Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh
Big Maggie she left Kerry in 1952.
She had ta lave auld Ireland, there was nothing there to do.
All she had in her pocket was a one ten shilling note.
An’ she looked so sad an’ lonely as she sad there on the boat.
Her mother said, big Maggie make sure an’ keep the faith.
Say your prayers night an’ morning an’ don’t stay out to late.
Be careful of them London lads, you know now what they do.
A decent boy from Ireland, is the only boy for you.
She got a job in London, making sandwiches an’ tae.
From early in the morning, she was on a woful pay.
She met big Jim from Mayo, he was over shovelling hae.
An’ it wasn’t very long, until they had there wedding day.
They bought a house in London, it was a site to see.
An’very soon Jim bought his first JCB.
He worked form early morning, right throughout the night.
An’ very soon he owned all the wagons of the site.
Jim an’ Mags back home in Ireland now they’ve bought a big hotel.
An’ we’re so very proud of them, now didn’t they do well.
In a frame there hanging on the wall, is an old ten shilling note.
Just like the one that Maggie, had that day upon the boat.
In a frame there hanging on the wall, is a old ten shilling note.
Just like the one that Maggie had that day upon the boat.
And that’s the truth….