Gave birth to the Nation

with bullet, fire and gun

then told to regain the home

the glory remains with sons.

Constance. Molly. Kathleen.

Along with the Others

daughter, sister, mother.

Whom we cannot praise. Love.

Daughter, sister, mother.

We treat like cannon fodder.

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Chorus

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Beidh sibh saor la eigin

beidh sibh saor la eigin

beidh sibh saor la eigin

'gus beidh sibh saor la eigin *

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Send them to laundries

wash themselves so clean

of the father's sin

of the rapist's spleen

sell off their babies

or dumped in deep pits

Shadow of the Cross,

of a neighbour's stare

Leave them to rot and

to carry your shame.

So tired. Bones could rip

But I would not notice

Old tune in my Brain

Chorus remains the same

never again. Never again.

Ireland's Savitas, Anns

still not being listened to

not being cared for

on our own soil, in our proper hands

left to fend for themselves.

Alone in foreign lands.

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The light is becoming brighter

over the horizon

they have voted yes

not for pro abortion

just for pro choice

your body, your choice.

no longer baby-making machines.

We will take care of you

the Daughters of Eire.

the Daughters of Eire...

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* You will be free one day

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lyrics Brid Ni Chonghaile

music Sadbh Tapie

performed by Good Bad and Young

All Rights reserved.

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 It's about trusting women to trust themselves ....

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An abortion referendum, the yes vote wins. 25 May 2018, a historical day for Irish women. This song is a tribute to the generations, past and present who have strived to improve women's conditions on our green and fair island. Constance Markievicz is refered to in the opening verse along with two other female revolutionary fighters. *

 

Our country has a dark and sinister history regarding how women and children, especially the more vunerable of these two categories were dealt with in the past.

Local historian, Catherine Corless, who exposed the appalling conditions in the Bon Secours mother and baby home in Tuam has shown us the path to acceptance and healing. The first step away from a long heritage of secrets and shame.

 

 

 

* see Sinead McCoole's No Ordinary Women ; Irish Female Activists in the Revolutionary Years 1900-1923.

published by The O'Brien's Press, Dublin, Ireland. 2004.

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