Chorus) In 1921 they left the mist of old West Meade Three Brothers went a-sailing across the raging seas In the Apple, up in Bean Town and down in ol' Philly They came to find America, the Brothers Rafferty
Danny was the oldest and Manhattan was his town They weren't hirin' any Irish but ya can't keep Paddy down He got a badge and a blue suit with a twirling Billy Club A hero on them mean streets, still a drinker in the pub He walks the beat, steps lively, and he whistles as he goes He tips his cap to the ladies while he's snarlin' at his foes Now punks and thugs get to hidin', all the crime comes to a stop The oldest Rafferty brother, now the toughest New York cop
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Now Michael was the youngest, a Holy rollin' type A peaceful guy most of the time, but don't fuck with Mike The talk of the parish, a well-respected gent He's prayin' for your dear soul, the man was heaven sent Turned Holy water to whiskey, and he kept a happy church Michael, blessed to be perfect, angels on his shoulder perched He loved his home in Boston, thought the Sox were the worst Forget your cryin' 'bout the Babe, ol' Mike gave them their curse
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Jimmy, born in the middle, his mother called him James He's stealin' floaters off the bar, losin' money on them games The black sheep of his family, had an evil icy stare He'd steal from a poor ol' lady, see Jimmy didn't care He lived down in South Philly, had a job layin' brick The manners of a stray dog, this lousy goddamned Mick He bathed in the Skuckyll river, in jail for battery The judge asked him Why you so bad? I'm a fuckin' Rafferty!