I have found three sets of lyrics that appear to be to the "Fare Thee Well Enniskillen" tune (see below). Does anyone know which is the original version and how far back in time it goes. Is it possible any of the date from the Napoleonic period? 1) The Tommy Makem version cited by Sheamus 2) A version with a slightly different chorus and totally different verses, starting: CHORUS: Fare ye well, Enniskillen, I must leave you for a while And all round the borders of Erin's green isle And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom And they'll all welcome home their Enniskillen dragoons VERSE: A beautiful damsel of fame and renown A rich merchant's daughter from Monaghan town As she drove by the barracks this beautiful maid Stood up in her coach to see Dragoons on parade... 3) Third version, somewhat similar to 2): CHORUS: Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while To all your fair waters and every green isle Oh, your green isle will flourish your fair waters flow While I from old Ireland an exile must go. VERSE: Her hair is as brown as the young raven's wing Her eyes are as clear as the blue-bell of spring And light was her laugh like the sun on the sea Till the weight of the world came between her and me.
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