An Ulsterman I am proud to be From the Antrim Glens I come. Although I labour by the sea I have followed flag and drum. I have heard the martial tramp of men I've seen them fight and die. Ah, lads, I well remember when I followed Henry Joy. I pulled my boat up from the sea I hid my sails away, I hung my nets on a greenwood tree And I scanned the moonlit bay. The boys were out, and the Redcoats too, I kissed my wife goodbye; And in the shade of the greenwood glade I followed Henry Joy. In Antrim town the tyrant stood, He tore our ranks with ball, But with a cheer and a pike to clear We swept them o'er the wall. Our pikes and sabres flushed that day, We won, but lost, ah, why? No matter lads, I fought beside And shielded Henry Joy. Ah, boys, for Ireland's cause we fought; For her and home we bled, Though our pikes were few still our hearts beat true, And five to one lay dead, And many a lassie mourned her lad, And mother mourned her boy; For youth was strong in that gallant throng Who followed Henry Joy.
