The song begins with Michael reflecting on his life before he was arrested for his crimes. He was a hard worker, but he was unable to provide for his family because of the famine. He was forced to steal food to feed his children, and he was eventually caught and sentenced to transportation to Australia.
The chorus of the song is a haunting melody that captures the longing of the Irish people for their homeland. The lyrics describe the "Green Fields of Athenry," where Michael grew up. The song expresses the feeling of homesickness and the longing for a better life that so many Irish people felt during the Great Famine.
The rest of the song tells the story of Michael's journey to Australia and his life in the penal colony. He struggles to adapt to his new life and experiences many hardships. However, he never gives up hope and eventually gains his freedom.
The Fields of Athenry is a powerful song that tells a tragic story of the Great Famine in Ireland. The song has become a symbol of Irish resilience and hope, and it continues to be sung and enjoyed by people all over the world.