Oh Paddy dear, and did you hear the news that's going round
The Shamrock is forbid by law to drow on Irish ground
Saint Patrick's Day no more to keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a bloody law again the wearing of the green

I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand
And sez he 'How's dear old Ireland, and how does she stand?
She's the most distressful country that I have ever seen
They're hanging men and women for the wearing of the green

When the law can stop the blades of grass from growing as they grow
And when the leaves in summertime their verdure dare not show
Then I will change the color that I wear in my caubeen
But till that day, please God, I'll stick to wearing of the green