From the recording The Ballad of the Great Hugh Carey
Lyrics
The Ballad of the Great Hugh Carey
Our story begins on the old Emerald Isle
On a ship set sail for many a mile.
To the battery on the Hudson and the gold New York streets
For to build the American dream.
When Margret met Denis in old Brooklyn town
A home it ‘twas built by the sweat of the brow.
Six children had she and great things would come
From Hugh Leo Carey their third born son.
Come sing a song of a man and his memory.
Come remember a life that was full as life can be.
Come now lassie, come on laddie,
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.
Through the Great Depression, Hugh learned his lessons
Growing up proud in the Catholic tradition.
When the country was in need he answered the call
On a cavalry horse Hugh rode into war.
From France he pushed all the way to Cologne
Under young Hugh’s command the brave Timberwolves.
When the continent was free he returned with pride
Young Helen to find and make her his bride.
Come sing a song of a man and his memory.
Come remember a life that was full as life can be.
Come now lassie, come on laddie,
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.
From humble beginnings Hugh made himself known
To the halls of Congress from the streets of Park Slope.
Fourteen children had he and his bride
When he went off to Washington for them to provide.
As in the great War he fought for what’s right,
With Kennedy, Moynihan and O’Neil by his side.
He looked with an eye towards the Governor’s chair
But would lose his fair bride before he declared.
Say goodbye, say goodbye, say goodbye to those gone before.
Say goodbye, say goodbye, may they be together once more.
In the state of New York Hugh rose to the top
But the big bright Apple was starting to rot.
With a solemn vow and the weight on his shoulders
He declared the days of wine and roses are over.
But through it all he weathered the storm
On his love for New York he made right from wrong.
When the dust settled the Empire was saved
Old Hugh and his crew had rescued the state.
Come sing a song of a man and his memory.
Come remember a life that was full as life can be.
Come now lassie, come on laddie,
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.
There are legends of old but few can compare
To what a man and his will can do if he dares.
Brave Hugh a true man who always delivered
A Governor for the hardest of winters.
So when you remember please remember him well
Remember his story, his legend, his tale.
They all live on in those who recall
Brave Hugh forever a friend to us all.
Come sing a song of a man and his memory.
Come remember a life that was full as life can be.
Come now lassie, come on laddie,
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.
Come sing the ballad of the great Hugh Carey.