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lyrics

Little Parramatta Mary

Hundred days at sea, I held you, Mary
‘Nursed you well tho, many babes were lost
Here at the Female Factory you learned to dance with me
But at 4 - they took you from my arms
I’m staying good, so I can see you, Mary
Without you, the work is hard and the night’s are long.

Chorus
I’ll get you from the orphan school, my Mary
Prison’s not for you - my innocent child
But the walls are high up here in Parramatta
Your mother’s heart is broke, till I hold you tight

Alice Leonard had her cunning plan
She climbed that 9 foot wall many times,
But they caught her - with a peach from Matron’s garden
Now she’s locked in 3rd, - picking oakum since last week
Sure I’ll sow their clothes, till me fingers bleed, me darlin
Cause I’m staying good so I can see you soon.

Chorus

They paraded us in the yard to get a man
But no settler’ll take a mother as their bride
They sent me up Maitland with a master,
Who was cruel and he wanted me for his bed
But I didn’t ‘get caught’ with a baby like poor Sarah
Who’s hair was cropped though it was her master’s sin

Oh ‘Transported for Life’ I was - for the sin - of stealing a sheep
….As the ship left my Irish home….how could say “Goodbye”

You’re all I’ve left of me family here
And I won’t be far from you no more
So I’m back in 1st with me Parramatta Factory sisters,
Got me brown serge dress, I’m getting me ticket of leave
I’ll find you in the orphanage by the river
Together you and I - are family

Chorus

credits

from Mothers of the Nation EP, released February 21, 2021

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Mothers of the Nation Band Sydney, Australia

Inspired by the storytelling tradition and the music of Ireland, Cliona & Rosie (Singer/guitarist in Rosie and Nigel) have collaborated for many years in Sydney band Folklore, and have played many times at the National Folk Festival.
Rosie and Cliona are joined by renowned bluegrass mandolinist Nigel Lever and double bass player Ann Palumbo. ... more

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