As I roamed by the shores of Loch Gara
On the eve of a bright harvest day
'Twas there I beheld a young maiden
As I homeward was winding my way.
Oh I tried for to hide my emotion
For her features I miss nor recall
I stood and I gazed there enchanted
On the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
She sang of the one she loved dearly
And her voice it was mellow and clear
And the note of her song, sadly playing
My love was a bold Volunteer.
His name it was Tommy McDonagh
And his eke will I miss and recall
And his memory still lives in my bosom
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
My love, he was tall, young and handsome
He was perfect in every degree
And my heart it is broke in deep sorrow
Since the evening he parted from me.
Goodbye, love my comrades are waiting
I will meet you next Sunday at four
But alas, 'twas a parting for ever
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
That night as I lay in my slumber
I dreamed never ever so strange
I saw Orange forces in conflict
And my love he stood by his close range
The shots they rang out with commotion
And my love he was laid in his pall
I awoke and my heart was near broken
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
My love, all the fair maids of Ireland
Who pray that his soul rest on high
All along with those bold IRA men
Who for their own country did die.
Dear Tommy, may we yet meet in Heaven
Where our parting for ever shall be o'er
Where we'll sing with God's angels above us
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
On the eve of a bright harvest day
'Twas there I beheld a young maiden
As I homeward was winding my way.
Oh I tried for to hide my emotion
For her features I miss nor recall
I stood and I gazed there enchanted
On the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
She sang of the one she loved dearly
And her voice it was mellow and clear
And the note of her song, sadly playing
My love was a bold Volunteer.
His name it was Tommy McDonagh
And his eke will I miss and recall
And his memory still lives in my bosom
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
My love, he was tall, young and handsome
He was perfect in every degree
And my heart it is broke in deep sorrow
Since the evening he parted from me.
Goodbye, love my comrades are waiting
I will meet you next Sunday at four
But alas, 'twas a parting for ever
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
That night as I lay in my slumber
I dreamed never ever so strange
I saw Orange forces in conflict
And my love he stood by his close range
The shots they rang out with commotion
And my love he was laid in his pall
I awoke and my heart was near broken
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.
My love, all the fair maids of Ireland
Who pray that his soul rest on high
All along with those bold IRA men
Who for their own country did die.
Dear Tommy, may we yet meet in Heaven
Where our parting for ever shall be o'er
Where we'll sing with God's angels above us
Said the cailín deas crúite na mbó.