I am a true-born Irishman John Mitchel is my name.
To free my own brave countrymen from Newry town I came,
I struggled hard both day and night to free my native land.
And for that I’ve been transported unto Van Diemans land.

When first I served my country, boys, it was in forty two,
And what did follow after that I now will tell to you,
We raised the standard of Revolt, and gloried in that deed,
I vowed to Heaven I ne’er would rest till our country would be freed.

They cast me into a prison cell, to await my trial day
My darling wife she came to me and these words to me did say,
‘Cheer up your heart my gallant man, and daunted do not be,
for ‘tis better to die for Ireland’s right than to live in slavery’.

I said ‘my own, my dearest one, it grieves me to part with you,
Likewise our young and helpless ones, alas what will they do,
My friends and gallant comrades will mourn for my downfall,
But part with old Ireland, my native land, it grieves me more than all.

I was placed on board a convict ship without any more delay,
From Erin’s Isle we soon set sail, I’ll ne’er forget that day,
For as I stood upon the deck to take a farewell view,
I shed a tear, but not through fear, old Ireland, ‘twas for you.

Cheer up your hearts brave Irishmen, your hour is near at hand,
For victory I’ll hope and pray, though in a foreign land,
And the one request I’ll ask of you, when your liberty you gain,
Remember brave John Mitchel, who wore a convict’s chain.