DESCRIPTION:
BBC 4 - Transatlantic Sessions
Series 6
Episode 1
Aoife O'Donovan with Tim O'Brien - Bright Sunny South

In the bright sunny south in peace and content
Oh, the days of my boyhood I scarcely have spent
From deep flowing springs to the broad flowing streams
Ever dear in my memory, and sweet in my dreams
I leave my confinement and comfort of life
For the dangers of bloodshed, provision, and strife
I've come to conclose and reply with my word
As I shoulder my musket and billet my sword

My father looked sad as he begged me to part
And Mother embraced me with anguish of heart
And my beautiful sister looked pale in her woe
As she grabbed me and blessed me and told me to go
Oh, father, dear father
For me do not weep
For on some high mountain
I mean for to sleep
And the dangers of war
I intend for to share
And for sickness and death
I intend to prepare
Oh, mother, dear mother
For me do not weep
For a mother's kind words
I ever will keep
You taught me to be brave
From a boy to a man
I'm going in defence of my own native land

Oh, sister, dear sister
I cannot tell the woe
Oh, your tears and your sorrows
They trouble me so
I must be a-going
For here I cannot stand
I'm going in defence
Of my own native land
I'm going in defence
Of my own native land
I'm going in defence of my own native...land.