Lyr Req: The Benedy Glen (from Déanta)

Subject: Lyr Req: Deanta - The Benedy Glen
From: GUEST,JadedThief
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 10:23 PM

I've looked all over and I can't find the lyrics to Deanta's 'The Benedy Glen'. It's hauntingly beautiful song, but I've only got it on a general celtic CD which doesn't include a CD sleeve with lyrics. If anyone has the lyrics I would be eternally thankful.

JT
[e-mail]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BENEDY GLEN (from Déanta)
From: radriano
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 11:54 AM

Jaded Thief,

Deanta is one of my favorite Irish bands. Here's the song as I have transcribed it:

THE BENEDY GLEN
Composed by Manus O'Kane
From Déanta's cd Ready for the Storm
Sung by Mary Dillon

Through Benedy Glen oft' at eve have I wandered
With a heart that is lighter than the dew of the morn
Her heather clad mountains and clear crystal fountains
Delightful to view by the light of the dawn

I see her green hills and swift running streamlets
Eternally flowing right on to the sea
By her side I lie down on a bank of blue violets
And its murmuring and gurgling are music to me

In far foreign land oft' do her sons wander
By Niagra Falls or the Prairie grand
Where nature is seen both majestic and savage
But their hearts are at home in their dear native land

They long to return to the banks of the Lena
The Roe and its branches on every side
Where there lies brave Cooey, that once mighty chieftain
Who once 'gainst the Saxon defended with pride

Her daughters are fair and her sons they are gallant
They scorn the tyrant, the serf, or the slave
Their rights they maintain at the point of the bayonet
With an arm that is strong and a heart that is brave

In an abbey not far from the town of Dungiven
Their spirit hovers over that once much loved soil
Where there lies brave Cooey, that once mighty chieftain
Who commanded of yore from the Bann to the Foyle

His statue disfigured by base alien mongrels
His name oft' impaired by unscrupulous foes
Yet his soul shines in glory 'mid choirs of angels
As his body lies mouldering on the banks of the Roe

Long may she prosper 'neath her sheltering mountains
Carntogher, Benbradagh and surrounding hills
From calamity and famine, great heaven defend them
And grant them contentment 'neath their clear purling rills


Notes from the album: An old traditional song from Mary's home town of Dungiven in Co. Derry. Mary was taught this song by local school teacher Mary K. Hinphey while at primary school. The song was written by a school master from the area, Manus O'Kane and is dedicated to Mary's son Shane.

Subject: Lyr Add: Deanta - The Benedy Glen
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 12:01 PM

For radriano's post of 03 Apr 03 - 11:54 AM this thread. Thanks, Rad!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Deanta - The Benedy Glen
From: radriano
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 12:30 PM

You're welcome, Sorcha.

It was curious to see this listed as an old traditional song. I was under the impression that if the author's name is known it's not traditional.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Benedy Glen (from Déanta)
From: GUEST,Kara
Date: 03 Apr 04 - 02:26 PM

Oh thank you thank you thank you
I have been searching all over for this

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Benedy Glen (from Déanta)
From: GUEST,eileen
Date: 04 Apr 04 - 05:24 AM

I thank you as well..I used to have this song after painstakingly learning it from a tape that had been made at a session in Galway.
After a couple years of not doing it...it became lost to me...and now I feel like I've found a treasure.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Benedy Glen (from Déanta)
From: GUEST,Jim Dunn
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 08:46 AM

I would like to find the music for Benedy Glen, at least the chords. Anyone able to help?