She's like a swallow that flies so high
She's like the river that never runs dry
She's like the sunshine on the lee shore
She loves her love and love is no more
It's out in the meadow this fair maid did go
Picking the lovely primrose
The more she plucked the more she pulled
Until she's got her apron full
She climbed on yonder hill above
To give a rose unto her love
She gave him one, she gave him three
She gave her heart for company
And as they sat on yonder hill
His heart grew hard, so harder still
He has two hearts instead of one
She says, young man what have you done
How foolish, foolish you must be
To think I loved no one but thee
This world's not made for one alone
Where are you now
And who's by your side
Can't hide for a lifetime
Uncover your eyes
Wake up, in the morning
Share the sunlight shining down on us
You and me
Are these sad days always lost on us
Where am I now
And who's on my side
I'd wait for a lifetime
For you to come back
Wake up, in the evening
Share the moonlight shining down on us
You and me
Are these sad days always lost on us
Can anyone play me another sad song
Cause sad songs remind me of all that we've lost
Can anyone play me another sad song
Cause sad songs remind me of all that we've lost
Wake up, in the morning
Share the sunlight shining down on us
You and me
Some walls are made of stone
Some times we build our own
Some walls will stand for years
Some wash away with tears
Some walls are lined with gold
Some hearts stay safe and cold
Some walls are made of doubt
Holding in and keeping out
Chorus:
If there's any hope for love at all
Some walls must fall
Some walls are built on pride
Some keep a child inside
Some walls are made in fear
That love let go will disappear
Chorus
How will you ever know what might be found
Until you let the walls come tumbling down
Come all you gallant poachers who ramble void of care,
Who wander out on a moonlit night with your dog, your gun and snare,
The hare and lofty pheasant you have at your command,
Not thinking of your long career spend on Van Dieman's land.
Poor Thomas Brown from Nenagh town, John Murphy and Poor Joe,
Where three determined poachers, the country well does know,
By the keepers of the land, one night, at last they were trepanned,
And for fourteen years transported unto Van Dieman's Land.
The first day that we landed upon that fatal shore,
The planters gathered around us, they might be twenty score,
They ranked us off like horses and sold us out of hand,
They yoked us to a plough, brave boys, to plough Van Dieman's Land.
Often when I slumber, I have a pleasant dream,
I 'm lying on the cold green grass down by your purling stream,
Oh, wondering through the maid of fair with my sweetheart by the hand,
Then I awaken broken-hearted upon Van Dieman's Land.
Fourteen years is a long long time, that is our fatal doom,
For nothing more the poaching got no all that so we done,
You give up dog, gun and snare and the poaching, every man
When all is said and done
You're still a lucky one
And I've lost out again this time
You said that we were strong
Said that we'd go on and on
Do you see that you were wrong this time?
Now I want to tell you
Chorus:
If you wanted to break me
If you wanted to see me falling
I'll make it easy for you
No, you won't have to try
Really think you should know that
Come the morning light
There'll be no-one left to fight
You say I'm not to blame
Things don't often go your way
Well maybe you were wrong this time
Cos from where I'm standing now
It doesn't matter any how
We've lost too many friends this time
Now I need to tell you
Chorus
When darkness follows you home at night
And all the voices drown you out
This world is turning us inside out
Do you believe it is worth the fight
My song for you this evening
Is not to make you sad
Nor for adding to the sorrows
Of this troubled northern land
But lately I've been thinking
And it just wont leave my mind
I'll tell you about two friends one time
Who were both good friends of mine
Isaac he was Protestant
And Sean was Catholic born
But it never made a difference
For the friendship it was strong
And sometimes in the evening
When they heard the sound of drums
They said they wont divide us
We will always be as one
There were roses, roses
There were roses
And the tears of a people ran together
It was on a Sunday morning
When the awful news came round
Another killing had been done
Just outside Newry Town
We knew that Isaac danced up there
We knew he liked the band
But when we heard that he was dead
We just could not understand
Now fear it filled the countryside
There was fear in every home
When late at night a car came
Prowling round the Ryan Road
A Catholic would be killed tonight
To even up the score
Oh Christ, it's young MacDonald
They have taken from the door
There were roses, roses
There were roses
And the tears of a people ran together
Isaac was my friend he cried
He begged them with his tears
But centuries of hatred
Have ears that do not hear
An eye for an eye
That was all that filled their minds
And another eye for another eye
Till everyone was blind
Now I don't know where the moral is
Or where the song should end
But I wonder just how many wars
