No Irish Need Apply

Northeast Region

This song was popular during the years of Irish Immigration (1848-1860).  It explains the problems Irish immigrants faced with discrimination.  The Irish sang this song on vaudeville stages in the East and it soon became popular.

Lyrics:

1.  I’m a decent boy just landed from the town of Ballyfad,
     I want a situation and I want it very bad.
     I have seen employment advertised, ‘tis just the thing, says I,
     But the dirty spalpeen ended with, “No Irish need apply” 
     “Whoo!” says I, “But that’s an insult,  tho’ to get the place I’ll try,”
     so I went to see this blackguard with his “No Irish need apply.”

Refrain:          Some do count it a misfortune to be christened Pat or Dan,
                        But to me it is an honor to be born an Irishman.

2.  I started out to find the house, I got it mighty soon,
     There I found the old chap seated.  He was reading the Tribune.
     I told him what I came for,
     When he in a rage did fly, 
     “No,” he says, “you are a Paddy, and no Irish need apply.”
     Then I gets my dander rising and I’d like to black his eye,
     To tell an Irish gentleman, “No Irish need apply.”

Refrain:          Some do count it a misfortune to be christened Pat or Dan,
                        But to me it is an honor to be born an Irishman.

3.  I couldn’t stand it longer so a-hold of him I took,
     And gave him such a welting as he’d get at Donnybrook.
     He hollered, “Millia Murther,” and to get away did try,
     And swore he’d never write again, “No Irish need apply.”
     Well, he made a big apology,  I bid him then good-bye,
     Saying, “When next you want a beating, Write ‘No Irish need apply.’” 

Refrain:          Some do count it a misfortune to be christened Pat or Dan,
                        But to me it is an honor to be born an Irishman.