There are wild and rocky hills on the coast of Donegal
And her fishermen are hardy, brave and free
And the big Atlantic swell is a thing they know right well
As they fight to take a living from the sea

Chorus:
With a pleasant rolling sea and the herring running free
And the fleet all riding gently through the foam
When the boats are loaded down, there'll be singing in the town
When the boys of Killybegs come rolling home

Well, you don your rubber boots and you've got your oilskins on
And you check your gear to see that it's okay
And your jumper keep you warm, for it's cold before the dawn
Then you're ready to begin another day

Chorus

Now, you're headed out to sea and the wind is blowing free
And you cast your nets as rain begins to fall
But, the sun comes riding high and the clouds will soon roll by
And today you'll maybe take a bumper haul

Chorus

When the weather's blowing rough, then the work is very tough
And the ropes will raise the welts upon your hands
But you'll never leave the sea, for whoever you may be
When it's in your blood, it's hard to live on land

Chorus

Oh, there's purple on the hills and there's green down by the shore
And the sun has spilled his gold upon the sea
And there's silver down below, where the herring fishes go
When we catch them, we'll have gold for you and me

Chorus