This beautiful song comes from the North of Ireland. I learnt it from my friend Jackie Callan (Kenny) from whom I learnt many good songs. I’ve since heard it sung by Jim McFarland, Fran McPhail and Len Graham.
Track 3 (Traditional, Arranged Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne).
One Morning in May
One morning in May as I carelessly did stray
To view yon green valleys where the lambs sport and play
In the clear morning dew as I lay down to muse
A fair maiden of honour appeared in my view
—–
I said pretty maid how happy we could be
For it is so decreed that married we shall be
Let me not see you frown for my heart it is your own
When these words they were spoken sure the tears trickled down
——-
Come dry up your tears there is nothing to fear
I would roam through the green fields for many’s the long year
When the birds sang so sweet this young man proved his deceit
Saying adieu pretty fair maid we shall never more meet
———
With my snuff box and cane this whole world I will range
Like Venus or Diana in search of her swain
When the moon shone so clear I will mourn for my dear
Over mountains, clear fountains where no-one will hear
—–
There’s one thing I know and that before I go
I will never return for to hear her sad woe
There’s another thing I know and that before I go
That the ranger and the stranger has many’s the foe