Dublin Gulch

Lyrics

Ballad of the Button Box 
 
I have walked these streets at night when this town was young
The cobblestones, I trod alone to greet the mornin’ sun
Over turf and rocks my button box, I carried to & fro
In Summer’s heat and Autumn sleet and chilly Winter snow
 
CHORUS
The gents and pretty ladies dancin’ round the floor
I’d hear their sighs and pleading cries, “Oh, Johnny, play one more.”
Music is my calling card wherever I may go
I’m John “the Yank” Harrington from County Silver Bow
 
 
My father came from County Cork as did my mother, Kate
They gave to me a legacy of music as my fate
When they passed on, I moved along to live across the sea
A barber shears and button box were all I brought with me
 
CHORUS
 
I have been a fisherman, a thatcher, and a hod
From “Black & Tans,” I never ran while on the Irish Sod
From County Cork to old New York, to build the underground
You can hear me in the tunnels by my bellows’ mighty sound
 
CHORUS
 
I have played accordion for five and ninety years
A century of memories of good friends far and near
But this old son has had his run, my time is ending soon
So, take from me this button box and play another tune
 
CHORUS
And the gents and pretty ladies dancin’ round the floor
I’d hear their sighs and pleading cries, “Oh, Johnny, play one more.”
Music is my calling card wherever I may go
I’m John “the Yank” Harrington from County Silver Bow
And I’ve handed down the heritage to Country Silver Bow