The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #106695 Message #2206360
Posted By: Mick Pearce (MCP)
01-Dec-07 - 01:42 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The Daysman (from Eddie Butcher)
Subject: Lyr Add: KILLYCLARE
That's OK. On the LP sleeve, the track listing gives:
Tossing the hay Conversation A creel of peats Killyclare
though Tossing the hay, Conversation and A creel of peats are actually all part of track 5 on the LP.
So it's not surprising that there's some confusion. I assume the song you're after is Killyclare, which I give below with the notes from the record sleeve. I haven't checked the transcription for this yet (I will in a little while), but I imagine it's good - the notes at the start say that unless stated all transcriptions are verbatim. (Note however the comment in the notes about the missing 2 lines of the first verse; you might want to reinstate them if you plan to sing it.).
Mick
KILLYCLARE
As Luna spread her golden rays disclosing many's a scene I overheard a youthful pair conversing on a green.
As the skylark dropped her evening notes, left Nature quiet and still, For to hear their conversation I intend to use my skill. With the corncrake loudly calling they my footsteps did not hear And the hawthorn it proved my trusty friend as to them I drew near.
He says, My dear, I am about to sail to fair Columbia's shore On board of that ship Britannia, strange lands for to explore. When she heard of his departure she her arms around him threw And the crystal tears bedimmed her eye and her locks they were wet with dew.
- It's when you reach Columbia's shore some pretty maids you will find: Dressed up in their country's fashion they'll soon bear me from your mind. - Oh, no, my dear, where'er I go a stranger's fate I will share, I will never forget the hours I spent with you round Killyclare.
He pressed her to his bosom while the tears did gently flow, He says, We must get married, love, and that before I go. Then you will go along with me across the ocean foam: What pleasure's would I ever have if I left you at home?
She gave consent to marry him, her young heart kind and true, They joined their hands in wedlock's bonds: oh, what more could lovers do? From Derry quay they sailed away, the seas were calm and fair And now they are in America, far, far from Killyclare.
Notes: 1955. 'Carrowclare', where the author lived, is at Myroe on the banks of Lough Foye. He was Jimmy McCurry, a blind fiddler who died about 50 years ago, author of several songs still known locally. vv. 5-6 were added by E.; I have also recorded a text complete with them from his nephew Robert, who learned them from another man. On the other hand, E. omits the original first two lines:
On a fine and Summer's evening as my walks I did pursue The flowers were blooming fresh and fair: they had a verdant hue.
In 2 ii, E. usually sings: I was forced. cf. Henry 169. E. also uses this pentatonic air for the song Ann Jane Thornton, a female sailor ballad published in his brother's version in Ulster Folk Life X (1964) 42-5.
Source: Sleeve notes by Hugh Shields from LP Shamrock Rose & Thistle - Eddie Butcher