The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #47263   Message #3786669
Posted By: GUEST
22-Apr-16 - 12:48 PM
Thread Name: Authors of Irish Songs
Subject: RE: Authors of Irish Songs - Enniskillen
I have found three sets of lyrics that appear to be to the "Fare Thee Well Enniskillen" tune (see below). Does anyone know which is the original version and how far back in time it goes. Is it possible any of the date from the Napoleonic period?

1) The Tommy Makem version cited by Sheamus

2) A version with a slightly different chorus and totally different verses, starting:
CHORUS:
Fare ye well, Enniskillen, I must leave you for a while
And all round the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And they'll all welcome home their Enniskillen dragoons
VERSE:
A beautiful damsel of fame and renown
A rich merchant's daughter from Monaghan town
As she drove by the barracks this beautiful maid
Stood up in her coach to see Dragoons on parade...

3) Third version, somewhat similar to 2):
CHORUS:
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
To all your fair waters and every green isle
Oh, your green isle will flourish your fair waters flow
While I from old Ireland an exile must go.
VERSE:
Her hair is as brown as the young raven's wing
Her eyes are as clear as the blue-bell of spring
And light was her laugh like the sun on the sea
Till the weight of the world came between her and me.