Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow

Subject: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: lesley nelson
Date: 14 Sep 98 - 11:06 PM

I'm looking for information on the above tune. I found lyrics - and it's in the ballad index as US - 1927 - however the lyrics I found have gaelic in them - which would indicate an origin other than US...

I have nothing in Lomax, Kennedy or Linscott - so I'm completely frustrated... Is it known by another name?

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Antaine
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 06:08 AM

Original title in Gaeilge :
Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 10:20 AM

lesley, it is also know by the first line "It Was On A Fine Summer Morning". I recall that I posted a message about this song in a thread earlier this summer. You can purchase the music in a current songbook by Warner Brothers, called "51 Lucky Irish Classics" from their Great Songs of the Century series. The English lyrics are by Thomas Moore. The tune is "Cailin Deas", and air is in Bunting's Ancient Irish Music (1796). As Antaine noted the original words are gaelic. There are more verses by Thomas Moore in old Irish songbooks that you can get in libraries, such as Irish Street Ballads by Colm O'Lochlainn.

How in the world Warner Bros got a copyright on it, I don't know, but it is published with ©1916(renewed) Warner Bros. INC. There are 51 classics in the book, such as Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms, Molly Malone, Come Back to Erin, The Rose of Tralee, etc. all with the Warner Bros copyright.

alice in montana

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Ian HP
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 10:28 AM

I've been playing the tune to this beauty on the guitar for years, hearing rumours that there were words but not being able to get hold of them. I can't find them in the database. Can anyone point me in the direction of English words (since I don't speak Gaelic) on the web? Alice, can you remember the name of your thread?

Subject: Lyr Add: CAILÍN DEAS CRÚITE NA MBÓ
From: lesley
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 11:03 AM

Thanks for the info! I'll do a search for the old message too. Here are the words I found - there's one line of gaelic yet - they might be garbled because of the HTML code - I mean no offense to any gaels....

It was on a fine summer's morning,
When the birds sweetly tuned on each bough;
I heard a fair maid sing most charming
As she sat a-milking her cow;
Her voice, it was chanting melodious,
She left me scarce able to go;
My heart it is soothed in solace,
My Cailín deas crúite na mbó.

With courtesy I did salute her,
Good-morrow, most amiable maid,
I'm your captive slave for the future.
Kind sir, do not banter, she said,
I'm not such a precious rare jewel,
That I should enamour you so;
I am but a plain country girl,
Says Cailín deas crúite na mbó.

The Indies afford no such jewel,
So precious and transparently fair,
Oh! do not to my flame add fuel,
But consent for to love me, my dear;
Take pity and grant my desire,
And leave me no longer in woe;
Oh! love me or else I'll expire,
Sweet Cailín deas crúite na mbó.

Or had I the wealth of great Damer,
Or all on the African shore,
Or had I great Devonshire treasure,
Or had I ten thousand times more,
Or had I the lamp of Aladdin,
Or had I his genie also,
I'd rather live poor on a mountain,
With Cailín deas crúite na mbó.

I beg you'll withdraw and don't tease me;
I cannot consent unto thee.
I like to live single and airy,
Till more of the world I do see.
New cares they would me embarrass,
Besides, sir, my fortune is low,
Until I get rich I'll not marry,
Says Cailín deas crúite na mbó.

An old maid is like an old almanack,
Quite useless when once out of date;
If her ware is not sold in the morning
At noon it must fall to low rate.
The fragrance of May is soon over,
The rose loses its beauty, you know;
All bloom is consumed in October,
Sweet Cailín deas crúite na mbó.;

A young maid is like a ship sailing,
There's no knowing how long she may steer,
For with every blast she's in danger;
Oh! consent, love, and banish all care.
For riches I care not a farthing,
Your affection I want and no more;
In comfort I'd wish to enjoy you,
My Cailín deas crúite na mbó..

Subject: Lyr Add: COLLEEN DHAS CRUTHEN NA MO
From: Alice
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 11:35 AM

The lyrics you posted are those that are in Colm O'Lochlainn's book. I prefer to sing the shorter and more 'singable' lyrics (the words are not so awkward) attributed to Thomas Moore in the "Irish Classics" songbook. Allan C. has an old songbook of Thomas Moore lyrics, so if you are reading this thread, Allan, maybe you can look them up for us. The version I sing:

It was on a fine summer's morning
The birds sweetly tuned on each bough
And as I walked out for my pleasure
I saw the maid milking her cow.
Her voice, so enchanting, melodious
Left me quite unable to go
My heart it was loaded with sorrow
For 'colleen dhas cruthen na mo'. (phoenetic English)

Then to her I made my advances
'Good morrow, most beauteous maid
Your beauty my heart so entrances.'
'Pray, sir, do not banter,' she said.
'I'm not such a rare precious jewel,
that I should enamor you so.
I am but a poor little milk girl.'
Said colleen dhas cruthen na mo.

The Indies afford no such jewels
So bright and transparently clear.
Pray, do not add flame to my fuel,
Consent but to love me, my dear.
If I had the lamp of Alladin,
Or the wealth of the African shore,
I'd rather be poor in a cottage
With colleen dhas cruthen na mo.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 11:42 AM

Here is a CD of Thomas Moore's Irish melodies. I found this page on the internet last year, and it looks like an excellent recording. I have yet to order it, but it is on my wishlist, since I have a soft heart for Thomas Moore songs.
alice

http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/details/66774.html

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Ian HP
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 01:21 PM

Wonderful stuff. Does anyone know what the one remaining line of Gaelic means in English?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 15 Sep 98 - 02:47 PM

It means the pretty maid milking her cow.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brack&
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 10:48 AM

I think Judy Garland sang this song in the musical "It's A Great Day For The Irish". Can Anyone confirm that?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 02:59 PM

Hmmm. Now that's interesting, Brack&. I can't find the songs, but I have a book that says Judy Garland starred in the movie musical Little Nelly Kelly in 1940, and the hit songs in the show were "It's a Great Day for the Irish" and "A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow," both written by Roger Edens. The story was adapted from a George M. Cohan play. I'd sure like to see Judy's cow-milking song. Anybody able to come up with the lyrics?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 03:28 PM

Maybe Roger Edens re-wrote lyrics or rearranged the song... could there be a video available of the old film to listen to it? Listening to the soundtrack is probably the only way to compare and find out if it is the same song as the one we are discussing that came from the gaelic.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 03:29 PM

Just a thought... if it was used in the film, then that could be why Warner Brothers now owns the copyright.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 03:55 PM

Click here for information about the movie. I love this Judy Garland site.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 06:02 PM

Oh, my God, now I've seen everything!! They made a SWING VERSION of "Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó" for the movie Little Nelly Kelly. Joe, I went to the webpage you referred to, and they quoted Judy Garland as saying, "an obscure Irish folk song" that they used in the picture continued to be an obscure Irish folk song. Roger Edens re-arranged it, and she sang one verse in the film.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brack&
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 06:39 PM

Yes, now I remember, it was a jazzed up version! Oddly enough though, I don't think I've ever seen that film on English television yet. Someone taped it for me in Ireland many years ago and I've still got it somewhere, but then again it's in a pile of about 50 videos with nothing written on them. I guess I'll get round to it one day.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brack&
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 06:58 PM

There's more!
It was also in a Universal musical in 1942. The film was called "Strictly In The Groove".
Joe, that Judy Garland site is lovely! Thanks.

Subject: Lyr Add: PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
From: Brack&
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 07:39 PM

More.

