'Fields of Athenry' lyrics and meaning

"The Fields of Athenry" was written in 1979 by Pete St John, who stated he heard a story about a young man from the Athenry area who had been caught stealing corn to feed his family during the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1850 and deported to Australia.

Its deeply emotional lyrics and strong ties to Irish history have made it one of Ireland’s most beloved songs, often heard at sporting events and gatherings. Is a poignant ballad telling a story of love, loss, and resilience in the face of hardship.

The song follows Michael, a man sentenced to transportation to Australia for stealing food to save his starving family. Left behind, his wife Mary mourns his absence, gazing over the fields of Athenry and remembering their love and the struggles they endured.

Over the years, The Fields of Athenry has become a powerful symbol of Irish endurance and sorrow, frequently sung by fans of Irish national teams and clubs. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate, making it a timeless anthem of hope and defiance against oppression.

The Fields of Athenry

By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
"Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyan's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay"

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry

By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
"Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free
Against the famine and the crown
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity”

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry

By a lonely harbour wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she lived in hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry