Barney McCoy



I am going far away, Nora, darling,

And leaving such an angel far behind

It would break my heart into

Which I fondly gave to you

And no other one so loving, kind, and true. 



(chorus)



Then come to my arms, Nora, darling;

Bid your friends and old Ireland goodbye

For its happy we would be

In the dear land of the free

Living happy with your Barney McCoy.



I would like to go with you, Barney, darling,

But the reason I have told you before 

It would break my mother’s heart

If from her I had to part

And go roaming with you, Barney McCoy.



I am going far away Nora darling

Just as sure as there’s a God that I adore

But remember what I say

That until the judgment day

You will never see your Barney any more.



I would go with you Barney darling

If my mother and the rest of them were 

For I know we would be blest

In the dear land of the West

Living happy with my Barney McCoy.



I am going far away Nora darling

And the ship is now anchored at the bay

And before tomorrow sure 

You will hear the signal gun

So be ready

It will carry me away.





(Edith Walker, Boone, North Carolina)