Ye lovers all, both great and small,of learning you have had your share
Your genius bright, help me to write in praises of my lovely fair,
Your poets mind with me combine, assist me and lend your aid
Your voices raise, help me to praise my lovely Ballyronan maid.

One evening bright, in the moonlight, I went my darling to see,
And being dressed all in my best, I thus addressed this comely she,
Says I "Fair maid, if you'll consent we'll join our hands in wedded state,
If you'll prove so kind to ease my mind, my lovely Ballyronan maid."

She says, "Young man, I must refuse, the single life I quite enjoy,
My heart's content, I pay no rent, and marriage I do quite deny."
"Well if you won't marry me, I'm sure I cannot you pursuade,
I'll go my way, no more to see my lovely Ballyronan maid."

But she says "Young man, I pray keep calm, the words I spoke were only in jest,
Since I have proved you loyal and true, since I have put you to the test,
In wedlock bands we'll join our hands, our happiness won't be delayed."
Now the time draws nigh when I'll enjoy my lovely Ballyronan maid.


From Len Graham's album "Ye Lovers All" (1984 - Claddagh Label)

Len says "I learnt this song from Marie McEntee of Threemilehouse, County Monaghan. I understand that it refers to Ballyronan in County Derry, close to the shores of Lough Neagh."


cheers, Jacqui.