Another set of lyrics I found in song book

PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW

Twas on a bright morning in the summer
That I first heard his voice spakin' low
As he said to a collen beside him
"Who's that purty girl milking her cow"
Och! many times often ye met me
And told me that I should be
Your darlin' Acushla, Alana
Mavourneen, Asuilish, Machree

I have not the manner or graces
Of the girls in the world where ye move
I have not their beautiful faces
But, Oh! I've a heart that can love
If it please ye I'll dress in me satin
And jewels I'll put on me brow
But och! don't be after forgettin'
Your pretty girl milking her cow

The summer has yielded to Autumn
And the daisies and clovertops fade
And the cattle come home from the pastures
Then say, do you love me indade (indeed)
Sure your love will not fade like the Summer
But ever your colleen will be
Your darlin' Acushla, Alana
Mavourneen, Asuilish, Machree

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 07:56 PM

A great find, Brack&! Antaine, do you have the gaelic version of the lyrics, and can you give us a literal translation into English? I had assumed the version from Colm O'Lochlainn's book of street ballads was pretty close to the gaelic version, and Thomas Moore had 'polished' it up.

alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: bigJ
Date: 17 Sep 98 - 07:04 PM

Just to set another hare running; the tune of 'Pretty Maid....' was used for the words of 'Terence's Farewell to Kathleen', written by Lady Dufferin and recorded on several occasions by Count John McCormack.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
From: Brack&
Date: 10 Dec 98 - 08:05 AM

Here's another version!

'Tis a year or more since I listened
To sweet tones I love to recall
As I spied a sweet maid whose eyes glistened
On fine sunny eve in the fall
And the milch cows beside her were lowing
As the birds sweetly tuned on each bough
On the bank of a streamlet fast flowing
Was the pretty girl milking her cow

Her eyes are as bright as the sunshine
That scatters the fog in the sky
And her cheeks far redder than berries
That tempt from the branches on high
Her mouth is more luscious than berries
And her features so bright that I vow
There's no grander maid in the world
Than a pretty girl milking her cow

Unless I am favoured to partner
That handsome, modest, sweet maid
My life will be lonesome and gloomy
Without any purpose or aid
No joy will be mine day or night
Nor contentment of mind anyhow
Until by my fireside I see her
The pretty girl milking her cow

Regards Mick Bracken

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 99 - 08:32 PM

Is there a MIDI?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Bruce O.
Date: 23 Apr 99 - 09:14 PM

For many early copies of the tune see the Irish tune index on my website.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Barry Taylor
Date: 24 Apr 99 - 10:34 AM

I have a midi of it on my Irish Midi Page. It's a version to which Lady Dufferin set the lyrics of Terence's Farewell.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Snuffy
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 08:49 PM

Barry's midi of the tune is now here on Lesley's site.

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Bruce O.
Date: 08 Sep 00 - 03:46 PM

See "The milkmaid and ploughboy" = "The milk maid and plough boy" on the Bodley Ballads Website (in Mudcat's Links)

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Bud Savoie
Date: 09 Sep 00 - 06:20 AM

The final word of the Irish is "mbo", which also happens to be the handle of a Mudcatter. Does his name mean "cow"?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 09 Sep 00 - 11:39 AM

No, it's a nickname and pronounced differently (Em-bo).

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Fiolar
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 05:44 AM

Interesting legend attached to "Cailin Deas Cruite na mBo." It was regarded in Ireland as an unlucky song. The story goes that a priest was called to administer the last rites to a dying man. On his way to the house, he stopped to listen to the singing of a beautiful young woman singing the tune of the above with the result that he was late in arriving at the house and the man had died. The story goes on to say that the "beautiful woman" was in fact the devil in disguise in order to prevent the priest getting to the man in time to hear his confession. Mike

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 28 Aug 02 - 07:45 PM

I am wondering if there are lyrics entirely in Gaelic to this, or could someone suggest an appropriate gaelic text? I find the melody so haunting i would like to sing it in Gaelic...

thanks in advance, anyone wh had suggestions,

peg

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PRETTY MAID MILKING HER GOAT
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 29 Aug 02 - 02:02 AM

Not an answer to Peg's question, certainly, but in the interest of a complete story on the song and its relations...

In George Korson's (ed.) book, Pennsylvania Songs and Legends (Univ. of Pennsylvania Press, 1949), page 370-371, he's got the following, listed as from the Archive of American Folk Song, Library of Congress. Sung by Daniel Walsh at Centralia, Columbia County, 1946. Recorded by George Korson.

THE PRETTY MAID MILKING HER GOAT

It was a cold winter's morning
As I went to work for my grub.
I heard a maid sing most charming
As she sat on the heel of a tub.
Her mouth was both large and commodious.
A small boy might skate down her throat.
Her bullfrog bass voice was melodious,
As she sat there milking her goat.

I stood and I gazed at this cr'ature.
I was smashed in two halves by surprise.
Thinks I, she's some goddess of nature,
Or the queen of Georgetown in disguise.
I says to her aisy and civil,
"Do you warble that poem by note?"
I was towld to inquire of the divil
By the pretty maid milking her goat.

Then I said, "Dearest fairy, have patience,
Till ye hear what I'm going to propose.
Come, leave all your wealthy relations,
And travel with me, O primrose.
Your everyday dress shall be silken,
And to show how much on you I dote,
I'll grab howlt of the tail while you're milking
And help you to pump the ould goat."

She said, "Don't stand there givin' me taffy
Or think I'm a foolish galoot.
I know I could ne'er be happy
With you and your No. 9 boots.
You're nothin' but a common railroader.
I can tell by the mud on your coat,
And to none but a red-ash coal loader
Will my pappy give me and the goat."

A treasure, in my opinion!

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 29 Aug 02 - 07:36 AM

Peg

Yes, there are (Irish) Gaelic words. I'll try to find a set.

Betty
Think I'll learn that version!

Regards.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 29 Aug 02 - 09:20 PM

Becky, fun version. Thanks for posting.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 04:33 AM

Becky, not Betty! Sorrya about that...

Regards

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 10:26 AM

Still would love to have the Gaelic lyrics to this! irish or Scots Gaelic, doesn't mattter.... anyone? The tune I know is from O' Carolan, I believe....I have a tape of an instrumental guitar version from my old band Brigid's Brood...

many thanks for help with this,
Peg

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 10:23 PM

I have a version of the words from the CD Amhría ar an Sean-Nós. I'll post them later when I have a chance, Peg.