Are fought between good friends
And those who give the orders
Are not the ones to die
It's Scott and young MacDonald
And the likes of you and I
There were roses, roses
There were roses
Some poets sing of a noble king
All of a sweetheart fair
Some tell a tale of ships that sail
With treasures rich and rare
But my humble pen still drifts again
To scenes of long ago
Across the sea to the Benedy
And the winding river Roe
Right well do I remember now
Those happy childhood days
And the times I had when just a lad
On Carn's lovely braes
And when my mind is thus inclined
No other joys I know
For my heart remains on the verdant plains
Near the winding river Roe
Benbradagh's crown o'er Dungiven town
Is still within my view
And the Benedy Glen I worshipped then
Still lives in memory too
The beautiful scene of Cashel Green
Still haunts where ere I go
And in all my dreams I see it seems
The winding river Roe
If fortune smiles on me a while
I'll cross the sea again
And all those years of toil and tears
Will be forgotten then
And when at last my life has passed
Contentedly I'll go
Across the sea to the Benedy
After the morning there comes an evening
And after the evening another day
And after a false love there comes a true love
I'd have you listen now to what I say
I swear my love is the finest young man
As fair as any the sun shines on
But how to save him, I do not know it
For he has got a sentence to be hung
As he was marching the streets of Derry
I own he marched up right manfully
Being much more like a commanding officer
Than a man to die upon the gallows tree
"What keeps my love so long in coming
Oh what detains her so long from me
Or does she think it a shame or scandal
To see me die upon the gallows tree"
He looked around and he saw her coming
And she was dressed all in woollen fine
The weary steed that my love was riding
It flew more swifftly than the wind
Come down, come down from that cruel gallows
I've got your pardon from the king
And I'll let them see that they dare not hang you
The snow it melts the soonest when the winds begin to sing
And the corn it ripens fastest when the frost is setting in
And when the young man tells me that my face he'll soon forget
Before we part I bet a crown, he'd be fain to follow it yet
And the snow it melts the soonest when the winds begin to sing
And the swallow skims without a thought as long as it is spring
But when spring blows and winter goes my love then you'll be free
With all your pride and to follow me where it crossed the stormy sea
And the snows they melt the soonest when the winds begin to sing
And the bee that flew when summer shone in winter he won't sing
And all the flowers in all the land so brightly they may be.
And the snow it melts the soonest when my true love's for me.
So whoever says to me farewell here, no farewell I receive,
For you will leave me at your side, or you kiss and take your leave
And I'll wait here 'til the moorcock calls and the Martin takes his leave
Of all the money that e’er I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that e’er I've done, alas it was to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall.
So fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.
Of all the comrades that e’er I had, they're sorry for my going away,
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had, they would wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not,
I’ll gently rise and I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!"
A man may drink and not be drunk, a man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl and perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ordered been by a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all
Leaving sweet lovely Derry for fair London town,
There is no finer harbour all around can be found,
Where the youngsters each evening go down to the shore,
And the joy bells are ringing for the maid of Culmore.
The first time I saw her she passed me by,
And the next time I saw her, she bid me goodbye,
But the last time I saw her grieved broke my heart sore,
For she sailed out of Ireland, away from Culmore.
If I had the power, the storms for to rise,
I would make the wind blow high; I'd darken the skies,
I would make the wind blow high and salt seas to roar,
Till the day that my darling sailed away from Culmore.
To ramparts of America my love I'll go seek,
For it's there I know no-one and no-one knows me,
But if don't find her I'll return home no more,
As the lonesome scenes of winter in stormy winds to blow,
Clouds around the center inclined to frost and snow,
You're the boy that I have chosen to be my only dear,
Your scornful heart is frozen and drifted far I fear.
One night I went to see my love, but he proved most scornfully,
I asked him if he'd marry me, but he would not marry me,
The night it is far spent, my love, it's near the break of day,
And I'm waiting for your answer, my dear, what do you say?
I can but plainly tell you, I 'll lead a single life,
I never thought it fitting that you should be my wife,
So take a civil answer and for yourself provide,
I have another sweetheart and you I have laid aside.
