Molly Maguires
The Dubliners Lyrics


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Make way for the Molly Maguires
They're drinkers, they're liars but they're men
Make way for the Molly Maguires
You'll never see the likes of them again

Down the mines no sunlight shines
Those pits they're black as hell
In modest style they do their time
It's Paddy's prison cell
And they curse the day they've travelled far
Then drown their tears with a jar

So make way for the Molly Maguires
They're drinkers, they're liars but they're men
Make way for the Molly Maguires
You'll never see the likes of them again

Backs will break and muscles ache
Down there there's no time to dream
Of fields and farms, of womans arms
Just dig that bloody seam
Though they drain their bodies underground
Who'll dare to push them around

So make way for the Molly Maguires
They're drinkers, they're liars but they're men
Make way for the Molly Maguires
You'll never see the likes of them again

So make way for the Molly Maguires
They're drinkers, they're liars but they're men




Make way for the Molly Maguires
You'll never see the likes of them again

Overall Meaning

The Dubliners' song "Molly Maguires" is an ode to the Irish-American labor movement of the late 19th century. The Molly Maguires were a secret society of Irish coal miners who formed in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. They fought for better wages, safer working conditions, and an end to company town practices that kept workers trapped in debt. The lyrics describe the harsh reality of life in the mines, where the workers are trapped in darkness and desperation, with only their camaraderie and their glasses of whiskey to get them through. The song celebrates the strength and resilience of the Molly Maguires, who endured back-breaking labor but refused to be cowed by their bosses or their oppressors.


Line by Line Meaning

Make way for the Molly Maguires
Attention must be paid to the Molly Maguires.


They're drinkers, they're liars but they're men
The Molly Maguires may have faults but they are still men.


You'll never see the likes of them again
The Molly Maguires are unique and cannot be replicated.


Down the mines no sunlight shines
The mines are dark and gloomy without any sunlight.


Those pits they're black as hell
The mines are pitch black and resemble hell.


In modest style they do their time
The Molly Maguires work humbly and without complaint.


It's Paddy's prison cell
Working in the mines is like being in a prison cell for an Irishman.


And they curse the day they've travelled far
The Molly Maguires regret coming to America and working in the mines.


Then drown their tears with a jar
To cope with their unhappiness, the Molly Maguires drink alcohol.


Backs will break and muscles ache
Working in the mines is physically demanding and painful.


Down there there's no time to dream
The Molly Maguires are so focused on their work that they can't dream or think of anything else.


Of fields and farms, of womans arms
They long for a life outside of the mines that involves farming and being with loved ones.


Just dig that bloody seam
Their job is to dig the coal seam no matter how difficult it is.


Though they drain their bodies underground
Working in the mines is exhausting and takes a toll on their bodies.


Who'll dare to push them around
Despite their hardships, the Molly Maguires won't let anyone mistreat or bully them.




Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILL MARTIN, PHIL COULTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ronan Anker

We Will Never See Nothing Like The Amazing DUBLINERS Again

Maggoo Who

๐Ÿ’ฏ

Paddy Eejit

True

Daisy Peters

Luke Kelly the best poetry, singer, Bard. He was so special singer !!! Superb!!!

Steady Eddie Woodstock

my grandma used to play this on her old computer and dance to it. Brings me back to a little kid. #Nostalgia

Vera Birchall

This is the Dubliners at their brilliant best...with the possible exception of hot asphault

B OB

For those who don't know, check out who the Molly Maguires were.

Casey O'Day

Im related to Kehoe a famous Molly Maguire

A K

@Casey O'Day so am I, that means I must be related to you haha

Daisy Peters

Simply the Greatest Master Troubador our Luke Kelly!!!

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