THE HILLS OF DONEGAL

(Traditional; from Willie McElroy of Brookborough, County Fermanagh.)

When I was young and in my prime
My mind being free from care
Whilst leaving all in Donegal to wander far away
Whilst leaving all in Donegal to wander far away
That I might plough the raging main, going to Amerikay.

In Creeslough town my friends stood round
And I bad adieu to all
In Creeslough town my friends stood round
And I bad adieu to all
And down Lough Foyle and away I went from the hills of Donegal.

The night being dark and stormy
And loud the waves did roar
Our captain cries, "Hold off, me boys- our vessel's going ashore!"
Our captain cries, "Hold off, me boys, to deck you one and all!"
And I rued the day I sailed away from the hills of Donegal.

My father he's a farmer -I mean to tell you all-
Between Moville, near Derry, and the hills of Donegal.
I, being like many's the foolish young lad, I thought I'd sail away
That I might plough the raging main, Going to Amerikay.

Here's farewell unto Castlerock, likewise unto Downhill,
And to that spot where we sailed by, they call it sweet Moville.
From sweet Culmore to that foreign shore where waves do rise and fall
Adieu adieu to my wee lass on the hills of Donegal.

As recorded by The Boys of the Lough (sung by Christie O'Leary), Sweet Rural Shade (Shanachie 79068, 1988).  Lyrics as given in the sleevenotes.  The tune is basically the same as Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore.

Malcolm