Willie Angler (Banks of the Bann)

Recording

Artist: The Alt (John Doyle, Nuala Kennedy, Eamon O'Leary)
Album: The Alt (2014)


As I was a-walking down by yon mill-town,
To view the fair valleys they did me surround;
I spy there a fair maid, to me she looked grand,
Viewing fine fishes by the banks of the Bann

The little time, I remember, was the sweet month of May,
When Flora the goddess clothed the meadows so gay;
The fields were in bloom by nature's command,
I met with my love by the banks of the Bann

I stepped up beside her and this I did say,
Since nature has formed us to meet on this day,
Since nature has formed us, will you give me your hand,
And we'll walk together by the banks of the Bann.

It being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place,
I saw there the blushes that appeared on her face;
We lay down together there in the warm sand,
And she rolled in my arms by the banks of the Bann.

Young man, you have wronged me, tell me your name,
When my babe is born I might name it the same;
My name is Willie Angler, and you might understand,
My home and my dwelling lie close to the Bann.

But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed I'm bound,
To the spinning and the weaving in Rathfriland town;
When my time is over, I will give you my hand,
And we'll walk together by the banks of the Bann.

Come all you young maidens, take warning by me,
Never go walking at one, two, or three;
Never go walking so late if you can,
Or you'll meet Willie Angler by the banks of the Bann.