[Chorus]
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics

[Verse 1]
The beautiful, emerald Isle
The greenery, so fertile
Where money reigns, and vultures smile
Our heritage, now defiled

[Pre-Chorus]
Their icy grasp has dropped the ball
The cost of the basics has gone awol
I look around to see and can't believe
The gentrified cold streets, I'm now forced to leave
I grieve

[Chorus]
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)

[Verse 2]
As usual, we toe the line
The boys in green, can't find the time
Bail us out, and keep them sweet
Live in debt, eternally
[Pre-Chorus]
Generations against the wall
Austerity staring straight at us all
The strings on my guitar they gently weep
For all the promises that they never keep
I grieve

[Chorus]
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics
Ireland you don't know the basics

[Instrumental break]

[Chorus]
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)
Ireland you don't know the basics (Ireland)