The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #111   Message #1299
Posted By: Martin Ryan
13-Jan-97 - 04:33 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Bold Thady Quill + Finola the Gem of,,,
Subject: Lyr Add: FINOLA THE GEM OF THE ROE
Words and air of "FINOLA THE GEM OF THE ROE" are in Sam
Henry's "Songs of the People" book. Mind you, I've never heard
it sung.

In the land of O'Cahan where bleak mountains rise
O'er whose brown ridgy tops now the dusky cloud flies
Deep sunk in a valley a wild flower did grow
And her name was Finola, the gem of the Roe. (x2)

From the island of Islay appeared in our view
A youth clad in tartan, as strange as ‘tis true
With a star on his breast and unstrung was his bow
And he sighed for Finola the gem of the Roe. (x2)

No more up the streamlets her maidens shall hie
For wan the cold cheek and bedimmed the blue eye
In silent affliction our sorrows shall flow
Since gone is Finola, the gem of the Roe. (x2)

Very odd song. Henry has "FINVOLA" - probably a mistranscription of "FIONNUALA"? Any Scottish links?