The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #4555 Message #3861538
Posted By: GUEST
18-Jun-17 - 06:12 AM
Thread Name: Londonderry Air's original (Gaelic?) words
Subject: RE: Londonderry Air's original (Gaelic?) words
John McCormack was indeed a devout Catholic and an Irish Nationalist but his Father Andrew was a Scot! John was the Grandson of 3 Presbyterians of Scottish ancestry; not surprisingly he could bear prejudice of any kind. He recorded the Londonderry Air under the title 'Oh Mary Dear' arranged by Edwin Schneider and the lyrics as mentioned above are John's own and they probably are earlier than the popular Danny Boy version.
Oh Mary dear, a cruel fate has parted us.
I'll hide my grief, e'en though my heart should break.
Farewell my love, may God be always with you.
I love you so, I'd die for your dear sake.
But you'll come back to me my sad heart whispers.
You'll come with summer's flowers or winter's snow,
But I'll be there to wait if God should spare me.
And with the years, my love shall deeper, greater, grow.
Oh Mary dear, the years are lone and dreary,
And yet you come not back my soul to cheer.
My eyes grow dim, my path of life's near ended.
When death shall come, in spirit, Love, be near.
Remember then, my soul's deep adoration.
Shed one sad tear for all the world to see.
Breath one short prayer, and I shall know you love me.
And still be waiting, Mary, when you come to me.