The West's Awake
Johnny McEvoy Lyrics

When all beside a vigil keep
When everyone is asleep and not paying attention

The West’s asleep the West’s asleep
Connacht, the western province of Ireland, is not awake or aware

Alas and well may Erin weep
It is with sadness that Ireland weeps

When Connacht lies in slumber deep
When Connacht is asleep and unaware

Their lakes and plains smile fair and free
The natural beauty of Connacht is untouched and pure

Mid rocks their guardian chivalry
The rocks of Connacht stand strong as protectors

Sing oh let man learn liberty
Let us all learn the value of freedom

From crashing wind and lashing sea
From the wild and untamed nature of Ireland

For often in O’Connor’s van
In O'Connor's army

To triumph dashed each Connacht clan
The clans of Connacht fought hard and triumphed with O'Connor

And fleet as deer the Normans ran
The Normans fled quickly, like deer

Through Corrsliabh pass and Ardrahan
They fled through the Corrsliabh pass and Ardrahan

And later times saw deeds as brave
Brave deeds were performed in later times

For glory guards Clanricards grave
Clanricard's grave is guarded for the glory of Connacht

Sing oh they died their land to save
Sing of those who died to protect their homeland

From Aughrim’s slopes to Shannon’s waves
From the slopes of Aughrim to the waves of the River Shannon

And if when all a vigil keep
And if everyone is still asleep and unaware

The West’s asleep the west’s asleep
Connacht is still asleep and unaware

Alas and well may Erin weep
Ireland continues to weep with sadness

That Connaught lies in slumber deep
With Connacht still fast asleep

But hark a voice like thunder spake
But then a powerful voice was heard

The West’s awake the west’s awake
The West of Ireland is now awake and aware

Sing oh hurrah let England quake
Celebrate, and let England tremble with fear

We’ll watch till death for Erins sake
We will keep watch, even if it means dying, for the sake of Ireland