Peggy Lee - The Wearing of the Green lyrics

Oh, Paddy dear, and did you hear The news that's going round? The shamrock is forbid by law To grow on Irish ground! St. Patrick's Day no more we'll keep, His color can't be seen, For there's a bloomin' law agin' The wearing of the green. I met with Napper Tandy And he took me by the hand, And he said, "How's poor old Ireland And how does she stand?" "She's the most distressful country That ever yet was seen; They're hanging men and women there For wearing of the green." Then since the color we must wear Is England's cruel red, Sure Ireland's songs will ne'er forget The blood that they have shed. You may take the shamrock from your hat now, Cast it on the sod, But 'twill take root and flourish still, Tho' under foot it's trod. When the law can stop the blades of green From growing as they grow, And when the leaves in summertime Their verdue dare not show, Then I will change the color that I Wear in my canteen; But 'till that day, please God, I'll stick To wearing of the green