Transcribed today from the singing of Pa Keane of Gneeveguilla in Sliabh Luachra. Recording made in the summer of 1988. I've heard the song sung by lots of local singers and all of them sing Knocknaboul in the third verse!


SWEET KINGWILLIAMSTOWN
(Daniel Buckley)

My bonnie barque floats light and free
Across the surging foam
It takes me far from Innisfail
To seek a foreign home
A lonely exile driven neath
Misfortune's cruel frown
From my own home and cherished friends
In dear Kingwilliamstown

Whilst here upon the deck I stand
And watch the surging foam
Fresh thoughts arise within in my mind
Of friends I'll ne'er see more
Of moonlight deeds and happy hours
While fast the tears roll down
Still thinking of those friends I've left
In dear Kingwilliamstown

Shall I no more gaze on your shore
Or roam your mountains wild
Or stray along Black Water's banks
Where I roamed when but a child
Or watch the sun o'er Knocknaboul
Light up the heather brown
Before she flings her farewell gleams
O'er sweet Kingwilliamstown

I know not yet but I fondly hope
Where e'er my footsteps roam
For cherished greatly in my mind
Are thoughts of love and home
Though fair is the land wherein I stand
As night falls gently down
May God be with you Motherland
Farewell Kingwilliamstown