Blackbirds and Thrushes

I was privileged to be asked a couple of years ago to sing with a band called Taxi Mauve, based in Paris.  The concert featured a Youth School of Music, a Rock Band, Taxi Maue and myself.  The singer at that time was the great Jamie McMenemy – I had been a huge fan of his since his Kornog Days.  We duetted on this song, which was arranged by Patrick Desaunay   Thanks to Michel Sikiotakis for introducing me to the song and for inviting me to sing.

Blackbirds and Thrushes

Track 4 (Traditional, arranged Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne)

If all the young ladies were blackbirds and thrushes (2)

Then all the young men would go bating the bushes

Rye fol de dol diddle dol diddle dol day

—–

If all the young ladies were ducks on the water (2)

Then all the young men would go swimming in after

Rye fol de dol diddle dol diddle dol day

—–

If all the young ladies were rushes a-growing (2)

Then all the young men would get scythes and go mowing

Rye fol de dol diddle dol diddle dol day

—–

If the ladies were all trout and salmon so lively (2)

Then divil the man would go fishing on Friday

Rye fol de dol diddle dol diddle dol day

—–

If all the young ladies were hares on the mountain (2)

Then men with their hounds would be out without counting

Rye fol de dol diddle dol diddle dol day