Now my mind is changing that old love for the new,
This wide and lonsome valley I mean to ramble thru',
In search of someone handsome that might my fancy fill,
In a land of O'Cahan where bleak mountains rise
O'er those brown ridgy tops now the dusky clouds fly
Deep sunk in a valley a wild flower did grow
And her name was Finvola, the Gem of the Roe
For the Isles of Abunde appeared to out view
A youth clad in tartan, it's strange but it's true
With a star on his breast and unstrung was his bow
And he sighed for Finvola the Gem of the Roe
The Gem of the Roe, the Gem of the Roe
And he sighed for Finvola
The Gem of the Roe
To the grey shores of Alba his bride he did bear
But short were the fond years these lovers did share
For thrice on the hillside the Banshee cried low
Twas the death of Finvola the Gem of the Roe
The Gem of the Roe, the Gem of the Roe
Twas the death of Finvola
The Gem of the Roe
No more up the streamlet her maidens will hie
For wan the pale cheek and bedimmed the blue eye
In silent affliction our sorrows will flow
Since gone is Finvola the Gem of the Roe
The Gem of the Roe, the Gem of the Roe
Since gone is Finvola
Farewell to old Ireland, the land of my childhood
Which now and forever I am going to leave
Farewell to the shores, where the shamrock is growing
It's the bright spot of beauty and the home of the brave
I'll think on it's valleys with fond admiration
Though never again it's bright hills will I see
I'm bound for to cross the wide swelling ocean
In search of fame and fortune and of sweet liberty
Our ship at the present lies in Derry harbour
To bear us away across the wide swelling sea
May heaven be her companion and grant her fair breezes
Till we reach the green fields of America
It's hard to be forced from the land that we live in
Our houses and farms all obiged for to sell
To wander along among Indians and strangers
To find some sweet spot where our children might dwell
Our artists, our farmers, our tradesmen are leaving
To seek for employment far over the sea
Where they'll get their riches with care and with industry
There's nothing but hardship at home if you stay
So cheer up your spirits, you lads and you lasses
There's gold for the digging and lots of it, too
A health to the heart that has courage to ramble
Bad luck to the lad or the lass that would rue
We'll call for a bumper of ale, wine and brandy
We'll drink to the health of those far away
Our hearts will all warm at the thought of old Ireland
Through the mist my ship has sailed, leaving me behind
All things left unsaid, that were in my mind
When I stood on this deck, strange things I saw
Strange they have vanished now
I'm standing on the shore
Sandy hills all around, nothing standing clear
Softly light is falling through, time was never here
When I stood on this deck, stranges things I saw
STRANGE THEY HAVE VANISHED NOW
I'm standing on the shore
Headlands fading out of sight, horizons disappear
Hazy shores and silent seas, nothing DO I fear
Air and water, grass and sand, merging into one
In the silence of the mist, I am still alone
When I stood on this deck, strange things I saw
Strange they have vanished now
I'm standing on the shore
When you feel so tired trying
When you ask and no-one knows
When your heart is tired fighting
When you feel like letting go
Take this love I've freely given
Take this dream I'm wishing for
How long is forever
If I can't see you anymore
I'll miss you most whenever October winds begin to blow
Well these days have lost their meaning
And these nights can feel so cold
Endless days not ever knowing
What is all this suffering for
Take these words "so sad to leaveing"
Take this breath I breathe that's warm
Take these tears so softly falling
Take these love forever more
How long is forever
If I can't see you anymore
I'll miss you most whenever October winds begin to blow
How long is forever
If I can't see you anymore
I'll miss you most whenever October winds began to blow
Now the leaves have started turning
Wind whispers through my door
And I'm dreaming of my father
If you want me I'll be at your door
And if you need me I'll be by your side
Cos every day is a long winding road
And I'll always be here don't you know
I wonder why, I wonder why, I wonder why
I always try, I wonder why, I wonder why
Chorus:
Everytime I look at you I feel the blues
Can't hide the pain inside
No-one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
Never in a million years I thought the tears could break a heart of stone
If you need me let me know
Well, if you've got no-one to give your heart to
And if you've searched and you can't find the truth
When they tell you this time to let go
Well, I'll always be here - don't you know
I wonder why, I wonder why, I wonder why
Chorus
Oh, nobody told me bout the wind and the trees
And the summer breeze and
You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders
And the light is slipping through
And I've seen the sun catching your eye
Like the moon in the sky
Everytime I look at you I feel the blues
Can't hide the pain inside
No-one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
And though you've never asked me to believe it's true
I've loved you from the start
Oh I've got to find a way to mend today
These wings that need to fly
No-one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
Never in a million years I thought the tears could break a heart of stone
You're the one who's nearly breaking my heart,
Had your chance, you just threw it all away.
Living in a world that you could never be a part of,
And there's time to walk away.
You can't stay, no you can't stay.
You're no loser, there's still time to ride that train
and you must be on your way tonight.
Think a new right through, you're a man in the rain.
What's the use in hanging round these walls?
Lamps are burning, but nobody's at home.
There's a new day dawning as a cold rain falls,
And now's the time to walk alone.
You can't stay, no you can't stay.
You're no loser, there's still time to ride that train
and you must be on your way tonight.
Think a new right through, you're a man in the rain.
How's it feel when there's time to remember?
Branches bare, like the trees in November.
Had it all, threw it all away.
Now's the time to walk away.
You can't stay, no you can't stay.
You're no loser, there's still time to ride that train
and you must be on your way tonight.
Think a new right through, you're a man in the rain.
How's it feel when there's time to remember?
Branches bare, like the trees in November.
How's it feel when there's time to remember?
Branches bare, like the trees in November.
(guitar solo)
Threw it all away.
You can't stay, no you can't stay.
You're no loser, there's still time to ride that train
and you must be on your way tonight.
Think a new right through, you're a man in the rain.
Threw it all away. Threw it all away.
Now's the time to walk away.
You can't stay, no you can't stay.
You're no loser, there's still time to ride that train
and you must be on your way tonight.
Dear thoughts are my mind and my soul it soars enchanted,
As I hear the sweet lark sing in the clear air of the day,
For a tender beaming smile to my hope has been granted,
And tomorrow he shall hear all my fond heart longs to say.
