CARMIN FAIR
From Derek Bell & Liam O Conchubhair's 'Traditional Songs of the North of Ireland.'

1. One very pleasant summer's morning,
When everything was bright and gay,
The birds sang out their songs most charming,
And I myself was as glad as they.
I dressed myself in my Sunday suit;
I washed my face and combed my hair.
I greased my brogues and sallied out,
For to spend the day at Carmin Fair.
Chorus:
Ho! Whack fol the tooral ooral addy!
Whack fol the tooral ooral ay!
Whack fol the tooral ooral addy!
Whack fol the tooral ooral ay!

2. When I arrived at the town of Carmin,
Crowds of people thronged the street.
Some were dressed in silk and satin;
Some wore big brogues upon their feet.
Some had hankies round their heads,
With their legs and feet completely bare.
Such an awkward squad I ne'er did see,
As I met that day in Carmin Fair.
Chorus:

3. As I was passing them by in masses,
Examining them as I went along,
Lookdng at their fancy dresses,
I spied a maid among the throng.
Her cheek was fair, her figure neat,
And grand was the dress that she did wear.
I thought there was no one there that day,
To compare with her in Carmin Fair.
Chorus:
        
4. I invited her in to have a 'trate'
And she agreed without a frown.
So off we went with one consent,
To an alehouse up in Carmin town.
I called in a pint of good strong sherry,
And down in a snug armchair we sat.
Us two became both blithe and merry;
I counted myself a lucky brat.
Chorus:

5. When in my arms I held her folded,
And tasting her lips as I thought no sin;
The door at once became unbolted,
And a big rough man came stepping in.
Says he, 'Ye damned infernal ruffian!
How dare you so treat my wife?'
He began to give me such a 'batin',
That I almost thought he would take my life.
Chorus:

6. 'Oh, husband dear, bate him well,' says she;
'He kissed me, squeezed me and tore my hair.'
Faith, he made me pay well for the day,
That I spent with his bride in Carnœn Fair.
All you young lads that want a wife,
Of unkmown females do beware.
Mind the disgrace that happened to me,
In that damned deceitful Carmin Fair.
Chorus: