The history of emigration from Ireland to America has been well documented in song and this is one of the most poignant emigration songs. For the families of the emigrant the parting was a time of great sorrow, akin to a death. There was the horrendous journey on the emigrant ship that many did not survive, then there were the perils of the New World. Even if all went well it was unlikely that they would ever see their beloved again, due to the great distance involved. The "American Wake" was a traditional send off for the immigrant. The family and friends would hold a "wake" for the emigrant which was a party through the night, with a mixture of celebration and sadness. Then the next day, those that were able to, accompanied the emigrant on foot to the Port, sometimes a journey of sixty miles or more, where the emigrant ship was docked. The emigrants were required to carry on board not only their clothes and personal possessions but also cooking pots and enough food f! or six weeks. A STOR MO CHROI (Darling of my heart) A stor mo chroi when you're far away >From the home that you'll soon be leaving. Tis many the time by night and by day That your heart will sorely be grieving. For the stranger's land is bright and fair And rich in its treasures golden But you'll pine I know for the long long ago And the love that never is olden. A stor mo chroi, in the stranger's land There is plenty of wealth for the willing Where jewels adorn the great and the grand While our faces with hunger are paling. For the road may be toilsome and hard to tread And the lights of their cities may blind you. Then turn a stor to the Eastern shore To the ones that you're leaving behind you A stor mo chroi when the evening mists O'er mountain and sea are falling, Then turn away from the throng and list, And maybe you'll hear me calling For the sound of a voice that I sorely miss, for somebody's quick returning. A run, a run, won't you come back soon To the love that always is burning.