Brían

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 11:26 PM

thanks so much Brian!!!! I appreciate it.
Peg

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 12:25 AM

Gee, there's not much in the Traditional Ballad Index, but I think I'll post it here anyhow.
-Joe Offer-Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow, The DESCRIPTION: "O 'twas on a bright mornin' in summer When I first heard her voice singin' low As he said to a colleen beside him, 'Who's the pretty girl milkin' the cow?'"
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: before 1835 (broadside, Bodleian Firth b.26(457))
KEYWORDS: love work
FOUND IN: US(MW) Ireland
REFERENCES (3 citations):
O'Conor, pp. 58-59, "The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow" (1 text)
OLochlainn 57, "Cailin Deas Cruite Na MBo" (1 text, 1 tune)
Sandburg, p. 40, "Who's the Pretty Girl Milkin' the Cow?" (1 fragment, 1 tune)
Roud #3139
BROADSIDES:
Bodleian, Firth b.26(457), "The Pretty Maid Milking her Cow," G. Walker (Durham), 1797-1834; also Harding B 25(1563), Firth c.18(163), Harding B 11(2386), Harding B 11(2846), "[The] Pretty Maid Milking her Cow"; 2806 b.11(99), "Colleen Dhas Crutha Na Mho" ("It was on a fine summer's morning"), W. Birmingham (Dublin), c.1867; also 2806 c.15(127), Harding B 19(79), "Colleen Dhas Crutha Na Mho"
Murray, Mu23-y1:029, "Colleen Dhas Crutha na Mho," James Lindsay Jr (Glasgow), 19C
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "The Peistie Glen" (tune)
Notes: O'Conor seems more complete than Sandburg. He hears her singing and professes to be "your captive slave for the future." She is not taken in by his profession, nor by his claim that "The Indies afford no such jewel" or that he would trade "the wealth of great Omar... Devonshire's treasure ... the lamp of Aladdin" to "live poor on a mountain With colleen dhas cruthin amoe." He warns "a young maid is like a ship sailing, She don't know how long she may steer" and he asks her to marry.
Samuel Lover in Rory O'More (1836) quotes this fragment: "I saw a young damsel--'twas Noreen; Her ringlets did carelessly flow Oh: how I adore you, ma voureen Ma Colleen dhas crutheen na mbho." - BS
File: San040

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Subject: ADD: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 12:51 AM

Not much in Sandburg's American Songbag (1927), either:

O 'twas on a bright mornin' in summer
When I first heard her voice singin' low
As he said to a colleen beside him,
'Who's the pretty girl milkin' the cow?'"

Sandburg's notes:
The fragment here is probably a make-over, a distillation, from an Irish song of lesser grace and melody. Bob Lee sang this for me, but wasn't sure he had the words right; he would see the traffic policeman, Tom Burke, and be sure; and Burke said, "Why should ye be wantin' that little song? It's old. Everybody knows it."

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SONG OF O'RUARK, PRINCE OF BREFFNI
From: masato sakurai
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 05:50 AM

"The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me (The Song Of O'Ruark, Prince Of Breffni)" is on Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies (hyperion CD; track 12; with sound lip). This CD also contains "The Pretty Girl Milking The Cows" (harp; track 23) from Bunting.

From
Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies:

THE SONG OF O'RUARK, PRINCE OF BREFFNI*
(Melody - "The Pretty Girl milking her Cow")
Thomas Moore, from Irish Melodies, vol. 5

The valley lay smiling before me,
Where lately I left her behind;
Yet I trembled, and something hung o'er me,
That sadden'd the joy of my mind.
I look'd for the lamp which, she told me,
Should shine when her Pilgrim return'd;
But, though darkness began to infold me,
No lamp from the battlements burn'd!

2. I flew to her chamber - 'twas lonely,
As if the loved tenant lay dead;
Ah, would it were death, and death only!
But no, the young false one had fled.
And there hung the lute that could soften
My very worst pains into bliss;
While the hand that had waked it so often
Now throbb'd to a proud rival's kiss.

3. There was a time, falsest of women,
When Breffni's good sword would have sought
That man, through a million of foemen,
Who dared but to wrong thee in thought!
While now - oh degenerate daughter
Of Erin, how fallen is thy fame!
And through ages of bondage and slaughter,
Our country shall bleed for thy shame.

4. Already the curse is upon her,
And strangers her valleys profane;
They come to divide, to dishonour,
And tyrants they long will remain.
But onward! - the green banner rearing,
Go, flesh every sword to the hilt;
On our side is Virtue and Erin,
On theirs is the Saxon and Guilt.

* [Moore's original note] These stanzas are founded upon an event of most melancholy importance for Ireland, if, as we are told by our Irish historians, it gave England the first opportunity of profiting by our divisions and subduing us. The following are the circumstances, as related by O'Halloran: - "The king of Leinster had long conceived a violent affection for Bearbhorgil, daughter to the king of Meath, and though she had been for some time married to O'Ruark, prince of Breffni, yet it could not restrain his passion. They carried on a private correspondence, and she informed him that O'Ruark intended soon to go on a pilgrimage (an act of piety frequent in those days), and conjured him to embrace that opportunity of conveying her from her husband she detested to a lover she adored. Mac Murchad too puntually obeyed the summons, and had the lady conveyed to his capital of Ferns." - The monarch Roderick espoused the cause of O'Ruark, while Mac Murchad fled to England, and obtained the assistance of Henry II.
"Such," adds Giraldus Cambrensis (as I find him in an old translation), "is the variable and fickle nature of woman, by whom all mischief in the world (for the most part) do happen and come, as may appear by Marcus Antonius, and by the destruction of Troy." - from Irish Melodies.

From The Fiddler's Companion:

PRETTY GIRL MILKIN' HER COW [1] (An Cailin Deas Cruidte na m-Bo). AKA and see "Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow," "The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me," "I Would I Were But That Sweet Linnet," "The Flower of All Maidens." Irish, Slow Air (3/4 time). A Dorian (O'Neill): G Minor (Kerr). Standard. AB (O'Neill): AABB (Kerr). As can be seen by the alternate titles above, this popular and large Irish tune family is the vehicle for numerous folk songs, and can be heard in slip jig and even reel form in dance tunes (see, for example, a polka version of the tune under "Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow."). Norman Cazden (et al, 1982) collected it in the Catskill Mountains (New York) as "The Green Mossy Bands by the Lea.," and discusses it extensively in his "Folk Songs of the Catskills." Other songs sometimes sung to it, he finds, are the lumbercamp favorite "Erin's Green Shores," "The Banks of the Little Eau Pleine." In Pennsylvania, it has been collected as "The Pretty Girl Milking Her Goat." Cazden also notes that the melody was used for "Llanarmon" (a Welsh hymn), a Newfoundland song called "The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle," an 1888 London music hall song written by Lady Dufferin entitled "Terence's Farewell," and many others. Thomas Moore set his text "The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me" to it. Kerr (Merry Melodies), Vol. 4; No. 243, pg. 26 (set as a jig). O'Neill (1850), 1979; No. 102, pg. 19. Maggie's Music MM107, "Music in the Great Hall" (1992).

PRETTY GIRL MILKIN' HER COW [2] (An Cailin Deas Cruidte na m-Bo). AKA and see "Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow." Irish, Jig (6/8 time) or Slow Air (3/4 time). A Dorian. Standard. AB. The tune is rendered in 9/8 time in the Roche Collection (appears as "Pretty Maid ...")./ Very similar to version #1. Hardings All-Round, 1905; No. 188, pg. 59. O'Neill (1850), 1979; No. 103, pg. 19.

PRETTY MAID MILKIN' HER COW [1]. Irish, American; Polka. C Major. Standard. See note for "Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow." AABB (Ford): AA'B (Carlin). Carlin (Master Collection), 1984; No. 281, pg. 158. Ford (Traditional Music in America), 1940; pg. 110.

PRETTY MAID MILKING HER COW, THE [2] (An Cailin Deas Cruidte na m-Bo). AKA and see "Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow." Irish, Air (9/8 time). A Dorian. Standard. AAB. The tune is rendered in 6/8 time in Harding's Collection (appears as "Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow"). Roche Collection, 1982, Vol. 1; No. 40, pg. 20.

The earliest record of the tune is probably "Calin deas scruidadh na mbo" [Cailín deas crúite ba mbó] in Edward Bunting, ed., A General Collection of the Ancient Irish Music, Vol. 1 (1796) [p. 54; the credit is to Arthur O'Neill]; the score is in Aloys Fleischmann, ed., Sources of Irish Traditional Music c.1600-1855, Vol. 1 (Garland, 1998, p. 619 [no. 3379]). The tune is not in The Ancient Music of Ireland (1840) by Bunting (Dover's reprint edition, 2000; and Fleischmann, Vol. 2, pp. 1055-1106).

