Story Behind The Song

Based on a story by Frank O'Connor. I re-wrote the story portraying the execution of two Yankee troops (instead of 2 Englishmen during the Irish War for Independence)held captive during the American Civil War.

Lyrics

In the days of civil war, fought against the Blue and Gray.
We were handed over Yankee troops, captured in a failed escape.
We took the two in custody, the old woman kept them fed.
Many an evening spent, playing cards - and making friends

Miller was a fiery Yank, like many of the Northerners.
But Butler he's a quiet soul, tallest I've yet known
He took to the old woman, he'd always be at her heels.
He looked before she had a chance to leap, making tea and singing
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) (2x) Guest of the Nation

What can you do when duty calls, in the middle of a war.
Friends you've made could be in the grave, when the man gives you the call.
Never make friends with the enemy, if you want your peace of mind
The day may come when we use the gun, to show 'em we will fight.

(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) (2x) Guest of the Nation

On the night of a bloody full moon, we were told they had to move
Donovan said that four of our lads were killed by the Yankee troops
His excited voice, said we had no choice, that our captives get the same.
So we moved the two, into the woods, never to be seen again.

(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) (2x) Guest of the Nation

We went back to the cottage -, I put away my spade
And kneeling in the doorway, the old woman began to pray.
The little grave we dug for them seemed a million miles away.
But not far in the distance, I thought I'd heard them singing.
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) (2x) Guest of the Nation