I will tell him all my love , all my soul's pure adoration,
And I know he will hear my voice and he will not answer me nay,
It is this that gives my soul all it's joyous elation,
The leaves fall from the trees like gold
And I tell you that I love you so
The river sings, it's time to go
What lies ahead we'll never know
And summer brings sweet memories
When we danced all night on the dusty streets
With an angel watching over me
Your love has brought me to my knees
Chorus:
Well I've loved you and I wish it so,
Wherever you decide to go
Yes I've loved you well I wish it so,
Wherever you decide to go
We kissed under the tired moon
And the stars shone down for me and you
We listen for the cock to crow
Come break of day you had to go
Chorus
I didn't want to let you leave
I didn't wanna tell you no
Cos I know how to make you feel
And I don't wanna let you go
I didn't want to let you leave
I didn't wanna tell you no
Cos I know how to make you feel
And I don't wanna let you go
Laa la la la ohh
La la la la
Chorus
Yes I've loved you well I wish it so,
Wherever you decide to go
Yes I've loved you well I told you so
Wherever you decide to go
I've loved you well
Wherever you decide to go
I've loved you well
Four times:
Winter brings sweet melodies
I wish I was in heaven high,
For night and day I just wait and cry,
And from my arms he flew one night,
To where I cannot find.
I wish I had the wings to fly,
For in this world he left no sign,
But maybe someday he'll bring me back,
To where I cannot find.
Had I the heart to tell him then,
He might have stayed until the end,
But maybe someday we'll meet again,
I am a youth that's inclined to ramble,
To some foreign country I meen to steer,
I am loath to part from my friends and comrades,
And my dear sweatheart, whom I loved dear.
But there's one of those I do most admire,
One her I 'll think when I 'm far away,
For since fates decreed I am resolved to part her,
And try my fortune in Americay
So farewell darling I must leave you,
I place great dependence on your constancy,
That no other young man may gain your favour,
Or change your mind when I am o'ver the sea.
For although the seas do separate us,
And in between us they do rise and fall,
If fortune favours me you'll find your Jamie,
Returning homeward from Americay.
Oh Jamie dear do you remember,
When I sat with you for manys the hour,
And my young fancy away was carried,
And the bees hummed around on each opening flower,
But when you're crossing the western ocean.
The maid that loved you, you'll ne'er mind ava,
And you'll scarce e'er think upon the maids of Erin,
For you'll find strange sweethearts in America.
Oh Mary dear, I don't disemble,
For to all other fair maids I 'll prove untrue,
And if you think that these are fales promise,
I 'll leave these vows as a pledge to you.
That what I have may prove unsuccessful,
And fortune prove to me a slippery ball,
That a favoring gale it may n'er blow on me,
If forsake you in America.
And to conclude and to end these verses,
May God profect this young female fair,
And keep her from every wild embarrassment,
And of my darling take the greatest care.
For she's slow to anger and of kind disposition,
And her cheeks like roses in June do blaw,
In my nightly slumbers when e'er I think on her,
For too long time I've been a stranger here
To the hills above Glenshane
And your rocks and your rain
Where the silent souls haunt the Priory walls
In the wind they sing "Come away, come away"
To the murmuring stream with the town below
And the babbling swell of winding Roe
And you still might hear the great O'Cahan Clan
"Come away", they say "to the Benedy Glen".
Where the Hound of the Plain has walked this land
And the loneliest mile, with a sword in his hand
And his blood runs still, in every stream and glen
And his home can be seen from the Hill Of The Thieves
For too long time I've been a stranger here
To the hills above Glenshane
And you rocks and your rain
Where the silent souls haunt the Priory walls
Days, turning from red to green
It's hard to believe that spring
Is here so soon and I've been gone so long
Keep, sending your letters on
Memories of home are still
Haunting my days and I am losing my way
High tide, changing moods
Familiar faces I know
High tide, changing light
Familiar places I'll go
Keep playing out favourite song
Cause sometimes I sing it so loud
I'm praying that you might hear
And sing along
Days turning from sweet to dry
Memories of home are still
Haunting my days and I'll wait for your reply
High tide, changing moods
Familiar faces I know
High tide, changing light
Kind friends and companions, together combine
And raise up your voices in chorus with mine
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again
Chorus:
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again
Here's a health to the wee lass that I love so well
Her style and her beauty, there's none can excel
There's a smile on her countenance as she sits on my knee
Sure there's no one in in this wide world as happy as me
Chorus
Our ship lies at harbor, she's ready to dock
I hope she's safe landed without shake or shock
And when we are sailing to the land of the free
I will always remember your kindness to me
I have read this old proverb, I've read it so true
My love is as fair as the bright morning dew
I have read this old proverb, I suppose you have too
So good friends and companions I bid you adieu
Oh father, dear father,
you've done to me much wrong,
You've gone and got me married to a boy
who is too young.
For he is only 16 years and I am 21,
Oh my darling boy is young but he's growing.
Oh daughter, dear daughter,
it's you who have done wrong,
For you and he together have gone and got a son,
And he must have a father when I am dead and gone,
Oh your darling boy is young but he's growing.
