Digital Tradition Mirror

Irish Girl

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Irish Girl

As I walked out one morning down by the river's side
And gazing all around me an Irish girl I spied
The tears ran down her rosy cheeks and she began to cry
My love's gone to America and quite forsaken me.

I went to Church last Sunday, my love he passed me by
I knew his mind was changing by the roving of his eye
I knew his mind was altered to a girl of high degree
Saying Willy, lovely Willy, your love has wounded me

Last night I lay on my bed so sick and bad was I
I called for a napkin around my head to tie
Was he as bad in love as me perhaps I'd mend again
O love it is a killing thing, did you ever feel the pain?

I wish I was a butterfly, I'd fly to my love's breast
I wish I was a linnet,  I would sing my love to rest
I wish I was a nightingale,  I'd sit and sing so clear
I'd sing a song for you false love for once I loved you

from Sedley, Seeds of Love
  a common Nineteenth Century broadside
SOF

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!