The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #5668   Message #648354
Posted By: Stewart
12-Feb-02 - 02:38 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: My Bonnie Lassie of the Morning
Subject: Lyr Add: MY BONNIE LASSIE OF THE MORNING
For a long unanswered request! I just transcribed this song from a tape of my friend Paddy Graber. It's an Irish version, probably from his family. It's a beautiful song. Here's the tune. BTW, can anyone tell me the source (name?) of this tune?
My Bonnie Lassie of the Morning
Trad. Irish, as sung by Paddy Graber

Upon the daybreak sun was always brighter than the 'een
It lit the sky, it warmed the earth, the craigs, the vales between
But it's faded to a glimmer with the brightest sight I've seen
'Twas m'own dear bonnie lassie of the morning.

Oh, the sparkle of her laughter ever after I'll recall
Like the tinkling, bubbling mountain streamers trickle as they fall
But now the hills are empty, my bonnie lassie's gone awa'
M'own dear bonnie lassie of the morning.

The mountain air grew cooler as for miles we both tramped on
Seeking tracks that sheep had made until our paths were gone
Our step was light and airy and upon our lips a song
M'own dear bonnie lassie of the morning.

Up through the clouds unto the sun we scrambled high above
Whilst eagles wheeled below us looking gentle as a dove
The mountain peaks above us gave their blessing to our love
To me and my bonnie lassie of the morning.

Then in a nest of heather we lay happy on the hill
We laughed and played as children might and sang with right good will
But we both knew we had tasted joy that none could share nor fill
As me and my bonnie lassie of the morning.

We tried to build a dam across a stream to stop its race
But we might as well have tried to keep the wild deer in one place
For I saw the look of parting come that soon would cloud the face
Of m'own dear bonnie lassie of the morning.

Wearily we both arose, the misty trail to find
Tripping, gripping, slipping, knowing what we left behind
But as we moved on downward, grateful thoughts they filled my mind
So grateful for my lassie of the morning.

Then in the dusk we lingered trying hard to find a way
To take that long farewell and say the words we had to say
Then a tender look, a kiss, a touch, we turned and walked away
And I knew there'd never be another morning.


Cheers, S. in Seattle