~Masato

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 06:35 AM

"The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow" ("It was on a fine summer's morning") is sometimes said to have been written by Moore (for example, in The Celtic Fake Book, Hal Leonard, p. 185), but the song to that tune in Irish Melodies is "The valley lay smiling before me." The sheet music of "The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow" in Florence Leniston, Popular Irish Songs (Dover, 1992, pp. 104-109) does not give Moore credit for the song: "Words & Music: Anon. (arr. George Alexander Lee). Pub.: Goe. Shade, London, n.d. [1851?] (Orig. pub.: London: Preston, 1796)." Colm O Lochlainn does not mention the name of Moore (Irish Street Ballads, 1939, 1967, pp. 114-115, 224) either.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 07:43 AM

From the Levy Collection:

Title: The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow. Irish Ballad. ("The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me"). [Also includes "The Song of O'Ruark, Prince of Breffni," to the same air].
Composer, Lyricist, Arranger: na
Publication: New York: John J. Daly, 419 Grand St., 1860.
Form of Composition: strophic
Instrumentation: piano and voice
First Line: 'Twas on a bright mornin' in summer I first heard his voice spakin' low
Performer: As Sung by Miss Agnes Robertson and Mrs. John Wood in Bourcicalt's Drama of the "Colleen Bawn."
Engraver, Lithographer, Artist: Stackpole, Sc.
Plate Number: 99
Subject: Courtship & love
Subject: Country life
Subject: Campaigns & battles
Subject: Deceit
Subject: War
Subject: Emotion--pain
Call No.: Box: 053 Item: 047

From American Memory:

The dead beat. Air: Pretty maid milking her cow. H. De Marsan, Publlisher, No. 60 Chatham Street, N. Y. [n. d.]

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 08:01 AM

From the Bodleian Library collection:

Printer: Povey, L. (Berkeley)
Date: 18--
Imprint: Lewis Povey, Printer, Berkeley
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2
Copies: Firth b.26(130)
Ballads: 1. The pretty girl milking her cow ("It was a fine summers morning ...")
Subject: Rural society
2. A life on the ocean wave ("A life on the ocean wave ...")
Author: Serjeant, E.
Subject: Sailing

Printer: Bathgate, J. (Liverpool)
Date: c.1847
Imprint: J. Bathgate, Printer, Park Lane, L'pool
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 1
Note: Holed
Copies: Firth c.16(122)
Ballads: 1. Lament for the brave. A dream ("At rest from all care, gently sleeping ...")
Author: Hill, R.D.
To the tune of: The pretty girl milking her cow
Subject: Franco-Prussian war

Printer: Walker, G. (Durham)
Date: between 1797 and 1834
Imprint: George Walker, Printer, Durham. Printer's Series: (65).
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2
Copies: Firth b.26(457)
Ballads: 1. The fair maid in Bedlam ("It was down in Moorfields, as I walked one day ...")
Subject: Courtship - difference in social status; Cruel parents; Insanity; Bethlehem Royal Hospital (London, England)
2. The pretty maid milking her cow ("It was on a fine summer's morning ...")
Subject: Rural society

Printer: [s.n.] ([s.l.])
Date: [s.a.]
Ballads on sheet: 1
Copies: Harding B 25(1563)
Ballads: 1. Pretty maid milking her cow ("It was on a fine summer's morning ...")
Note: Slip

Printer: Such, H. (London)
Date: between 1863 and 1885
Imprint: London: H. Such, Printer and Publisher, 177, Union Street, Boro'. S.E. Printer's Series: (334).
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2
Copies: Firth b.26(317)
Firth c.18(163)
Ballads: 1. The pretty maid milking her cow ("'Twas on a fine summer's morning when birds sweetly tuned from each bower ...")
Subject: Rural society; Agricultural laborers
2. Spanking Jack ("Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant, so jolly ...")
Author: Dibdin, Charles
Subject: Naval

Printer: Catnach, J. (London)
Date: between 1813 and 1838
Imprint: J. Catnach, Printer, 2 & 3, Monmouth Court, Seven Dials
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2
Copies: Harding B 11(2386)
Ballads: 1. May day morning early ("To the fields I carried my milking cow ...")
2. Pretty maid milking her cow ("'Twas on a fine summer's morning when birds sweetly tuned from each bower ...")

Printer: Pitts, J. (London)
Date: between 1819 and 1844
Imprint: Pitts, Printer, wholesale Toy and Marble warehouse, 6, Gt. St. Andrew Street, Seven Dials
Illus. Ballads on sheet: 2
Copies: Harding B 11(2846)
Ballads: 1. On board of the Victory ("I am a young girl whose fortune is great ...")
Subject: Press-gangs
2. Pretty maid milking her cow ("Twas on a fine summer's morning when birds sweetly tuned from each bower ...")

Subject: Lyr Add: CAILÍN DEAS CRÚITE NA MBÓ
From: Brían
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 08:32 AM

CAILÍN DEAS CRÚITE NA MBÓ

Lá gréine is mé ag aoireacht i gcom cnoic
Thainig éiclips agus luathramh ró mhór,
Is mé ag feicaint ins na spéaraibh go hiontach
'Sé taobh liom gur thuirlic bean óg.
Ach nuair a d'fhiafraíos cad é an chiall duit theacht chugham ann
Is gan éinne dá trúpaibh 'ná treo'
Nó arbh í an bhean uasal a bhí go huaigneach i gcom cnoic
Nó cailín deas crúite na mbó.

Is baolach nach chun saol fada a thabhairt dom
Gur thaobhaigh an chúileann san im 'threo,
Nó arbh í an bhean uasal a bhí go huaigneach i gcom cnoic
Nó cailín deas crúite na mbó.

Agus reacaireacht mhagaidh ní chumfainn,
Ba bheag orm lúbadh os ord,
Ach    ? an teanga air do thabharfainn,
Go bhfacasa asúd an bhean óg,
Mar do mheasas dul tamall dá tionlac
Is ná scarfainn le mo rún searc go deo,
Lena geasa ? do bhuail cleasa ar mo shúilibh
Is gearr é gur iompaigh 'na cló.

Sí an chiúin tréitheach chiúin réitheach ? is stuaime í,
Meidhréiseach ? uasal go leor,
Is gur ghile í na an eala ar na dúthchaibh,
Is gearr gur dhein clúmh dí os mo chomhair.

Is éadrom 's aerach do shiúlóinn,
Ar taobh cnoic lá smúite gan cheo,
Is gur ghile í ná an eala ar na dúthchaibh,
Is is gearr ná gur iompaigh 'na cló?
Do bhí a claonrosc ar aon dath an drúchta,
Is a mala ró-dheas chumtha go leor,
Is go raibh an gil-phéacaigh seo taobh liom do ghluais sí,
Teact ag éisteacht le buachaill na mbó.

This was recorded in 1965 by Ciarán Mac Mathúna. The singer is Seán Ó Donghaile, An Coireán, Co. Chiarraí. There are more complete versions available. The singer apparently learned it orally and there seems to be errors. I can't make out the missing words from listening to the recording.

Brían

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 11:19 AM

I've found another version in Cas Amhrán which I could add later. This one might fit the music you have, Peg. If I'm real adventurous, I might even make a midi...

