| Play/Download Music File Barry Taylor |
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| These words are translated from the Irish by George Petrie (who wrote Ancient Music of Ireland (1855). The tune appears in A General Collection of the Ancient Irish Music by Edward Bunting (1796). It is there credited to Turlough O'Carolan. |
There's a colleen fair as May For a year and for a day I have sought by every way Her heart to gain There's no art of tongue or eye Fond youths with maidens try But I've tried with ceaseless sigh And tried in vain. If to France or far off Spain She crossed the watery main To see her face again The seas I'd brave And if it's heaven's decree That mine she'll never be May the Son of Mary Me in mercy save. But a kiss with welcome bland And the touch of thy fair hand Are all that I demand Wouldst thou not spurn For if not mine dear girl My snowy breasted pearl May I never from the fair With life return. If to France or far off Spain She crossed the watery main To see her face again The seas I'd brave And if it's heaven's decree That mine she'll never be May the Son of Mary Me in mercy save. |