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Grace’s Song --- arr. Bob Clevenger

The song ’Grace’ was written by Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol as he awaited execution
for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising. His British jailers allowed him to marry his fiancée,
Grace Gifford in the prison chapel shortly before his execution.
They did NOT allow the newlyweds any time alone together.

This is the story from Grace’s point of view and for a female vocalist.

As we [G]come together one last time in [C]Old Kilmainham [D]Gaol,
I [C]also think a-[G]bout these [Em]days. Oh [Am]will they say we’ve [D]failed?
From our [G]schooldays they have told us we must [C]yearn for liber-[D]ty,
Yet [C]all I want in [G]all this [Em]world is to [D]have you here with [G]me.

Oh [D]Joseph hold me in your arms and [C]let this moment [G]linger
            They’ll [C]take you out at [G]dawn and you will [D]die.
            With [D]all your love you placed this wedding [C]ring upon my [G]finger;
            There [C]won’t be time to [G]share our [Em]love, for [D]we must say good-[G]bye.

Oh [G]yes, my love I know you well, and [C]so I under-[D]stand,
The [C]love you bear for [G]these brave [Em]men, your [Am]love for this dear [D]land.
And when [G]Padraig called you to his side down [C]in the GP[D]O
You [C]left my side and [G]your sick-[Em]bed, to [D]him you had to [G]go.

Now [G]as the dawn is breaking, my [C]heart is breaking [D]too.
On [C]this May morn when [G]shots ring [Em]out my [Am]breast will feel them [D]too.
Please [G]write some words upon the wall so [C]everyone will [D]know,
I [C]love you so, and [G]now I’ll see that [Em]on your [D]work will [G]go.

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