In a dreary Brixton prison Where an Irish rebel lay By his side a priest was standing 'Ere his soul should pass away As he faintly murmured Father As he clasped him by the hand Tell me this before I die Shall my soul pass through Ireland Shall my soul pass through old Ireland And through Cork's old city grand Shall I see that old cathedral Where St. Patrick took his stand Shall I see that little chapel Where I pledged my heart and hand Tell me this before I die Shall my soul pass through Ireland 'Twas for loving dear old Ireland In this prison cell I lie 'Twas for loving dear old Ireland In this foreign land I die Will you meet my little daughter Will you make her understand Tell me this before I die Shall my soul pass through Ireland With his heart pure as a lily And his body sanctified In this dreary British prison Our brave Irish rebel died Prayed the priest his wish be granted And in blessing raised raised his hand Tell me this before I die Shall my soul pass through old Ireland