Chorus)
In 1921 they left the mist of old West Meade
Three Brothers went a-sailing across the raging seas
In the Apple, up in Bean Town and down in ol' Philly
They came to find America, the Brothers Rafferty
Danny was the oldest and Manhattan was his town
They weren't hirin' any Irish but ya can't keep Paddy down
He got a badge and a blue suit with a twirling Billy Club
A hero on them mean streets, still a drinker in the pub
He walks the beat, steps lively, and he whistles as he goes
He tips his cap to the ladies while he's snarlin' at his foes
Now punks and thugs get to hidin', all the crime comes to a stop
The oldest Rafferty brother, now the toughest New York cop
(Chorus)
Now Michael was the youngest, a Holy rollin' type
A peaceful guy most of the time, but don't fuck with Mike
The talk of the parish, a well-respected gent
He's prayin' for your dear soul, the man was heaven sent
Turned Holy water to whiskey, and he kept a happy church
Michael, blessed to be perfect, angels on his shoulder perched
He loved his home in Boston, thought the Sox were the worst
Forget your cryin' 'bout the Babe, ol' Mike gave them their curse
(Chorus)
Jimmy, born in the middle, his mother called him James
He's stealin' floaters off the bar, losin' money on them games
The black sheep of his family, had an evil icy stare
He'd steal from a poor ol' lady, see Jimmy didn't care
He lived down in South Philly, had a job layin' brick
The manners of a stray dog, this lousy goddamned Mick
He bathed in the Skuckyll river, in jail for battery
The judge asked him Why you so bad? I'm a fuckin' Rafferty!
(Chorus 2x)