The Colour Of The Coat I Wear

By Patrick Tunney

Old Moore’s Almanac

Dedicated by Patrick Tunney late of Westport, Mayo

I hail historic County Meath, the woodlands of Mayo,
The soaring peaks of Donegal and the Glens of Aherlow.
Those lovely haunts are dear to me, the scenes all fresh and fair,
But far dearer to my aching heart is the colour of the coat I wear.
I love the colour of the coat I wear, its shades of emerald green,
All bound with white and golden braid, ‘twould enrobe the proudest Queen.
The stars at night may change their light o’er the gloom of a war-threat flare,
But whatever I’ll do, I’ll still be true to the colour of the coat I wear.
I got this gift from my Dad’s hand in the golden long ago,
When hope beamed high in Irish hearts ‘mongst the vales of fair Mayo.
He said “My boy, you must face the world and of luck you must take your share,
But whatever you’ll do, I trust you’ll be true to the colour of the coat you wear.”
So I’ll never change the colour of the coat I wear, though with years it’s growing old,
The emerald sheen is bound with white and interlaced with gold.
I may change my plans as others do in the world of strife and care,
But whatever I’ll do I’ll still be true to the colour of the coat I wear.
I may steer my barque o’er the crested waves to the lands of the Rising Sun,
Or end my days in an Irish vale when the toils of life are done.
I may soar to the peaks of wealth or fame; or bend ‘neath a load of care,
But whatever I’ll do, I’ll still be true to the colour of the coat I wear.
The style was donned by Rory’s men on the braes of Mullinahone,
By Oulart’s sons in other days and the boys of Garryowen.
Beneath its folds must Banba march whilst foemen grimly stare,
Then whatever I’ll do, I’ll still be true to the colour of the coat I wear.
Oh! I love the colour of the coat I wear, the hues of emerald green,
All bound with white and golden braid, and fit for a King or Queen.
The ways of right may change to might ‘neath the gloom of a war threat flare,
But whatever I’ll do, I’ll never change the colour of the coat I wear.