Edward Boyle

Also known as: My Charming Edward Boyle

round# 2906

A traditional emigration song from County Fermanagh, about a woman who laments and mourns the departing of her partner, Edward Boyle, whom has left Ireland for Columbus shores, America.


Earliest printed version can be found in the Schools' Folklore Collection 1937/1938 held at University College Dublin as part of the National Folklore Collection
Vol 0947, page 335-337
Collector: Una McCaffrey
Performer: Collector's grandmother
School location: Clonye, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

Edward Boyle


I
You tender hearted females of a high and low degree.
And also wounded lovers come sympathise with me.
Its here I am bewailing the lad whom I adore.
He has now fled from my arms, bound for Columbus shore.

II
Well I do remember it being in the month of May.
When floras flowery mantle bedecked the meadows gay.
When everything looked charming and all nature turned to smile.
As I parted with my own true love my charming Edward Boyle.

III
In the county of Fermanagh in the parish of Rosslea.
In the townland of Gra-warra near the mountain of Slieve Bay.
He was reared by honest parents for whom their hands did toil.
And now their sunk in sorrow for the loss of Edward Boyle.

IV
His comrades all are lonesome since Edward's gone away.
He was the pride of Collage land his flute so well could play.
His comrades all both great and small they swear they'll leave this Isle.
In hopes once more on Columbus shore to meet with Edward Boyle.

V
His friends like wise his neighbours they all did him convey
Into the town of Monaghan without the least delay.
With courage bold he did set sail and he left the Shamrock shore.
All joy be with you Edward will we ever see you more.

VI
My curse on you Columbus who first found out the shore.
Likewise the ship called Merrick Rope that sailed in days of yore.
If I was possessed of all the wealth that is on St Patricks Isle. I'd part it all with pleasure for one sight of Edward Boyle.

VII
Now to conclude and finish all you young maids be true.
Never place your mind on wealth as true-lovers off times do.
From this day down sure I am bound in sorrow grief and toil.
To lament and mourn my loves return my charming Edward Boyle.