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As I walked past Portlaoise Prison |
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"I'm innocent", a voice was heard to say |
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"My frame-up is almost completed. |
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My people all look the other way. " |
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Seven years ago his torture started |
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A forced confession he was made to sign. |
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Young Irish men specially trained and chosen |
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Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line. |
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Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming |
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Even prison doctors could see |
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His injuries were not self-inflicted |
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Those who tipped the scales did not agree. |
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Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom |
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Give him back his liberty |
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Ore are we going to leave him in chains |
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While those who framed him up hold the key? |
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Deprived of human rights by his own people |
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Sickened by injustice he jumped bail, |
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In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome |
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Till his co-accused were both released from jail. |
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He came back expecting to get justice |
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Special Branch took him from the plane |
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For five years we've deprived him of his freedom |
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The guilty jeer the innocent again. |
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Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom |
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Give him back his liberty |
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Ore are we going to leave him in chains |
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While those who framed him up hold the key? |
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The people versus Kelly was the title |
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Of the farce we staged at his appeal. |
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Puppets in well rehearsed collusion, |
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I often wonder how these men must feel. |
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As I walked past Portlaoise Prison |
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Through concrete and steel a whisper came |
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"My frame-up is almost completed. |
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I'm innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name. " |
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Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom |
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Give him back his liberty |
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Ore are we going to leave him in chains |
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While those who framed him up hold the key? |
