School: Baile Locha Riabhach (Clochar)

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1. The Pretty Girls of Loughrea

   

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   My heart strings make me music
   If I but think of you;
   And if you call me, darling,
   I'll wear a feathered shoe,
   And swim the Suir and Slaney
   And the Shannon any day
   To talk with you, my dear one,
   And walk you round Loughrea.

   Did I own all Portumna
   And the markets of Athlone,
   Or the wharfs and the money
   That belong to Limerick town
   I would part them to your people
   O if you'd let me presume
   To look upon you one long day
   And be your squire in Tuam.

   O Rose-leafed maid, it's easy
   To blame the wastrel now,
   But who was ever able
   To harrow with a plough;
   Not reared was I to labour
   Or to watch the season's way
   But gambling, sport and pleasure
   Lost me my own Loughrea.

   In her grey house by the water
   My love is dwelling still,
   The moon's one only daughter,
   O Lamp upon the hill;
   She'll braid her hair at evening
   And those who walk the way
   They think it's the moon that's riding
   On the grey lake of Loughrea.

   Last night abroad in London
   I spent my only crown;
   I toasted my own one
   And after cried tears down;
   I walked the lamps till morning
   And I heard your harkaway;
   I wished I was the red fox
   That you hunted round Loughrea.

   No Lent will last out Easter
   And after, summer comes;
   And fasting is feasting
   When the sloe-bush buds and blooms;
   The Queen of Hearts is lonely,
   But the Joker's still to play;
   I'll lead and I'll take her from you,
   O Strong men of Loughrea.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

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