Lyr Req: A Thousand Lays

Subject: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: jward
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 12:29 PM

Back in the 1960s I met an Irish woman married to an American GI. She taught me a beautiful Irish folk song. As the years have gone by, my memory has developed some holes in it and I can't remember all the lyrics. Was wondering if anyone on this site might be able to help.

The song is about a harper or bard who falls in love with the kings daughter. The first verse goes something like this:

"A thousand lays these thousand days I've made to praise your beauty rare. And songs of love at feasts I raise, Though wand'ring eyes reprove me there. I'll praise always your beauty rare."

I think the song was called "A Thousand Lays." I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: DougR
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 01:05 PM

Jim, I don't know the song, but the title certainly is intriguing.

DougR

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:22 PM

I am looking for this. Perhaps MMario might know it? Sounds like a RennFaire type song, or SCA song to me. I'll keep looking.

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:35 PM

sorcha, yes, it does sound like that, doesn't it? I don't recognize it and can't locate it anywhere...

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: GUEST,Annraoi
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 10:11 AM

Never heard of it, but one thing is certain, it is not an Irish folk song. The language is all wrong. It strikes me as something in the nature of a Victorian drawing-room ballad or something along the lines of "Moore's Melodies". Annraoi

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From: MMario
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 03:24 PM

got a query out on Alt.fairs.renaissance but no nibbles yet

Subject: RE: Searching for an Irish folk song
From:
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 02:51 PM

I am searching for lyrics to a song called "My Dublin Bay" It was performed by Catherine Coates. Also, has anyone ever heard of Ray Kennedy & Platform. I saw and bought cds from the above artists in may in Dublin? many thanks for helping.