The Member
by Mike McCormack
I belong to an organization true,with a spirit proud and grand;
It's the spirit of my America and my forefather's native land.
It's the spirit of the people, who are noble,brave,and proud,
Who defend their adopted nation and have never stooped or bowed.
It's the spirit of Father Murphy,County Wexford's priestly hawk,
That was found in Father Duffy and the Sixty Ninth, New York;
It's the spirit of Dan O'Connell bold, who fought for Catholic rights
That lived in men who armed Church steps through lonely fearful nights.
It's a spirit with the chivalry of the Red Branch Knights of old and
The bravery of Cuchullain and of Finn MacCool so bold,
It's the spirit filled with passion for our brother's sad hardships,
Born in pain of artificial famine and tempered on coffin ships,
It's the spirit that is moved to offer our brothers a helping hand
That comes from memories of poverty in a new and prosperous land.
It's the spirit of Michael Davitt, Thomas Davis, and Parnell,
Who fought the landlord's agents until their power fell;
It's the spirit of General Sullivan and of Commodore Barry too,
Who led George Washington's Irish of our own red, white and blue.
It's a spirit born of many years of struggling to be free
To worship as St.Patrick taught the blessed Trinity;
To spread the holy Catholic faith with open hearts and hands
From Americas lofty mountains to her shining, golden sands.
Yes, I belong to that organization, and it's proud I am to say
That Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity guide me every day;
True to the spirit that guides it, as in the late days of yore,
The Ancient Order of Hibernians I'll defend forever more.