Star of the West by Kathleen Parks

I’m a second gen. dreamer of the American quest
Singing songs for fans, friends, and family
But I wouldn’t be here if not for Ireland’s best
Maisie Mannion O’Brien the Star of the West

She left home with her first born at her husband’s insist
Crashing waves made the way more harrowing
After 12 days at sea they saw Liberty’s dress
Welcomie Maisie O’Brien, the Star of the West

They started on the dirt floor of a lonely basement
The stress and the mess was uncanny
But they managed to get out of man’s dirt poor grip
Thanks to Maisie O’Brien, the star of the west

In time there’d be 6 more babies and pets
In the house on Tuers Avenue in Jersey
Cooking dinners, a breadwinner as a mighty waitress
Being Maisie O’Brien the Star of the West

She was quick with hail marys, and no mass was skipped
She loved her Hank Williams and Patsy
And you wouldn’t dare to leave her without a kiss
She was Maisie O’Brien, Star of the West

After 50 long years of Jersey’s old tricks
Her first born moved her out of the city
With dozens of cousins up in Salem, Mass.
All hailed Maisie O’Brien, the Star of the West

Connemara, she cried on the day that she left
And I took to the stars for answering
Emblazoned in orange was a creamsicle bliss
Calling Maisie O’Brien, the Star of the West

Now St. Patty’s she’s coming
Wear the green on your chest
Get your Guiness, Jamo, and Bailey’s
If you sing out a tune, I make one request
Make it Maisie O’Brien’s the Star of the West