Here is a version sung by Ronnie Drew sometime in the 70s. I don't know where he got the song but I'm sure it could be traced if you need the information and know where to look for it.


MOLLY BAWN

Oh, come all you late fowlers that follow the gun,
beware of nights rambling by the setting of the sun.
Beware of an accident as happened of late,
it was Molly Bawn Leary, and sad was her fate.

She'd been going to her uncle's when a storm, it came on.
She drew under a green bush, the shower for to shun.
With her white apron wrapped around her, he took her for a swan,
took aim and alas, he shot his own Molly Bawn.

Young Jimmy ran homeward with his gun and his dog,
saying "Uncle, oh Uncle, I have shot Molly Bawn."
"I have killed that fair female, the joy of my life,
for I'd always intended that she would be my wife."

"Oh, young Jimmy Randlin, do not run away.
Stay in your own country 'til your trial it comes on,
for you'll never be convicted
for the shooting of a swan"

Well, the night before Molly's funeral her ghost it did appear,
saying, "Uncle, dearest Uncle, let young Jimmy run clear."
"It being late of an evening he took me for a swan,
Took aim and alas, he killed his own Molly Bawn."

Now, all the girls of this country, they seem to be glad
now the flower of Glenara, Molly Bawn, she lies dead.
Get all the girls of this country and stand them into a row,
Molly Bawn would shine among them like a fountain of snow.