Brían

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 01:34 AM

thanks for that version Brian! It does not fit the tune I have (too many lyrics!) However I like the words and maybe I can find another tune to suit. In the meantime, if you do have another Gaelic/Irish version that would be helpful too...this is great!!!!

I am giving a paper at Harvard in the morning on Gaelic milking songs...I have always loved this air but the English lyrics have always seemed a bit insipid to me...

again many thanks! I patiently await the other bits...
and will post whatever else I can find...

also thanks to Joe and masato for that very thorough information!

Subject: Lyr Add: CAILÍN DEÁS CRÚIDHTE NA MBÓ
From: masato sakurai
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 06:57 AM

There's a different set of words in Heinrich Möller's Keltische Volkslieder (Schott [ED 554], pp. 72-73; with German translation):

CAILÍN DEÁS CRÚIDHTE NA MBÓ
(aus "Minstrelsy of Ireland")

1. Tá bliain nú níos mó 'gam ag eisteacht,
Le cogar doilghéasach mo mhéoinn,
Ó casadh liom grúdh geal mo chléibhe,
Tráthnóna breágh gréinne sa bhfoghmhar
Bhí an bhóbhainne chumhrtha ag géimnigh,
A's na héanlaith go meidhreach le ceól,
A's ar bhruach an tsrotháin ar leathtaobh díom,
Bhí cailín deás crúidhte na mbó.

2. Tá a súile mar lonnradh na gréine
Ag scaipeadh tré spéarthaibh an cheoigh:
'S is deirge a gruadh 'ná na caora
Ar lasadh 'measg craobha na gcnó:
Tá a béilin nios milse 'na sméara,
'S is gile 'ná leamhnacht a snódh:
Ní'l óigbhean níos deise' san tsaoghal seo
'Na cailín deás crúidhte na mbó.

3. Dá bhfaghainn-se árd-thighearnas na hÉireann
Agus éideacha síoda 'gus sróil:
Dá bhfaghainn-se an bhainríoghan is aeirde
Dá bhfuil ar an dtalaimh so beó:
Dá bhfaghainn-se céad loingeas mar spré dham
Pioláití, caisleáin, agus or:
Do b'fearr liom bheith bocht ar druim sléibhe
Le cailín deás crúidhte na mbó.

4. Muna bhfuil sé am' chomhair bheith i n-éinfheacht
Leis an spéir-bhean ro-dhílis úd fós,
Is daoirseacht dobrónach mo saoghal-sa
Gan suairceas, gan éifeacht, gan treó:
Ni bhéidh sólás am' chroidhe, 'ná am' íntinn,
'Ná suaimhneas orm oidhche ná ló,
Chun go bhfeicfead lem' thaoibh ó n-a muíntir
Mo cailín deás crúidhte na mbó.

~Masato

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 03:43 PM

another great set of lyrics! The one I am lookng for would most likely have verse lengths similar to the lines given, and a set of 8 as given above. But there is a chorus/curfa which would probably have 4 lines...dunno if that is helpful. It maybe the version I have heard an instrumental of does not correspond to any known lyric and I will just have to adpat them myself! (Now there's a project).

thanks all!
peg

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 04:02 PM

Masato has provided the same version that is in Cas Amhrán. I think I can make a midi of it if you email me here. just title it Cailin Deas or something so I know what it is in regards to.

Brían

Subject: Tune Add: CAILÍN DEÁS CRÚIDHTE NA MBÓ
From: MMario
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:33 AM

X:1
T:Cailin Deas Cruite Na mBo
I:abc2nwc
M:3/4
L:1/8
K:G
z4(E F)|G2B2G2|F2A2F2|E2D2(E F)|G2B2G2|
w:Tá_ bliain nú níos mó 'gam ag eis-teacht,Le_ cog-ar doil-
F2A2F2|E4(E F)|G2B2G2|F2A2F2|
w:ghéa-sach mo mhéoinn,Ó_ cas-adh liom grúdh geal mo
E2D2(B3/2 A/2)|G3F E2|B,2E2(E3/2 F/2)|E4E F|
w:chléibh-e,Tráth_-nó-na breágh gréinn-e sa_ bhfoghmhar Bhí an
G2(G A) (B c)|d2B2d d|e2E2(E F)|G2(G A) (B c)|
w: bhó-bhain_-ne_ chumh-rtha ag géim-nigh,A's na_ héan-laith_ go_
d2B2d2|e4(f e)|d2(B3/2 c/2) d2|G2A2F2|
w:meidh-reach le ceól,A's ar bhruach an_ tsroth-áin ar leath-
E2D2(B3/2 A/2)|G3F E2|B,2E3F|E4
taobh díom,Bhí_ cail-ín deás crúidht-e na mbó.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: sharyn
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 12:09 PM

Re: Fiolar's comment that this song or tune is unlucky: I've heard this idea, too: Tom Savage, an Irishman who was a member of the San Francisco Folk Music Club for many years and a wonderful singer, considered this song unlucky and would not sing it.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: nutty
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 04:47 PM

As a matter of interest ..... the reason why there were so many songs /poems about milkmaid/dairymaids was that, while the majority of the population suffered from the ravages of smallpox, those people working with cattle could develop immunity to the disease ... so had flawless complections.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: MMario
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 06:46 PM

Wasn't the first innoculation for smallpox actually derived from cowpox?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:07 PM

hey that's an interesting factoid! Must out that in the revised version of my paper...

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 05:32 AM

A broadside titled "Colleen Dhas Crutha na Mho" ("It was on a summer morning") is in the Murray Collection (Click here, and go to "Mu23-y1:029").

Subject: Lyr Add: OH! WOULD I WERE BUT THAT SWEET LINNET!
From: GUEST,Lesley Halamek
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 11:07 PM

Just to throw a red herring...
I was recently looking for an extra Folksong or two to complete my latest (No.4) "Folksongs for the Violin" Book. I heard "Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbo" ("The Pretty Maid Milking the Cow"), and thought "I know that tune! Where have I heard it before?" So, thinking Duet, Dermot, and Beethoven, I searched my vinyl collection for a recording by Victoria de los Angeles and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, accompanied by Gerald Moore, singing Beethoven's arrangement of No 9. of 12 Irish Songs. Beethoven called his arrangement of ["Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbo"] "Oh! would I were but that sweet linnet" (Grove's Op. 255).
The (English) words on the vinyl recording are:-

Oh! would I were but that sweet linnet!
That I had my appletree too!
Could sit all the sunny day on it,
With nothing but singing to do.
I'm weary with toiling and spinning,
And Dermot I never can see,
Nor sure am I Dermot of winning,
There's never good luck for poor me!

Ye saints with the Virgin! believe me,
I join with the priest in your praise!
Contrive but my Dermot to give me,
And I'll love you the length of my days.
In vain would they bid me be wiser,
And never my Dermot to see,
Bad luck to advice and adviser!
Good luck to dear Dermot and me!

Best wishes all,
Lesley Halamek

"Violin Beginner Music" - Folksongs for the Violin Learner

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

"Oh! Would I Were That Sweet Linnet" (words: William Smyth) by Beethoven is HERE (info, lyrics & midi).
~Masato

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lesley Halamek
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 09:20 PM

Thanks Masato,

It makes more sense with *all* the lyrics!

Best wishes,
Lesley Halamek

Violin Beginner Music - Folk Music for the Violin Learner

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 28 Mar 03 - 08:51 AM

Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó

It's fascinating to see how many versions there are of this song, and how they differ.

