[Verse 1]
Am Em
In 1803 we sailed out to sea
G D Am
Out from the sweet town of Derry
Am Em
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown
G D Am
And the marks of our fetters we carried.
Am Em
In our rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains
Am Em
Our women we left all in sorrow.
Am Em
As the mainsails unfurled our curses we hurled
G D Am
On the English and thoughts of tomorrow.
[Chorus]
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
[Verse 2]
Am Em
I cursed them to hell as our bow rode the swell.
G D Am
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelight.
Am Em
White horses rode high as the devil passed by
G D Am
Taking souls to Hades by twilight.
Am Em
Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three
Am Em
Our comrades we buried each morning.
Am Em
In our own slime we were lost in time.
G D Am
Endless night without dawning.
[Chorus]
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
[Verse 3]
Am Em
Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man
G D Am
To live out his life in slavery.
Am Em
When the climate is raw and the gun makes the law.
G D Am
Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery.
Am Em
Twenty years have gone by and I've ended my bond
Am Em
My comrades' ghosts are behind me.
Am Em
A rebel I came and I'm still the same.
G D Am
On the cold winds of night you will find me
[Chorus]
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
C G Am G Am
Oh…Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.