One day as I was walking down by the college wall
I saw the young men they were playing football,
My true love was there, he was the finest of them all,
My darling boy is young but he's growing.
Another day I was walking down by the college wall,
I saw the pusher, he was making his call,
My true love was there, he was the palest of them all,
Oh the dealer put an end to his growing.
At the age of sixteen years he was a married man,
And at the age of seventeen, the father of a son,
the grass grew over him,
The dealer put an end to his growing.
Oh the Springtime is past
and the Summer's coming on,
It's earring, beads and bangles the young girls
have put on,
Once I had a true love but now I have got none,
Green grows the laurel, soft falls the dew,
Sorry was I love when parting from you,
But at our next meeting I hope you'll prove true,
And we'll join the laurel and the violet so blue.
I once had a sweetheart but now I have none,
He's gone and he's left me to weep and to mourn,
He's gone and he's left me for other to see,
I'll soon find another far better than he.
He passes my window both early and late,
And the looks that he gives me would make my heart break,
The looks that he gives me a thousand would kill,
Though he hates and detests me I love that lad still.
I wrote him a letter in red rosy lines,
He wrote back an answer all twisted and twined,
Saying keep your love letters and I'll keep mine,
You write to your love and I'll write to mine.
Now often I wonder why maidens love men,
And often I wonder why young men love then,
But from my own knowledge I will have you know,
The men are deceivers wherever they go.
Green grows the laurel, soft falls the dew,
Sorry was I love when parting from you,
But at our next meeting I hope you'll prove true,
Every time you touch my face
Every time you touch my face
I feel your soul's amazing grace
Every time
Every time you touch my face
I'll try to love you tenderly
I'll try to love you tenderly
Loving you comes easily
I'll try to love
I try to love you tenderly
Take my hand and don't look back
Take my hand and don't look back
We'll take a ride on the railroad track
Take my hand
Take my hand and don't look back
We'll sing a song to the cities beat
Where the white sheets hang above the dusty streets
The songs we sing sound so sweet
We'll sing a song to the city's beat
I can tell that you need your sleep
I can tell that you need your sleep
We've been running round these lonley street
I can tell
I can tell that you need your sleep
How much time do you think we got
How much time do you think we got
We had a little now we hope for lots
Tell me
How much time do you think we got
Lets raise a glass to the ones we love
Raise a glass to the ones we love
And spare a thought for the ones above
Raise a glass
Raise a glass to the ones we love
Lets raise a glass to the ones we love
Raise a glass to the ones we love
And spare a thought for the ones above
Raise a glass
This is really not my home
Oh where are you my lovely Johnny?
I'm afraid and all alone
There is no peace for me
I'm sitting in the stranger's room
Playing at the stranger's table
Shining empty like the moon
There is no peace for me
Chorus:
But in the darkness struggle cold
I think about a garden valley
Gentle as the leaves unfold
Singing out across the bay
Distant and so far away
There is no peace for me
I'm blinded by your city lights
I wander through these fearful places
The colours fade to black and white
There is no peace for me
And these are not the friends I know
These are not their smiling faces
A desert that no-one should know
There is no peace for me
Chorus
Now I know and feel it well
Poor immigrants deep sunken feeling
Standing at the gates of Hell
There is no peace for me
Burned out by their master's greed
Cruel exile transportation
Robbed of every love and need
There is no peace for me
False, false have you been to me my love
How often have you changed your mind?
But since you've gone and left me, for another fair one,
I'm afraid you are no more mine
But I would climb a tree that is too high for me
Asking fruit where there weren't any growing
I was lifting warm water from beneath the cold clay
And against the stream I was rowing
False, false have you been to me my love
How often will you change your mind?
But since you've gone and left me, for another fair one,
I'm afraid you are no more mine
Ah but I would climb a tree that is too high for me
And I'll herry a white snowflake's nest
And down I will fall without any fear
To the arms that love me the best
False, false have you been to me my love
How often will you change your mind?
But since you've gone and left me, for another fair one,
I'm falling like a star and I'm holding on
For dear life, I'm about to reach the ground
I'm coming home to Earth, I've reached my town
And they said that you couldn't sit on a cloud
'Cause you'd fall right through, well how is it then that I managed to?
And how did I say what I just said to you?
Am I thinking out loud, did you even ask me to?
