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This is an unusual song in its cheerful approach to a subject that is usually treated with disdain. Many Irishman found work in the reconstruction of England and Scotland after World War II, and songs like Crooked Jack and McAlpine’s Fusiliers take a bitter look at the situation.

The term Micks or Paddies is often used to describe Irishmen living in the U.K., and since there were so many Irishmen working in this hydro dam project outside of Glasgow, it was nicknamed the Mickey Dam.

lyrics

I'm an honest Irish labourer and I come from the County Clare. Once I had a farm there with nothing much to spare.
But I had to sell my donkey and my famous billy goat,
And with the money I received, for Glasgow took the boat.

In the morning when I landed there, before my hair got dry,
I was started in the Mickey Dam in a place they call Mull Guy.
Now the ganger that I started with, they called him John the Mouse,
And the very first day that I was there, at me he made to grouse.

But I quickly surprised him and I said, "You little rat,
I'll tie a string around your neck and throw you to the cat."

For I'm as strong as any lion, I was reared on eggs and ham.
I'm a terror to all fighting men around the Mickey Dam.

Now this rose the Mouse's temper and at me he made to jump.
And he swore he'd paralyze me with the handle of a pump.
But I quickly surprised him and I caught him by the throat,
And I shook that little monkey ‘til the tail fell off his coat.

For I'm as strong as any lion, I was reared on eggs and ham.
I'm a terror to all fightin' men around the Mickey Dam.

Now the big hotel we're stopping in they call the navvies’ hut,
And the bugs and fleas that are in the beds are as big as coconuts.
On Friday night when I get there, I stand behind the door,
And as they come out, one by one, I bash them to the floor.

For I'm as strong as any lion, I was reared on eggs and ham.
I'm a terror to all fighting men around the Mickey Dam.

For I'm as strong as any lion, I was reared on eggs and ham. I
'm a terror to all fighting men around the Mickey Dam

credits

from There Were Roses, released January 19, 2022
Mick Moloney: harmony vocals, mandolin
Robbie O’Connell: vocals, guitar
Jimmy Keane: piano accordion

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Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane image

Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane

Since 1984, Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane have been delighting audiences with their unique blend of Irish music and song, both traditional and contemporary. An evening with this trio is an experience that covers much musical ground and is not easily forgotten. ... more

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