The garden of Eden has vanished they say
But I know the lie of it still
Just turn to the left at the bridge of Finea
And stop when half way to Coote Hill
'Tis there I will find it I know sure enough
When fortune has come to my call
Oh, the grass it is green
Around Ballyjamesduff
And the blue sky is over it all
And tones that are tender and tones that are gruff
Are whispering over the sea
"Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Come home Paddy Reilly to me"

My mother once told me that when I was born
The day that I first saw the light
I looked down the street on that very frist morn
And gave a great crow of delight
Now most newborn babies appear in a huff
And start with a sorrowful squall
But I knew I was born in Ballyjamesduff
And that's why I smile on them all
The baby's a man now, he's toil-worn and tough
Still whipsers come over the sea
"Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Come home Paddy Reilly to me"