I'm falling like a star and I'm holding on
For dear life, I'm about to reach the ground
I'm coming home to Earth, I've reached my town
And the streets are empty how but for the wrong reasons
They've all gone and left me alone
And they left with a vengeance and they talk of their experience
And they'll try and convince me to join them
Holy, holy, holy is the only word I know these days
Holy, holy, holy is the only word I know these days
Those flowers have never experienced anything like this before
They've been picked from their wilderness, put in a jar
Now, they're feeling the heat of this room
I'm falling like a star and I'm holding on
For dear life, I'm about to reach the ground
I'm coming home to Earth, I've reached my town
Falling like a star, I only came down for a day
I didn't want to stay, falling like a star
Everywhere you go
Everywhere you see
There's nothing much to say now
And days go by between
And if I had a sign
I wouldn't feel the need
Cause if I held you now
I might as well hold a dream
Everywhere you go
Everywhere you see
There's nothing much to say now
And days go by between
If I had a sign
I wouldn't feel the need
If I held you now
I might as well be holding a dream
Everywhere you go
Everywhere I'll be
There mightn't be much left to say
But says go by, and I'll not forget
We've got all this time
And I've got all I need
Will you hold me now
Oh draw near each young lover
Give ear to my story that bears my sad mournful tale
Come and join me in chorus and lend me your pity
Whilst I my misfortune bewail
The grief of my poor heart no tongue can disclose
My cheeks are now pale they once bloomed like the rose
And it's all for a young man whom I do suppose
Is now far from sweet Erin the Green
Now when we were children
We walked out together along the green meadows so neat
And although we were childish we loved one another
Whilst gathering the wild berries sweet
It was to sweet Garvagh where we went to school
He was first in his class and correct in each rule
And I cheerfully walked home by Kilnacoole
With the flower of sweet Erin the Green
Oh his head on my breast
And he used to reposed each evening under the shade
A song in my praises my darling composed
And he styled me the cool Derry maid
At the time I denied him I'd die for his sake
It was little I thought my denial he'd take
Oh but my own misfortune I made a mistake
As I was a'walking one evening of late
Where fragrant fine flowers the field decorate,
I carelessly rambled where I did not know
By the fair crystal fountain that falls in Glencoe.
And on her who the prize on Mount Ider was won,
Then approched me a lassy as bright as the sun,
And the ribbon and the tartan around her did flow,
That welcomed young Donald the pride of Glencoe.
Said I , my fine creature, your charming sweet smile,
And your comely fine features my heart has beguiled,
And with your kind affection on me you'll bestow,
I 'll bless the happy hour we met in Glencoe.
Kind sir, she made answer, your love I'll disdain
For I have a young sweetheart and Donald by name,
And he went to the wars about ten years ago,
And a maid I remain 'till he return to Glencoe.
Ah, perhaps your young Donald regards not your name,
And has placed his affection on some foreign dame,
He may have forgotten for all that you know,
That bonny young creature he met in Glencoe.
From his promise my Donald he'd never depart
For love, truth and honour stand firm in his heart,
And if I never see him, then single I'll go,
And mourn for my Donald the pride of Glencoe.
Then seeing her constance he drew out a glove,
Which in parting she gave him in token of love,
She clung to his arms and the tears down did flow,
Ah, you're welcomed my Donald the pride of Glencoe.
Come cheer up my Flora, your sorrows are o'er,
And since we have met love we'll never part more,
And the loud blast of battle, far distant may blow,
It being in the springtime and the small birds they were singing,
Down by yon shady harbour I carelessly did stray,
The the thrushes they were warbling,
The violets they were charming
To view fond lovers talking, a while I did delay.
She said, my dear don't leave me all for another season,
Though fortune does be pleasing I 'll go along with you,
I 'll forsake friends and relations and bid this Irish nation,
And to the bonny Bann banks forever I 'll bid adieu.
He said, my dear don't grieve or yet annoy my patience,
You know I love you dearly the more I'm going away,
I'm going to a foreign nation to purchase a plantation,
To comfort us hereafter all in Amerika y.
Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing,
T'will cause them for smile at our late going away,
We'll be happy as Queen Victoria, all in her greatest glory,
We'll be drinking wine and porter all in Amerika y.
If you were in your bed lying and thinking on dying,
The sight of the lovely Bann banks, your sorrow you'd give o'er,
Or if were down one hour, down in yon shady bower,
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more.
