the Irish Potato Famine between 1845 and 1851 killed over a million men women and children . this song is the story of one mans struggle to feed his family during this dark period in irish history.Below is the Famine Memorial,a coffin ship,made up of skeletons,it is situated at the foot of Croagh Patrick [Irelands mountain of pilgrimage near westport in Co.Mayo.

 

                                               The Fields of Athenry                                             

   By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
Micheal they are taking you away
For you stole Trevelyn's corn
So the young might see the morn.
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay.

Low lie the Fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry.

By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matter Mary when your free,
Against the Famine and the Crown
I rebelled they ran me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity.

Low lie the Fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry.

By a lonely harbor wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
Sure she'll wait and hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry.

Low lie the Fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry.

                      EVICTION AT ATHENRY DURING THE FAMINE                 

                                  PHOTOS COURTESY of KIERAN GLYNN