MY BONNY IRISH BOY
The first time I was courted by a bonny Irish boy,
He called me his fair jewel and his heart's delight and joy,
It was in Dublin City that place of noted fame
That first my bonny Irish boy a-courting to me came.
Long I kept his company in hopes to be his bride.
But now he's gone and left me, to cross the foaming tide,
Perhaps some other fair young maid my true love will enjoy,
Which leaves me here lamenting for my bonny Irish boy.
The fields and meadows they were green as careless I did stray
There I and my dear lover spend many a happy day,
Where the lambkins they did sport and jump, and the small birds sweetly sing,
And from my bonny Irish boy sweet kisses they did bring.
But I will pack up all my clothes and in search of him I'll go,
I'll follow my dear true love on through bitterest frost and snow,
And when I'm tired of traveling I will sit down and cry
Still thinking of the days I spent with my bonny Irish boy.
And when I'm dead and in my grave I have no more to say,
But carry my bones to Ireland adn bury them in the clay,
These words write on my tombstone to tell the passer-by
That I died quite broken-hearted for my bonny Irish boy.
Transcribed on June 26, 2000 by T. M. Carlsen
Notes from transcriber: Spelling and punctuation as in original.