The Colm MacLochlainn version given by Alice is similar to what Clannad recorded to the same tune as MMario posted for the second set of Irish-language lyrics (posted by Masato). This English-language version appears to be a rough translation from an Irish-language version.

It seems that not all the various songs are closely related. They have taken the general theme of a pretty milkmaid and put their own gloss on the idea. I wonder how many of the versions cited are set to same air?

"mBó" is pronounced rather like the English word 'mow'; actually the na and mbó are run together like one word, but with stress on the last syllable. The B shows the root word, 'bó', meaning 'cow'. (The pronunciation Alice gave referred to a mudcatter's nickname, not to the Irish!)

The version in Cas Amhrán which Brían didn't post is similar to the Irish language lyrics posted by Masato 13 Oct. 2002 except that ). Cas Amhrán uses standard modern Irish spelling. The tune is as given by Mmario.
'nú' in the first line should be 'nó' (meaning 'or' , 'bliain nó níos mó' – a year or longer)
'grúdh' (4th line) should be grádh (modern spelling grá, meaning 'love').

I thought it would be useful to have an English-language synopsis of the Irish-language verses to compare them with English-language verses. But I found the translation of the first Irish-language song difficult, so I will only summarise it briefly..

Brían's contribution is an Aisling or Vision poem, the singing is herding out on the hills, sky in commotion and suddenly this woman appears before him. He asks "Was she a noble woman alone in the hills or a pretty girl milking the cows", and why she has appeared before him. Describes her beauty and demeanour but says she cast an evil spell on him; don't tell his true love about this escapade!

I found Masato's offering much easier to translate:

I've spent a year or more listening to the mournful whisper of my mind
Since I met my bright love on a lovely sunny autumn evening. The sweet milk cows were lowing and the birds mirthful with music, and on the banks of the stream beside me, was a pretty girl milking the cows.

Her eyes like the sun shining through misty sky, Her cheeks as red as berry, Her mouth sweeter than blackberries, her complexion fairer than fresh milk. There is no young woman in the world more beautiful than the pretty girl milking the cows.

If I were the high Lord of Ireland, with garments of silk and satin, If I could have the highest Queen, with a dowry of 100 boats, and pilots, castles and gold; I would rather be poor on a hillside with the pretty girl milking the cows.

If I can't be beised this angelic maiden, My life will be sad and useless. There will be no comfort in my heart or in my mind, no rest in the night or the day, Until from her people she comes beside me, the pretty girl milking her cow.

Subject: Lyr Add: MO CHAILÍN DEAS CRUIDTHE NA MBÓ
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 08:31 AM

Of course, "beised" should be "beside"!

I found another set of lyrics that has some lines in common with Bracken's submission.

The following lyrics are from "The Irish Rover: a Ballad Miscellany" Walton Songs, Book 5, published in Dublin, 1966

The book offers the following pronunciation of the title: "Caileen djeas crutche na mo"

MO C[H]AILIN DEAS CRUIDHTE NA mBO
(My Pretty Girl Milking the Cow[s])

The beam on the streamlet was playing,
The dew-drop still hung on the thorn,
When a blooming young couple were straying,
To taste the mild fragrance of morn.
He sighed as he breathed forth his ditty,
And she felt her breast softly to glow,
"Oh, look on your lover with pity,
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó.

"While green is yon bank's mossy pillow,
Or evening shall weep the soft tear,
Or the streamlets shall steal 'neath the willow,
So long shall thy image be dear.
O, fly to these arms for protection,
If pierced by the arrow of woe,
Then smile on my tender affection,
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó."

She sighed as his ditty was ended,
Her heart was too full to reply;
O, joy and compassion were blended,
To light the mild beam of her eye.
He kissed her soft hand: "What above thee,
Could Heaven in its bounty bestow?"
He kissed her soft cheek: "Ah, I love thee!
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó."

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 05:13 AM

The words of a 19th century Scottish Gaelic love-song, A Nighean Donn na Buaile(O brown-hairedgirl of the cattlefold) by Donald Fraser of Fannich, are similar to "The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow". I will start another thread for that song. The third verse translates thus: "Though I should get Europe with all its treasures: though I'd have that at my command and a place to live there; though I were proclaimed a duke or crowned King - O, I'd sooner be married to you if only you would not reject me."
(from "James Campbell of Kintail - Gaelic Songs": Scottish Tradition no. 8, booklet to accompany Greentrax recording CTRAX 9008, previously released as Tangent LP.)

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 09:24 AM

Oh Gwendolyn went milking with Nelly the cow
She pulled and she wrestled but she didn't quite know how
And after a while Nelly turned with a frown
Just you hang on a little tighter love and I'll jump up and down.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 10:38 AM

The March 31 version you posted is beautiful, one I had not seen before and a version I'll learn.
Thanks, Philippa.

Alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 04:46 PM

If you want to compare the lyrics of "Nighean Donn na Buaile",look here for both the
Gaelic and translation

The tune James Campbell sings it to is not like the one I know for Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó (the tune Clannad uses with words almost the same as those Alice posted 15 Sept. '98)

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Felipa
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:56 PM

the version posted by Leslie is published (lyrics only) in Seán McMahon,The Poolbeg book of Irish Ballads. Dublin: Poolbeg, 1991 with the following introduction: "Anonymous Known in the nineteenth-century as 'The Pretty Milmaid,' it was used by the wily old playsmith [Dion] Boucicault to ease the dramatic tension in The Coleen Bawn, and emigrated to America to be one of George M Cohan's songs in his Broadway show Little Nelly Kelly."

Joe Offer brought up the Nelly Kelly angle earlier - has anyone found words, tune, and/or recording, sheet music?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,alex
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:25 AM

I MILK

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 11:19 AM

I think Mick Moloney did NELLY KELLY. I'll save this thread and dig it up.

Brían

Subject: Lyr Add: MY CAILIN BEOG CHRUITE NA MBO!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 01:49 PM

I'll have to listen to the midi and see if it goes with the words I have. I've recently been given about six songs to learn, for a presentation on the music collected by Philip(?) Bunting in the late 1600s. The songs were re-issued in the 18th or 19th century and boy, does it show.

This one is "from a literal translation of the original Irish, by Miss Balfour":

The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
And tinges each white bosom'd sail
The barque, scarcely conscious of motion
Glides slowly before the soft gale:
How vain are the charms they discover,
My heart from its sorrows to draw,
While mem'ry still carries me over,
To cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Ye billows, beneath me now swelling,
To you my hard fate I deplore,
Though far from my oak-shaded dwelling,
Ye bear me to some distant shore.
Though blood-thirsty pirates may sever
My frame from thy cot roof'd with straw,
This heart shall adore thee forever,
My cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Ye Breezes! around me that hover
The tale of my woes ye may learn,
And bear back the sighs of a lover,
Who never again shall return;
For next, when along the waves fading,
The last blush of evening shall glow
Those waves will my sorrows be shading,
My cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lisa LaMoure, Seattle Washington, USA
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 03:06 PM

You have such a wealth of shared information on the Pretty Maid...however, I am still amiss of one resource, I cannot find.
In 1994 I heard this song played on the local NPR Station...the program was "Thistle and Shamrock". The Host of the show, Fiona Richey, had said that the performer was "Patrick Bol". I am not sure of the correct spelling of his surname, and cannot find reference to him on the internet. Do you have a clue as to his correct name?
Thank You, Lisa

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Helen
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 05:04 PM

Lisa,

Was it a song or instrumental, or song with musical accompaniment?

