eve of the journey a baby boy was born,

he drew his first breath in the squall

His mother cried out to the heavens above,

sweet Jesus and Mary save my son

 

Repeat chorus

 

He was christened on board before she set sail

Saint Christopher was pinned to his shawl,

he become the lucky charm of the captain and his crew

on a ship that never lost a soul

 

Chorus

She made her maiden voyage on April 24,

with around 200 starving on board,

all in search of a new life away from the homeland

On a ship that never lost a soul, on a ship that never lost a soul

 

© Padraig Lalor September 2005