Johnstons Motor Car by The Irish Rebels Lyrics
As down by Brockagh Corner, one morning I did stray
I met another rebel lad who this to me did say:
"I bear orders from the captain to assemble at Drumbar"
But how were we to get there without a motor car?
"Oh Barney dear, be of good cheer, I'll tell you what we'll do
The loyalists have plenty, although we have but few
I'll wire to Stranorlar before we march so far
And we'll give the boys a jolly good ride in Johnston's motor car"
Johnston got the wire, he soon pulled on his shoes
He said "this case is urgent, there is no time to lose"
He wore a fancy castor hat and on his breast a star
You could hear the din going through Glenfin
Of Johnston's motor car
When he reached the Reelin Bridge, he met some rebels there
He knew the game was up with him, as at him they did stare
He says "I've got a permit to travel here so far"
"You can keep your English permit, we want your motor car"
"What will my loyal comrades say when I get to Drumboe?
To say my car was commandeered by rebels from Dungloe?"
"We'll give you a receipt for her, it's signed by Captain Maher
And when Ireland's free, well then we'll see
To Johnston's motor car"
They put the car in motion, they filled her to the brim
With guns and bayonets shining, while Johnston he did grin
When Barney waved his Sinn Féin flag, it shot off like a star
And they gave three cheers for liberty in Johnston's motor car
When the loyal crew they heard the news
It grieved their hearts full sore
They swore they'd have reprisals before they would give o'er
In vain they searched through Glenties, the Rosses and Kilcar
While the IRA their flag displayed on Johnston's motor car
I met another rebel lad who this to me did say:
"I bear orders from the captain to assemble at Drumbar"
But how were we to get there without a motor car?
"Oh Barney dear, be of good cheer, I'll tell you what we'll do
The loyalists have plenty, although we have but few
I'll wire to Stranorlar before we march so far
And we'll give the boys a jolly good ride in Johnston's motor car"
Johnston got the wire, he soon pulled on his shoes
He said "this case is urgent, there is no time to lose"
He wore a fancy castor hat and on his breast a star
You could hear the din going through Glenfin
Of Johnston's motor car
When he reached the Reelin Bridge, he met some rebels there
He knew the game was up with him, as at him they did stare
He says "I've got a permit to travel here so far"
"You can keep your English permit, we want your motor car"
"What will my loyal comrades say when I get to Drumboe?
To say my car was commandeered by rebels from Dungloe?"
"We'll give you a receipt for her, it's signed by Captain Maher
And when Ireland's free, well then we'll see
To Johnston's motor car"
They put the car in motion, they filled her to the brim
With guns and bayonets shining, while Johnston he did grin
When Barney waved his Sinn Féin flag, it shot off like a star
And they gave three cheers for liberty in Johnston's motor car
When the loyal crew they heard the news
It grieved their hearts full sore
They swore they'd have reprisals before they would give o'er
In vain they searched through Glenties, the Rosses and Kilcar
While the IRA their flag displayed on Johnston's motor car