"Back Home in Derry" is an Irish rebel song written by Bobby Sands while imprisoned in HM Prison Maze.
The narrator describes the feelings of the men as they sail away from Ireland, in precarious conditions, while the chorus is a lament of longing for Derry.
[2] The city appears to be used as a symbol for one's hometown, as historically, the Irish Rebellion of 1803 was centered around Dublin.
Throughout the song, the narrator describes the mistreatment of Irish prisoners by the Dublin Castle administration, and the execution of Robert Emmet is mentioned.
The narrator is ultimately deported to van Diemen's land, where he endures a harsh existence of servitude and violence.