Denis McDaid and Jimmy Houten

Lyrics

You maidens of beauty I am one that’s forlorn
I carelessly wander away far far from my home
I am off by the moonlight and the day break of morning
I was found in the mountains of dark Inishowen.

I strayed round a place where they call sweet Clonmany
In search of a fair maid that I might adore
But a fair lass for to love me I could not find any
From the Mindoran Bridge to the Gap of Mamore.

Adieu to the place where I once had a sweetheart
But now she has left me no wonder I mourn
But I’m off by the wild beach where the salt seas are swelling
From Tullagh’s black rocks to the gap of Mamore.

Distance divides us in my dreams I caress her
For I was as happy as if I was at home
When I think of that sweet spot the haunt of that fair one
I am pining for her absence in dark Inishowen.

And now I am stationed in the county Fermanagh
Far from that sweet spot I may ne’er see it more
But if ever I return it will to marry
And I’ll wed my wee darling in dark Inishowen.

Singer

Date

1986

Location

Denis McDaid’s house, Isle of Doagh, Co.Donegal

Duration

4 min. 01 sec.

Collection

Jimmy McBride Collection

Copyright

Performer and Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle

Roud Number

10387

Publication