The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #48940   Message #3272923
Posted By: GUEST,Caliallye
12-Dec-11 - 10:55 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The Darling Baby
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Darling Baby
Yes, Boys of the Loch's Cathal McConnell recorded this around 1977, I think. I bought it around then, after the BlackPoint Music Festival in 1978 held in Novato CA, where they were featured performers and workshop leaders.

I was so happy to find this thread. I've been looking for the lyrics for several months for a class on folk song.

Thank you all!

P.S. to guests: Yes, indeed that was correct, "far too big for her place" = pregnant. Also, in Cathal's version, the bolster was "shoved" as well……. The pun on "alas" and "A lass(y)" was very pronounced in Cathal's recording.

I also believe that the word was borne, with an "e," as in bearing the responsibility, enduring something, carrying something, giving birth to something; as opposed to the adjective: existing as a result of birth, or being born of women, though the pun is still there. It was definitely not bored.