The Spanish Lady
Version 1
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Lesley Nelson
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Lyrics
The Irish version is Galway City. A ballad by the name of Spanish Lady was registered in England December 14, 1624 with the Stationers' Company. It is possible that tune is related to this tune or one of the variants listed. As I roved out thro' Dublin city
At the hour of twelve o' the night,
Who should I spy but a Spanish Lady
Washing her feet by candlelight.
First she washed them, then she dried them
Over a fire of amber coal.
In all my life I ne'er did see
A maid so neat about the sole.
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-lee
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
What for the too-ra loo-ra-lee.

As I came back through Dublin City,
At the hour of half-past eight,
Who should I spy but the Spanish Lady,
Brushing her hair in broad daylight.
First she toss'd it, then she brushed it,
On her lap was a silver comb.
In all my life I ne'er did see
So fair a maid since I did roam.
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-lee
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
What for the too-ra loo-ra-lee.

As I went down thro' Dublin City
When the sun began to set.
Who should I spy but a Spanish Lady,
Catching a moth in a golden net.
When she saw me, then she fled me,
Lifting her petticoat over the knee,
In all my life I ne'er did spy
A maid so blithe as the Spanish Lady.
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-lee
Whack for the too-ra loo-ra-laddy
What for the too-ra loo-ra-lee.
  • Related songs at this site:

  • Related Links
    Music From The Irish Songbook
    See Bibliography for full information.
    Lyrics from an old album I checked out of the library long ago
    and have no information for.