The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #2414   Message #2124046
Posted By: GUEST,Maireid Sullivan's Never Drift Apart CD (200
11-Aug-07 - 11:48 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Rocks of Bawn/ more verses please
Subject: Lyr Add: ROCKS OF BAWN (from Maireid Sullivan)
According to notes on the CD Never Drift Apart (2003 Lyrebird Media) by Maireid Sullivan (maireid.com) In her version the third verse has not been recorded before. It was collected by Saul Roche in his hometown area in Co. Waterford. Maireid sings it instead of the usual third verse about feeding the horse.

ROCKS OF BAWN

Come all ye loyal heroes wherever that you be
Don't work for any master till you know what your work will be
For you must rise up early from the clear daylight of dawn
And I know that you'll never be a to plough the Rocks of Bawn

My shoes they are all worn now, my stockings they are thin
My heart is always trembling, afraid that I'll give in
My heart is nearly broken from the clear daylight till dawn
For I know I'll never be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn

O' hear me gallant Sweeny for your fate I do bemoan
O' the rain is pelting on your face amongst the rocks and stones
Your work is hard and troublesome, though your step is like the fawn
but I know that you won't be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn

My curse upon you Sweeney, for you have me nearly robbed
You're sitting by your fireside with your dudgeen in your gob
You're sitting by your fireside from the clear daylight till dawn
And I know you will never be able to plough the Rocks of Bawn

I wish the Queen of England would send for me in time
And place me in some regiment all in my youth and prime
I'd fight for Ireland's glory, from the clear daylight till dawn
And I never would return again to plough the Rocks of Bawn