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 name no more you'll hear His colors can't be seen They've gone and passed a law against The wearing of the green Sure I looked at Napper Tandy And he took me by the hand And he said: How's dear old Ireland And how does she stand? It's the most distressful country That ever you have seen They're hanging men and women For the wearing of the green 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 name no more you'll hear His colors can't be seen They've gone and passed a law against The wearing of the green They're hanging men and women For the wearing of the green