There is a Patrick Ball who plays Celtic Harp, and he has an album called "Celtic Harp" with thei tune on it.

Firebird Arts & Music

Helen

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Sep 03 - 10:00 AM

The sky was dark, the moon was high
All alone - just she and I.
Her hair was soft and eyes were blue
I knew just what she wanted to do.
Her skin so soft, her legs so fine
I ran my fingers down her spine.
I didn't know how, but I tried my best
I started by placing my hands on her breast.
I remember my fear, my fast beating heart
But slowly she spread her legs apart.
And when I did it, I felt no shame
All at once the white stuff came.
At last it's finished, it's all over now
My first time ever at milking a cow.....

(Author unknown)
Robin

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 05:47 AM

I'm still working on the Bunting version. Does anyone know how to pronunce Cailin beog chruite na mbo???

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 06:33 AM

cailín:      coll-een
beog   : should probably be "beag" i.e. small, little. Pronounced roughly "bee-ug" without over-lengthnening the first sound!

chrúite ; croo-it-eh or, in some dialects, crit-eh
na : as is
mbó : m-boh (long)

I'm more used to seeing "deas" (nice, pleasant) than "beag" in this context.

regards

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 05:50 AM

Thanks so much!!
Allison

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,GaelicGirl
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 10:26 PM

Lisa - LaMoure that is - if you are ever on this website again and you happen to see this post, that "Thistle and Shamrock" song you inquired about, you never answered the other person's questions about it being instrumental, vocal, or whatever. If you could let me (us) know, I would be interested as well. How long have you lived in Seattle, by the way? I was thinking about moving out there within the next year, but I haven't made enough contacts to make a final decision... any advice or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks,
GG

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:42 PM

That would probably be Patrick Ball. He has a number of "Celtic harp" CDs out.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 11:09 PM

Popular Irish Songs
Edited By Florence Lenison
Dover Publications
(c) 1992 - based on songs orig pub 1808-1914 - var publishers

ISBN 0-486-26755-5 (pbk)

P 104
Colleen Dhas Cruthen Na Moe
[note spelling - no inflections as printed]

The Pretty Maid Milking a Cow
An Ancient Irish Melody
The poetry translated from the original Irish

Sung by
Mrs Wanlett
with enthusiastic applause at the

London & Dublin Theatres
Arranged with
Symphonies & Accompaniments
by
Alexander Lee
(no Pub date visible)

P105
Colleen Dhas Cruthen Na Moe
Composed by Alexander Lee


You don't get the words for the moment - copying input not my strength - but you can look up the book

Only seems to be 2 verses. only 5 pages of music/words solo/piano style


book also contains
P146
Who threw the overalls in Mrs Murphy's Chowder
(another mudcat thread)
Words 7 music by Geo L Gieffer

Pub by
Mullen Music Co N.Y.
(no pub date visible)


Robin

Subject: Lyr Add: COLLEEN DHAS CRUTHA NA MOE
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 12:29 AM

Cut and paste and edit made it easier tha I thought--


Ok here's the Dover Words.

Very similar to Version posted by Alice above

Sorry, three verses not two as I said before.

COLLEEN DHAS CRUTHA NA MOE.
Composed by Alexander Lee


It was on a fine summer's morning,
When the birds sweetly tuned on each bough;
As I walked out for my pleasure,
As she sat a-milking her cow;
Her voice, so enchanting melodious,
She left me quite unable to go;
My heart it was loaded with sorrow,
For Colleen dhas crutha na moe.


Then to her I made my advances
"Good morrow, most beautigul maid
Your beauty my heart so entrances."
"Pray, sir, do not banter," she said.
"I'm not such a rare precious jewel,
that I should enamour you so.
I am but a poor little milk girl.'
Says Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.


The Indies afford no such Jewel
So bright and transparently clear.
Pray, do not add flame to my fuel!
Consent but to love me, my dear.
Ah! had I the lamp of Aladin,
Or the wealth of the African shore,
I'd rather be poor in a Cottage,
With Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.


Colleen, Colleen, Colleen,
Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.



Why oh why did I first type "enchanting melodions" ... :-)

From the Introduction (Pvii)

