Economic policies in Ireland back in the mid 1800′s required that farmers work the fields, but turn the best crops over to the government for export while the poor had to make do with the lesser crops, such as potatoes. In 1845, Ireland lost all its potato crop and even though enough of other types of food was being produced to feed the whole population, people were starving. Those who spoke out and rebelled against this atrocity were banished to Tasmania, also known as Van Diemen’s Land.
The song isn’t a rebel song, it is an appeal for nonviolent justice.
Click here to download the guitar tab for Van Diemen’s Land
Hold me now, oh hold me now
’til this hour has gone around
And I’m gone on the rising tide
For to face Van Diemen’s land
It’s a bitter pill I swallow here
To be rent from one so dear
We fought for justice and not for gain
But the magistrate sent me away
Now kings will rule and the poor will toil
And tear their hands as they tear the soil
But a day will come in this dawning age
When an honest man sees an honest wage
Hold me now, oh hold me now
’til this hour has gone around
And I’m gone on the rising tide
For to face Van Diemen’s land
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