Then fare you well, sweet Cragie Hills, where often times I've roved,
I never thought my childhood days I 'd part you any more,
Now we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion,
I will not forget all the things, I haven't said yet
And so I'll wait
Like water thrown on water, it's always hard to tell
Just where is ends
Getting ready to be strung, there is sweetness to
Every blow
Broken bridges, wish I could lie down
Freedom angels come and save me now
So I lost my fortune then found it in a glen
Trees and branches led me straight to him
Oh my love, freedom caused us shame
On the breeze, your words call again
Will we learn to wait until tomorrow
Not knowing where we'll go
Broken bridgesm selfish now it sounds
Thirsty whispers told me to find out
Well I tried to stay until the summer came
Winter madness running through my veins
Oh my love, freedom caused us shame
On the breeze you words call again
Will we learn to wait until tomorrow
Not knowing where we'll go
You say
Words don't mean a thing
You say
One night as I lay slumbering in my silent bed alone
Some reckless thoughts came to my mind which caused me for to roam
To leave my native country and the wee girl I do adore
So I thought it fit to take a trip, strange lands for to explore
Now the night before I went away I was walking over Brockagh Hill
When I met my darling on the road and her eyes with tears did fill
"Stay you at home dear John" she said "and do not go away
For I'll have none to comfort me when you are on the sea"
Well I took her by the lily white hand and I held her hard and fast
Saying "adieu to you my darling for my ship it lies in Belfast
But if you prove loyal sure I'll prove true for you know that I'm well inclined"
So we kissed goodbye and parted and I left my girl behind
And when we landed in Greenock sure the people all gathered around
And they said I was a rakish lad come to put their harvest down
They told me to return again and never more be seen
So without delay I sailed away for Ireland's lovely green
Sure when Mary heard that John was home her heart did beat with joy
Saying "come into my arms" she cried "you're my darling lovely boy"
Saying "come into my arms" she cried "of you I have thought great and long
And let them all say as they will, our wedding will now go on
Bonny, bonny was my seat in the red rosy yard
And bonny was my ship in the town of Ballynagard
Shade and shelter was for me till I began to fail
You all may guess now my distress lies near the Nightingale
Grief and woe that I must go to fight for England's King
I neither know his friend or foe, and war's a cruel thing
The nightingale is near at hand, my time at home is brief
And Carey's steams and mountain land I part with bitter grief
No more I'll walk the golden hills with Nancy by my side
Or dream along the sun bright rills, or view my land with pride
We sail away at dawn of day, the sails are ready set
When old Benmore I see no more, I'll sigh with deep regret
Now all must change and I must range across the ocean wide
Our ship she may in Biscay's Bay lie low beneath the tide
If I should fall by cannon ball, or sink beneath the sea
Good people all, a tear let fall and mourn for mine and me
If God should spare me my greying hair and bring me back again
I'd love far more my Antrim shore, it's dark blue hills and rain
Around the fires, my heart's desires, heaven grant till life shall fail
"Oh rise up my darling and come with me
I want to go with you and leave this country
To leave my fathers dwelling, this house and the land
So away goes Jamie with his love in his arms
They go over hills and the mountains and glens
Traveling all through the night in the mist in the rain
But her father has followed and has taken his men
And he captured poor Jamie with his love in his arms
Now home she was taken to her room she is bound
While poor Jamie lies on the cold stoney ground
And he knows all the while before the judge he will stand
For the stealing of nothing but his own true love's hand
In the cold hard iron his hands they are bound
Handcuffed like a murderer and tied to the ground
And the goaler tells Jamie "last night I did hear
That your Lady will hang you or else set you clear"
The judge says "this young girl being tender in youth
If Jamie is guilty she will tell the truth"
Then the radiant beauty before him did stand
"Oh I'm happy to see you my bold Irish lad"
But the father cries out "Lord have pity on me
For the man came to bring disgrace to my family
And he stole my only daughter, all part of his plan
And if you don't hang him I will quit the land"
But the daughter is crying and begging is she
"The fault isn't Jamie's the blame lies with me
I forced him to leave and run away with me
And I'll die if I can't save my bold Jamie"
"Good Lord he has stole all her jewels and her rings
Gold watches and amber, all my precious things
And it costs me a fortune in thousands of pounds
And I'll take the life of Jamie before I lie in the ground
"Good Lord I gave them as a token of love
An when we are parted I'll have them removed
But a true lovers token wear on your right hand
Blue mountain river, if only for a while,
Take me to the river, I lay down by your side,
The world is full of madness and I find it hard to smile,
I'll sleep within through winter and wait for summertime.
Blue mountain river, comfort me a while,
I 'll follow down the river, follow you til night,
I listen to you whispers, you dance in time to mine,
We'll stay awake together watching silver in the sky.
Blue mountain river, I wanna rest a while,
You're changing my reflection and the seasons in my mind,
Let these days go on forever, I 'll leave in my own time,
Take me where you're going and I 'll be right by your side.
Blue mountain river, I went there for a while,
I listened for an answer and I found it deep inside,
When I'm lost behind the shadows and I wanna run and hide,
Black is the colour of my true love's hair.
Her lips are like a rose so fair.
She's got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground whereon she stands.
I love my love and well she knows.
I love the ground whereon she goes.
And how I whish the day would come
When she and I can be as one.
I go to the Clyde and mourn and weep
Satisfied I never will sleep.
I 'll write her a letter, just a few short lines
The high, high walls of Derry look so dismal and grey,
And so does lovely Johnny, he is gone far, far away,
And He's gone away to Scotland some sweetheart for to see.
May the high powers above send him safe home to me.
Oh, Johnny, lovely Johnny, do you mind the day
When you came to my window to steal me away?
You promised that you'd marry me above all female kind.
Oh, Johnny, lovely Johnny, what has altered your mind?
Well the first time that I met you, 'tis well I do own,
'Twas in my father's garden in the County Tyrone,
With my white apron round us, to shield out the wind.
Oh, Johnny, lovely Johnny, what has altered your mind?
And the next place we courted, was in yonder green grove,
Where the blackberry bushes around us they stood,
Where the oak and the apple around us did twine,
Oh Johnny, lovely Johnny, what has altered your mind?
A bunch of blue ribbons I will tie up and wear,
And a wreath of forget-me-nots I will twine round my hair.
