The Bonny Irish Maid
Ballad-sheet sellers in the last century spread this song all over the country, and also in Britain. Phil got this version from Tony Holleran.
lyrics
As I roved out one morning fair, so early as I strayed,
It being all in the month of May, the birds sang in the shade,
The sun shone down right merrily and billowing with pride,
Where primroses and daisies grow by Blackwater side.
I had not gone but half a mile when there by chance I spied,
Two lovers talking as they walked down by Blackwater side.
And as he embraced her in his arms, these words to her did say,
When I am in America, I'll be true to my Irish maid.
Oh when you are in America, those Yankee girls you'll find,
And you'll have sweethearts of your own more pleasing to your mind,
Do not forget the promises and vows to me you made,
Oh stay at home love and do not roam form your bonny Irish maid.
Oh when I am in America, those Yankee girls I'll see,
And they must be very handsome to remind me love of thee,
For there's not a flower in yonder grove or a bloom in yonder glade,
That can remind me love of you, my bonny Irish maid.
Oh many's the foolish youth she said, has gone to a foreign shore,
Leaving behind his own true love perhaps to see no more.
It's in crossing of the Atlantic foam sometimes their graves are made,
Oh stay at home love and do not roam, from your bonny Irish maid.
These two young hearts together so fondly did embrace,
Like honey drops upon the dew the tears rolled down her face,
Saying there's not a day while you're away I'll visit still these glades,
Until you do return again, to your bonny Irish maid.
credits
from Many's the Foolish Youth,
released January 23, 2021
Produced Recorded Mixed by DanDan FitzGerald Mastered by Mary Kettle
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Bonny Irish Maid”
Dearest Arooj, firstly thank you. My brother died this year n what can be said about such loss n sadness. I saw n heard you at The end of the Road in England. I spent many years in India n love all the music, poetry of your heritage. Thankyou Arooj❤️ ben1769
The Irish artist's debut EP is a collection of soulful alternative folk exploring the complexities of relationships. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 22, 2024
From Cork, Ireland, Lewis Barfoot writes mystic, majestic songs derived from regional folk, with an ambient music aura. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 11, 2023
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Bonny Irish Maid”
There's a similarity in song writing between Richard Thompson and Hugh Cornwell which maybe isn't surprising as they went to the same school at the same time, although Thompson is older.
Due to Thompson's association with John French of Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band I searched for his work on the Bandcamp app. French, Thompson and Cornwell all have albums on the app which I'm very pleased about. Only Thompson has released contemporary albums, much to his credit. yellowcakeuf6