Buachaillin Donn
(Brown-haired Boy)

Recording by Eleanor Shanley
Album: Forever Young (2015)


A song portraying a young girl’s love for a hand-some boy, to the
disapproval of her father. She states it’s inevitable that she will be with her buachaillín donn.


My true love he dwells on the mountain
Like a war eagle fearless and free
By the side of a low tuning fountain
That wanders through wild Annalae
His soul has more valour and honour
Than a king with a palace and crown
For the blood of the race of O’Connor
Fills the veins of my ‘Buachaillín Donn’

Soft ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ I’ll give him
When he comes every Sunday to me
And sure what can I do but believe him
When he whispers ‘A Chuisle Mo Chroí’
For his look is so truthful and tender
From his bright roving eyes of dark brown
That I’m sure any lady of splendour
Could be coaxed by my ‘Buachaillín Donn’

My father has riches in plenty
And suitors for me in his eye
Ah but let my age come to twenty
And it’s I’ll give them all the good bye
I long for a home on the mountain
Far away from the dust of the town
With the music of a low tuning fountain
In the arms of my ‘Buachaillín Donn

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