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Billy McCoy

from Northland by Bob Speers

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lyrics

Billy McCoy was born to the land
Wasn't very much and it wasn't very grand
Shack on a hill with a few old sheds
And a stream that divided him
From his cousin Ben

From the time he could crawl
He worked every day
Just to survive was the only way
His hands grew hard
But his heart was kind
And they said that his face knew only
How to smile

And they said that he was straight as a die
Was Billy McCoy

In a few short years seen the old folks gone
Each young man had to walk alone
They say that Ben stayed in bed each day
While Billy, he was out there late
Just working away

When he walked down the street
Girls turned around
He was growing up to a handsome man
But cousin Ben, he carried a chip
And he was full of jealousy
For this relationship

And they said that he was mean and cruel
To Billy McCoy

So things went on for seven years
One man prospered and the other one failed
On the night of the fire Billy was found
But was it an accident?
Or maybe something else

Now people may talk and people may shout
And some might wonder
What the fuss is about
After all this time just let things lie
And there's nothing can be gained
From talking this way

And they said that he was straight as a die
Was Billy McCoy

Billy McCoy was born to the land
Wasn't very much and it wasn't very grand
Shack on a hill with a few old sheds
And a stream that divided him
From his cousin Ben

And they said that he was straight as a die
Was Billy McCoy
And they said all the young girls cried
For Billy McCoy
Just listen to all the young girls cry
For Billy McCoy
Just listen to all the young girls cry
For Billy McCoy
Just listen to all the young girls cry
For Billy McCoy

credits

from Northland, released June 1, 1996
Words & music by Bob Speers

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all rights reserved

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Bob Speers Northern Ireland, UK

Bob Speers is a former recipient of the Northern Lights Award. This honour was for his contribution to artistic life in his beloved Co. Antrim. His crafts his songs with lyrics which have a deceptive simplicity. The resulting music is profound as well as poetic. ... more

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