Twas in the month of January, in the year of '69,
The hills were clad in mantles of snow and the air was crisp and fine,
Near the lovely town of Claudy where the River Faughan strays,
A deed was done which stains with shame, the rocks to dark Gallion's braes.

We left fair Claudy's welcome streets, to Killaloo did come,
And our banners bright lit up the sky, as they glittered in the sun,
And our voices strong were raised in song, fallen justice to deride,
But a dreadful fate did lie in wait, by the silent Faughan's side.

Our columns halted by the church and anxiously we did stand,
For news had come along the road that danger was close at hand,
But when we came to Burntollet bridge, our hearts grew cold with fear,
For three hundred men with clubs and sticks on the hillside did appear.

And then the stones came down on us, they came like the driven rain,
And descending came that pack of wolves, like men who've gone insane,
Oh, cruel was the slaughter there and painful for to see,
As old and young and boy and girl were beaten to their knees.

Oh, shame on those who planned this deed, oh, shame on you always,
And shame to those whose job it was to prevent this dreadful fray,
And glory to the boys and girls, ho defenceless all did stand,
For your courage at Burntollet Bridge has spread throughout the land.

Flow on, flow on, sweet Faughan stream, flow swiftly to the sea,
But your waters wild can ne'er wash away the dreadful memory,
And the fields around fair Claudy town will ever stained be,
With the blood of those who fell that day, in defence of liberty.