The Wicklow Boy

As I walked past Portlaoise Prison

"I'm innocent", a voice was heard to say

"My frame-up is almost completed

My people all look the other way"

Seven years ago his torture started

A forced confession he was made to sign

Young Irish men specially trained and chosen

Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line

Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming

Even prison doctors could see

His injuries were not self-inflicted

Those who tipped the scales did not agree

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom

Give him back his liberty

Ore are we going to leave him in chains

While those who framed him up hold the key?

Deprived of human rights by his own people

Sickened by injustice he jumped bail

In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome

Till his co-accused were both released from jail

He came back expecting to get justice

Special Branch took him from the plane

For five years we've deprived him of his freedom

The guilty jeer the innocent again

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom

Give him back his liberty

Ore are we going to leave him in chains

While those who framed him up hold the key?

The people versus Kelly was the title

Of the farce we staged at his appeal

Puppets in well rehearsed collusion

I often wonder how these men must feel

As I walked past Portlaoise Prison

Through concrete and steel a whisper came

"My frame-up is almost completed

I'm innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name"

Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom

Give him back his liberty

Ore are we going to leave him in chains

While those who framed him up hold the key?