And if ever he returns again, I will greet him with joy,
Some poets sing of a noble king
All of a sweetheart fair
Some tell a tale of ships that sail
With treasures rich and rare
But my humble pen still drifts again
To scenes of long ago
Across the sea to the Benedy
And the winding river Roe
Right well do I remember now
Those happy childhood days
And the times I had when just a lad
On Carn's lovely braes
And when my mind is thus inclined
No other joys I know
For my heart remains on the verdant plains
Near the winding river Roe
Benbradagh's crown o'er Dungiven town
Is still within my view
And the Benedy Glen I worshipped then
Still lives in memory too
The beautiful scene of Cashel Green
Still haunts where ere I go
And in all my dreams I see it seems
The winding river Roe
If fortune smiles on me a while
I'll cross the sea again
And all those years of toil and tears
Will be forgotten then
And when at last my life has passed
Contentedly I'll go
Across the sea to the Benedy
As I went out on a bright morning
to take a pleasant walk.
I sat down beside an old stone wall
just to hear two lovers talk
For to hear two lovers talk, my love
To hear what thay might say.
So I might learn a little more, love
before I go away.
Chorus:
P stands for Paddy, I suppose.
J for my love John.
W stands for false William O
But Johnny is the fairest man.
"Johnny is the fairest man," she said
"Johnny is the fairest man.
I don't care what anybody says
for Johnny is the fairest man."
Well come on sit beside me, love
Beside me on the green
It's a long three quarters of a year or more
Since together we have been
Since together we have been, my dear
Together we have been
It's a long three quarters of a year or more
since together we have been
Oh I'll not sit beside you, love
Now or any other time
For I hear you love another little lass
and your heart's no longer mine.
"And your heart's no longer mine" she said,
"Your heart's no longer mine.
I don't cara what anybody says
Your heart's no longer mine."
Chorus
So I will climb a high, high tree,
And rob the wild Bird's nest.
Back I'll bring what I find there
To the girl I love the best
"To the girl I love the best," he said
"The girl I love best
Back I'll bring what I find there
To the girl I love the best."
One bright summer morning as day was a dawning
Bright Phoebus had risen shone over the lea
I spied a fair maiden all down by the river
While herding her flocks on the hills of Glenshee
I stood in amazement, said I, "Pretty fair maid
If you will come down to James Town with me
There's ne'er been a lady set foot in my castle
There's ne'er been a lady dressed grander than thee"
"A coach and six horses to go at your bidding
And all men that speak shall say "ma'am unto thee"
Fine servants to serve you and go at your bidding
I'll make you my bride, my sweet lass of Glenshee"
"Oh what do I care for your castles and coaches?
And what do I care for your gay grandeury?
I'd rather be home at my cot, at my spinning
Or herding my flocks on the hills of Glenshee"
"Away with such nonsense and get up beside me
When summer has come my sweet bride you will be
And then in my arms I will gently caress thee"
'Twas then she consented, I took her with me
Many years have rolled on since we were united
There's many's a change, but there's no change on me
And my love, she's as fair as that morn on the mountain
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valliant a man had ever left home
Well he had been much reduced and caused great confusion,
And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire, near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble
And weary of travelling, he had sat down to rest
By the foot of yon mountain by a clear, crystal fountain
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
When the night fast approaching to the woods he resorted
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make
But he dreamt about sighing lamenting and crying
Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I have reason to remember
When first he arrived home to his family and his friends
They did stand so astounded, confused and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger once more in their sight
His children came around him with their verses and stories
Their verses and stories to drive care away
Well he's as happy as those who have thousands of riches
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover
As valliant a man had ever left home
Well he had been much reduced and caused great confusion,
My young love said to me 'My mother won't mind
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind'
And she stepped away from me and this she did say,
'It will not be long, love, till our wedding day'
She stepped away from me, and she went through the fair.
And fondly I watched her move here and move there.
And then she went homeward with one star awake,
As the swan in the evening moves over the lake.
The people were saying, 'no two e'er were red'
But one had a sorrow that never was said
And I smiled as she passed me with her goods and her gear,
And that was the last that I saw of my dear.
Last night she came to me, my true love came in,
And she came in so easy her feet made no din.
As she laid her hands on me and this she did say
'It will not be long love, 'till our wedding day'
As I roved out one evening fair
By the verdant braes of Skreen.
I set my back to a hawthorn tree
To view the sun in the west country,
And the dew on the forest green.
A lad I spied by Abhann's side
And a maiden by his knee.
And he was as dark as the very brown wood
And she all whey and wan to see,
All whey and wan was she.
"Oh sit you down on the grass," he said.
"On the dewy grass so green
For the wee birds all have come and gone
Since I my true love have seen," he said.
"Since I my true love have seen"
"Then I'll not sit on the grass," she said
"Nor be a love of thine
For I hear you love a Connaught girl
And your heart's no longer mine," she said
"And your heart's no longer mine."
"But I will climb a high, high tree
And I'll rob a wild bird's nest
And back I'll bring what I find there
To the arms that I love best," she said
