I was working in Heuston Station
Like my Da and his before him
Trying to pass the time before the bell
When a poor hand and a bad joke
Sent me down to the Phoenix Park
To join the Royal Dublin Fusiliers

My mother went down to plead my case
But the ink had already dried
And God love her I still remember every tear she cried
Now I’m writing from a barracks
On the north side of the Lee
And ill be soon for cork harbor on the way

Do the boys still run down to see me
When the hear the hooter blow
Does my sister still resent me
Now that I must wear the rose
Well I hope that this letter
Will find you in good health
With all my love
Your fond son John

Well my dad pulled into the station
So I went to meet him there
Said thank you for the cigarettes and the cake
I was down heartened
When he pulled out
And again I said goodbye
And I headed back for the old Youghal Road

Do the boys still run down to see me
When the hear the hooter blow
Does my sister still resent me
Now that I must wear the rose
Ma, I'm headed for northern France
To a river they call the Somme
With all my love
Your fond son John

Yes John, the boys still run down to see you
When they hear the hooter blow
And your sister did forgive you
For she knows you did not know
Son mind yourself and hurry home
And I'll have your dinner on
With all my love
My fond son John

Well John he never came home
He died at 21
They couldn't find his body in the morgue
But theres a headstone up in Thiepval
And it's scribed as private Geoghegan
Son of Hugh and Ellen of Inchicore