Song 153 - The Maid of Coolmore

Details

Description

This song comes from County Derry in Northern Ireland where the town of Culmore was close to a deep harbor from which many ships sailed for North America. I first heard this sung by the Bothy Band, but there are many recordings including a lovely four part harmony version by Anuna.

From sweet Londonderry to fair London town
There is no other nicer harbor anywhere to be found
Where the children each evening is a-playin' 'round the shore
And the joy bells are ringin' for the maid of Coolmore

The first time that I met her, she passed me by
The next time that I met her, she bade me good-bye
But the last time that I met her, she grieved my heart sore
For she sailed down Lough Foyle and away from Coolmore

If I had the power, the storm to rise
I would blow the wind higher for to darken the skies
I would blow the wind higher to make the salt seas to roar
On the day that my love sailed away from Coolmore

To the north of America my love I'll search for
For there I know no one, nor no one knows me
But should I not find her, I'll return home no more
But like a pilgrim I will wander for the maid of Coolmore

The first time that I met her, she passed me by
The next time that I met her, she bade me good-bye
But the last time that I met her, she grieved my heart sore
For she sailed down Lough Foyle and away from Coolmore