[Verse 1]
I was working in Heuston Station
Like my dad and his before him
Trying to pass the time before the bell
When a poor hand and a bad joke
Sent me down to the Phoenix Park
To join the Royal Dublin Fusiliers
[Chorus]
Do the boys still run down to see me
When the hear the whistle blow
Does my sister still resent me
Now that I must wear the rose
Well I hope that this letter
Will find you in good health
With all my love
Your fond son John
[Verse 2]
Well my dad pulled into the station
So I went to meet him there
Said thank you for the cigarettes and the cake
I was down heartened
When he pulled out
And again I said goodbye
And I headed back to the old [?]
[Chorus]
Do the boys still run down to see me
When the hear the whistle blow
Does my sister still resent me
Now that I must wear the rose
Well I'm headed for northern France
To a river they call the Somme
With all my love
Your fond son John
[Verse 3]
Well my son I got your letters
And I'm glad that you are well
I miss you every night and every day
And I wanted to send some money
But times at home are hard
Its so quiet along the Liffey without you here
[Chorus]
And yes the boys still run down to see you
When they hear the whistle blow
And you sister did forgive you
For she knows you did not know
Mind yourself and hurry home
And I'll have your dinner on
With all my love
Your fond son John
[Verse 4]
Well John he never came home
He died at 21
They couldn't find his body in the morgue
But theres a headstone up in [?]
And it's scribed as pride [?]
Son of Hugh and Ellen of [?]