Bridget's Prayer (Sheet Music, MP3, Lyrics) (Patreon)

Jamie Haeuser wrote this song while driving the Causeway in New Orleans. She was struck by the memory not only of the 30,000 Irishmen who died digging the New Basin Canal, but also by the women who the left behind.

lyrics by Jamie Haeuser, music by Marc Gunn

Performed by Marc GunnFrom CD: How America Saved Irish Music

Oh, Michael, please don’t go todayYou’re shakin’ like a leafWe will make do, o stor, maronWe will make do somehowI’ve washing in, I can do moreJust don’t go back, I prayIt’s death my darlin’ one, I knowIt’s death in that new canal

I pray, in holy Bridget’s nameI pray, God help us all

My babies need their father hereMy babies need you soPlease don’t go back, I know that youWill fall if go you doI can find work, I’ll sew and wash‘Till bloody my fingers areJust don’t go back, oh, stor maronIt’s death in that new canal

Oh, Michael love, I cannot liveWithout you, dearest heartFind other work, I care not whatFind anything but thatI cannot stand to see you fallLike our friends before have doneToo many widows made too youngIt’s death in that new canal