The Ride on the Goat

(Tune — “Derry Down”)

On the Twelfth of July, in the year ‘89,
I first took the notion this Order to join;
Then up to the lodgeroom, and there I did go,
And what I got there you’ll very soon know.

Down, Down, Derry Down!

And when I arrived there I knocked at the door;
There’s one they call master, who stood on the floor;
Come in and sit down, you’re welcome, he said,
And being surprised, I on him did gaze.

Down, Down, Derry Down!

Then up came a man with a mallet in his hand,
Saying, don’t be alarmed, for I’ll do you no harm.
Five hundred miles on a goat you must ride,
A homey or moiley, the master replied.

Down, Down, Derry Down!

Then the goat was brought forward that I might get on,
And after I mounted they bid him begone;
Through a blind window the goat he did go,
Through bogs and wild mountains, and where I don’t know.

Down, Down, Derry Down!

Then after a long and wearisome chase,
The goat he arrived at the very same place;
Approaching the lodgeroom, I heard them all sing,
Success to the member that made the house ring.

Down, Down, Derry Down!