No Irish Need Apply

Just stepping off to distant shores
In a strange and unpleasant land
Pockets and stomachs were empty
So I looked for a helping hand

Children cried
My bowl dried
Nothing is makin' sense
Prayin' to god for some money
Everyone seems so tense

Gonna get paid
Toil night and day
To succeed, they'll try and try
But when they read the paper,
It says "No Irish Need Apply"

They found friends at the pub and church
Formed gangs to help their own
Moved into a shanty
But at least they could call it home

Some got work
Some got drunk
But they never got very far
Fighting for scraps and honor
And some whiskey in their jar

Built the bridges n' railroad tracks
And buildings that touched the sky
Its always one step forward
Two steps back because
"No Irish Need Apply"

Times are different
The past is gone
No complaints, and life is good
Country clubs and college education
We live in a better neighborhood

Strangers come from different lands
We can't understand their cries
Don't forget your grandparents met with
No Irish Need Apply