The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow (1796)
Moore published this tune in 1813 with the words "The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me", but but he would have first encountered the song in Gaelic, or in a risque English version with this title. Bawdy enought to seems positively un-Irish, it was soon altered to the present lyric, which has since remained the most familar.

~~~~~~~~
That's all she wrote! E&OE!

Robin

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 12:33 AM

Sorry, omitted...

Tune in Key of G Major.

Robin

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 03:13 PM

Lyrics transcribed from the sheet music images at The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music:

THE PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
- IRISH BALLAD –
As sung by Miss Agnes Robertson and Mrs. John Wood
In Bourcicalt's Drama of the "COLLEEN BAWN."
New York: Published by John J. Daly, 419 Grand St. [1860]

'Twas on a bright mornin' in summer
I first heard his voice spakin' low,
As he said to a colleen beside me,
"Who's that purty girl milking her cow?"
Oh, many times afther ye met me,
An' vowed that I always should be
Your darlin' a Cushla Alanna Mavourneen Asuilish Machree.

I haven't the manners or graces
Of the girls in the world where ye move.
I haven't their beautiful faces.
But, oh, I've a heart that can love.
If it plase ye, I'll dress me in satin
An' jewels I'll put on my brow,
But, oh, don't be afther forgettin
Your purty girl milking her cow.

[The following lines are printed in Italics above the music staves. No explanation is given, but it seems to be an alternate song to the same tune.]

One morning when Sol was adorning
The dew-painted fragrant rose,
The larks sung their tune melodious
And flowers sweet odors disclosed.
'Twas near to the foot of a mountain
Where cataracts rapidly flow,
I saw that fair artist of nature
Called Colleen dhas crutha na mbo.

The nightingale vied with the syren.
The linnet she sang on each spray.
The dove with the sweetest allurements,
And lambs round the sweet one did play,
While Cupid sat there in his chariot
Well (?) armed with quiver and bow
To wound all the hearts that came near to
This colleen dhas crutha na mbo.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,James Mundy
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 09:27 AM

Thank you for all this helpful information on the song. The reason I arrived at your site is that in the collection of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York (where I work) is a painting by the American social realist artist Ben Shahn, entitled "Pretty Girl Milking a Cow". It depicts a workman sitting on a hillside playing his harmonica. No girl nor cow in sight. Thus, we assume, the title of the painting refers to the tune he's playing. The painting was done in 1940 so I wonder if there is a possible connection with the popularization of the tune thanks to the musical film "Little Nelly Kelly"?

Wish I could attach an image of our painting for you to see.

-James

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 11:50 AM

this info is copied from An Púca writing at a thread about Irish songs about priests,

see the Irish language lyrics from Brian (this thread, 12 Oct 02,the ones I said were a sort of aisling about an evil temptress and were difficult to translate) and the comments by Fiolar on 10 Sep 00.

"Cailín Deas Crúite na Bóó is about a woman seen by a priest when called to administer the last sacrament to a dying man. The woman is understood to be a devil who appears in the form of a beautiful woman to tempt priests. In this case, the priest is said to have realised the situation before his vows of celibacy were compromised but she is said to have delayed him long enough that the dying man passed away before receiving final unction.   The song was one of the "amhrán choiscthe" which people did not really sing. It has seemingly been 'revived' without the context. I know of situations where even playing the melody of the song by a musician as a slow-air was frowned upon in a Gaeltacht area.

"BTW, this particular devil is called the cuaifearnach. "

Subject: RE: Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 08:08 AM

I've been looking through the catalouge of Cló Iar-Chonnachta;
Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó is sung by Eilín Ní Bheaglaoich of County Kerry on CICD079 "Mile Dath"    - I don't know which version she sings

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 08:11 PM

Does anyone know the guitar chords to The Pretty Maid Milking a Cow?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,ra
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 09:32 PM

here's one version:

Em D G
Em Em D

G D G Em
G B7 Em Em

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 09:35 PM

Pretty Maid Milking her Cow

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Paul Burke
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:46 AM

If the song was never sung, and even playing the air was considered a solecism, how did anyone know either the tune or the words?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:53 PM

If anybody ever gets fed up with the straight version (how could they?) there's a wonderful parody collected by George Korson from a Pennsylvania miner called 'Pretty Girl Milking Her Goat'.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:45 PM

Jim, see above, 29 Aug 2002. :-)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 04:07 AM

Whoops, sorry Becky, didn''t go through the back postings properly - thanks.
This is the note we did for the bovine version sung by Tom Lenihan of West Clare on 'Around The Hills of Clare'.

A four verse parody entitled The Pretty Girl Milking Her Goat taken down from Penn. miner, Daniel Walsh of centralia< Columbus Co. by Gorge Korson has first verse :
"It was a cold winter morning... etc.
The accompanying note reads: The Pretty Maid Milking Her Goat, for all its mocking text, is sung to one of the loveliest of all Irish melodies'. The only other Irish recording listed in the Roud Index is from Mrs Martha Gillen from Antrim, made by the BBC in 1954.
In his note to the song in Mount Callan Garland, collector Tom Munnelly points out that the singer had the following verse as the penultimate one, but refused to sing it in the presence of women for fear of giving offence. The singer has omitted it here.

An old maid is like an old almanac,
Quite useless when once out of date.
If her ware isn't sold in the morning
At noon it must fall to low rate.
Oh, the fragrance of May is all over
The rose leaves its beauty, you know.
All bloom is consumed in October,
Sweet cailín deas crúite na ,mbó.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lisa LaMoure
Date: 13 May 07 - 01:48 PM

Hello GaelicGirl, My apologies for not returning your post. Wow! It has been a very long time since I have posted to this site. Thank You for responding. Did you ever move to Seattle? You may reach me at [e-mail], if you would like. Thank You for the information, Lisa

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: MartinRyan
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 03:56 AM

Refresh - to remind me of something!

Regards

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 06:55 PM

fresh

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,David Dillane
Date: 30 May 15 - 02:23 PM

I read in book Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert that the gaelic version of song was written by Aindreas McCraith one of Maigue poets born in Co Limerick c.1708.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 09:21 PM

AINDRAIS Mac CRAITH MISINTERPRETED AS AUTHOR OF "CAILÍN DEAS CRÚITE NA MBÓ"


This is what was written in Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert, published 1944-1946:

His best known poem is his "Cailin deas cruidhte na mbo," or the "Pretty maid milking the cows," and on the strength of this alone, Mangan calls him the most melodious Gaelic poet of his day.


Robert Herbert obtained this extract from
the biographical sketch of Aindrais MacCraith in Poets and Poetry of Munster, by John O'Daly, 1851,
Short biography of Andrew Magrath pp 17-21
Song pp 82-83.

Page 20
Andrew Magrath was, perhaps, the most melodious Gaelic poet of his day; and we believe that few who peruse his song to the air of "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó," "Pretty Girl Milking the Cows," given in this volume, will dispute the correctness of our opinion.


Page 82
The song referred to on page 20 is
"An Blath-Bhrinnioll," (The Flower Of All Maidens) to the air "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó," (Pretty Girl Milking the Cows).


The O'Daly biography of Andrew Magrath was referring to the tune "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó", and not the song.

What was written in Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert was a misinterpretation of the O'Daly biograhy.

So Aindrais Mac Craith was not the author of Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó.


This still leaves the question of who is the author(s) of the versions of Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó mentioned in this thread?

A definitive list of poems by Aindrais Mac Craith would be useful to confirm or deny this conclusion.



"Slán le Maigh"

The song "Slán le Maigh" was composed by Aindrais Mac Craith
The song was composed in 1738 when MacCraith was compelled to leave the parish of Croom by the Parish Priest whom, along with others, took offense to the wording in a poem he wrote about the plight of a young woman which was in contrary to the advice the Priest had given to this woman.
It was suggested by the Priest that he should leave the area, mend his ways and settle down. He did leave the parish but later returned when a new Priest replaced the former.


.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 07:28 AM

A Scottish chapbook dated 1800 is an early source for "Pretty maid milking her cow"


Scottish chapbook (eight pages) at the National Library of Scotland.
Printed by J. & M Robertson, Saltmark (Glasgow) 1800.

Maid Milking her COW.
To which are added,
A SONG by GENERAL WOLF.
etc.


It was on a fine Summer's morning,
As birds sung sweetly on each bough,
I heard a fair maid sweetly singing,
As she sat milking her cow.
She sung with a voice so melodious,
That made me scarce able to go;
My heart it was smother'd with sorrow,
By the pretty maid milking her cow.

I courteously thus did salute her,
Good morrow, fair amorous maid,
I'm your captive slave for the future
Kind sir, do not banter, she said.
I'm not such a precious jewel,
That you could remember me so;
I'm but a plain country girl,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

All India can't afford such a jewel,
So charming a transparent fair!
Pray do not add flames to my fuel,
But consent and love me my dear.
Take pity and grant my desire,
And leave me no longer in woe;
Come love, or else I'll expire,
You pretty maid milking your cow.

I don't understand what you mean, sir,
I've ne'er been a slave yet to love;
Such amours I seldom experienc'd,
Therefore your affections remove.
To marry, then, I can assure you,
Is a thing that I can't undergo;
Therefore, young man, pray excuse me,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

No young man could excuse you,
Or it would be against his own will;
To pen your perfection in beauty,
Some volumes I'm sure it would fill;
I would patiently wait for an answer
My destiny pray let me know;
Your consent, till death, be the ransom,
Your pretty maid milking your cow.

I pray sir, withdraw, and don't tease me,
I'll never consent unto thee;
I like to live single and easy,
Till more of this world I do see.
Lest care it should early embrace me,
Beside that my fortune is low;
Until I grow rich I'll not marry,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

To say you would wait for a fortune,
Is a civil way to deny;
And I have got money and cattle,
Dear love, all your wants to supply.
Delays are attended with dangers,
And youth it hath no second spring;
And likewise when beauty is faded,
It never will return again.

A fair maid is like a ship sailing,
She knows not how long safe she'll go,
For in every blast she's in danger,
You pretty maid milking your cow.

An old maid is like an old almanack,
Useless when once out of date;
If her ware is not sold in the morning,
At noon it goes at a low rate.
The fragrance of noon is soon over,
Garnish'd with beauty you know;
And blooms are consum'd in October,
You pretty maid milking your cow.


"The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow"
Extra final verse added in early 19th century broadside versions, in the Bodleian Library, between 1797 and 1838.
(Roud 3139)

Your words consists of much reason,
My obstinancy I do resign;
That sort of fruit ripens early,
Does always soon taint and decline;
And if you'll consent for to marry,
And keep me from sorrow and woe;
Come now and no longer tarry,
Says the pretty maid milking her cow.


.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,James Phillips
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 09:58 AM

To my ears, the Irish band "Danu" recorded the best version of this. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has the perfect voice for it.