Christy Moore - Farmer Michael Hayes lyrics

I am a bold undaunted fox that
Never yet was trapped or caught
My rent rates and taxes I
Was willing for to pay
I made me name on fine good
Land between Tipperary and Knocklong
Where my fore fathers lived and
Died 2000 years or more

I lived as happy as King Saul and
Loved my neighbours one and all
I had no animosity for either friend or foe
Until I was of late betrayed by
One who was a bailiff
He told me I should leave the place
And show my face no more

Thе day that he evicted mе 'tis then
I knew that I should flee
Late one night I tracked him down
And left him lying low
He fell victim to a shot
His agency was soon forgot
From that day on they're searching
For farmer Michael Hayes
Soon there was a great lookout by
Land and sea myself to rout
From Dublin Quay to Belfast
Along the raging sea
By telegraph they did insert a
Great reward for my arrest
My figure size and form and
My name without mistake

They broke their brogues a thousand pairs
This great reward to obtain
Still their search was all in
Vain for farmer Michael Hayes
Around the coast they made a steer
From Poolbeg Lighthouse to Cape Clear
Killarney Town and Sweet Tralee they
Then crossed into Clare

When they landed on the shore they
Searched Kilrush from tip to toe
They searched the baths at
Sweet Lisdoon likewise Miltown-Malbay
Galway being a place of fame they
Thought 'twas there I might remain
Still their search was all in vain for
I showed them all my tail

They searched the train at Oranmore as
It was leaving for Athlone
Every wagon car and coach they
Met along the road
Connemara being remote they thought twas
There I might resort
But still they were at nothing
I gave them all leg bail

In Swinford Town as I lay down I
Heard the dreadful cry of hounds
Which me set off for Charlestown
Through Knock and Castlebar
Passing Hagfield I called in and had
A drink with Joe O'Broin
Which filled my heart with strength and speed
Whilst the hounds were getting slow

And as the moon began to shine I
Thought I'd make a foreign clime
And leave them all to search
Away for Farmer Michael Hayes
So to Dublin Town I made my
Way then to Cobh and America
Now I'm in the Land of Liberty and
A fig for all my foes