The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #114320 Message #2438264
Posted By: Suegorgeous
12-Sep-08 - 09:05 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Maid of Listowel
Subject: Lyr Add: THE MAID OF LISTOWEL
Here ya go (just typed it up from the sleeve, have it in mind to have a go at singing it myself one day):
The Maid of Listowel
One morn in October for sweet recreation I met a fair maid who was bleachin' her clothes I stood in amazement to gaze at this fair one I said my fair maid won't you come to Listowel She smilingly said with the mildest behaviour Desist and don't tease me but let me alone My parents might blame me and you might deceive me You seem like a schemer that's straight from Listowel.
Indeed I'm no schemer that wants to deceive you But all my fond secrets to you I'll disclose Swear an allegiance, to you I'd prove faithful If I could embrace you I'd make you my own By the high hill of Howen, by the hole in my coat The ships that go sailing through Strand Ballymore The fairies of Leinster, the druids and witches I'd make you my bride if you came to Listowel
If I was so vain as to come with you rovin' I'm certain and sure that your temper you'd show You'd surely degrade me for my misdemeanour If I was so vain as to come to Listowel My fortune is small and you'd surely degrade me You'd censure and tease me and show me the door Walkin' about with a babe in my arms If I was so vain as to come to Listowel
After all that I swear sure I can't be ungrateful How can you suggest that I'm telling a lie A judge on his throne cannot ask but an oath For to swing of a man or transport him for life So let's be preparin' without hesitation We're not the first two to go off on our own Fortune might favour the fruits of our labour To live out our ease in the town of Listowel.
If you swore as much more I should not be deluded I highly suspect that you're married before Many's the man who would think it no scruple To defile a young maid or despisin' his own I'll take my own time and I'll ne'er go a 'rovin' My heart it is young and I ne'er will give o'er My father will sanction my lawful contraction I care to live single a year or two more.
Here's full fifty pounds I have got in my pocket That I earned last week of my own For corn I sent down to sweet Ballylangford (Ballylongford?) And more I have ready to send to the stores If I had the wealth of King Saul or King David The riches of Damon (Timon?) on you I'd bestow To rifle your charms without much alarm And dangle your babe in the town of Listowel.
If you want to gain me you'll make me your consort You'll come to the priest and he'll marry us both Parents on both sides shall give us some money To open a shop in the town of Listowel.