Farmer Michael Hayes

(trad)

I am a bold undaunted fox that never yet was trapped or caught
me rent, rates and taxes I was willin’ for to pay
I made my name in fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklock
where my forefathers lived and died three thousand years ago

I lived as happy as King Saul and loved my neighbours one and all
I had no animosity for either friend or foe
then I was of late betrayed by one who was a fool I know
he told me I should leave the place and show my face no more

The day that he evicted me, it’s then I knew that I should flee
late one night I took his life and left him lyin’ low
he fell victim to a shot, his agency was soon forgot
from that day on they’re searchin’ for farmer Michael Hayes

Soon there was a great lookout by land and sea myself to rout
from dublin quay to belfast along the ragin’ sea
by telegraph they did insert a great reward for my arrest
my figure, size and form, my name without mistake

They broke their brogues a thousand pairs this great reward for to obtain
still their search was all in vain for farmer Michael Hayes
they searched Tipperary o’er and o’er, the cornfields near Galtymore
they then went into Wexford town but did not long delay

Through Ballyhale and Stranemore, they searched the woods as they went on
it’s they were hungry, wet and cold before the break of day
you may roam the world both far and near but never such a tale you’ll hear
of a fox to get away so clear as I did from them hounds

They searched the rocks, the gulfs, the quays, the ships, the liners in the bays
the ferryboats and steamers as they were going to sea
around the coast they made a steer from Poolbeg lighthouse to Cape Clear
Killarney town and sweet Tralee, they then crossed into Clare

When they landed on the shore, they searched Kilrush from tip to toe
they searched the baths at sweet Lisdoon, likewise Miltown Malbay
Galway bein’ a place of fame, they thought t’was there I might remain
still their search was all in vain for I gave them all leg bail.