This is a more substantial version than that sung by Mary Dillon, who uses Andy Irvine's tune rather than the traditional one. These are published in my "Thousands are sailing: a brief song history of Irish emigration" (Ulstersongs, Portrush) - see http://members.aol.com/jmoul81075/ulstsong.htm and click on "books"

Liam's Brother has these for sale in US.

John Moulden

THOUSANDS ARE SAILING TO AMERICA

You brave Irish people wherever you be
I pray stand a moment and listen to me
Our sons and fair daughters are now going away
When thousands are sailing to America

CHORUS
Ah good luck to them now and safe may they land
They are pushing their way to a far distant strand
For here in old Ireland no longer can stay
For thousands are sailing to America

On the night before leaving bid the neighbours goodbye
And early next morning their hearts give a sigh
The tears from their eyes they are falling like rain
When the horses are starting going off for the train

CHORUS

Their friends do assemble and the neighbours also
When their trunks are packed up and fast ready to go
They do kiss their mother and with these words do say
Good-bye darling mother I'm now going away

CHORUS

When they do reach the station you'll hear their last cry
Their handkerchiefs waving and bidding good-bye
Their father he tells them be sure for to write
And he watches the train till she goes out of sight

CHORUS

They put their foot on the tender just leaving the strand
And give one look back to their dear native land
Their hearts are a-breaking for leaving the shore
Good-bye dear old Ireland will I ne'er see you more

CHORUS

It is God help the mother that rears up a child
It is now for the father he labours and toils
He tries to support them, he works night and day
And when they are reared sure they will go away

Chorus (end)

JM ^^