Molly Bawn- M. McGonigle (Donegal) 1988 REC
[Jimmy McBride Collection. Audio Cassette 82; ITMA Reference Number: 622-ITMA-MP3;
R. Matteson 2016]
Molly Bawn-- sung by Michael McGonigle (James Eoghain), at the Ballyliffin Hotel, Ballyliffin, Co Donegal; May, 1988.
Come all you young fathers who handle a gun
Beware of night rambling after setting of sun
Be aware of an accident that happened of late
Of young Molly Bawn and sad was her fate.
She was going to her uncle’s when a shower came on
She went under yon green bush the shower for to shun
With her white apron around her he took her for a swan
And he fired and he shot his own Molly Bawn.
Well he quickly ran to her and found she was dead
And there on her bosom many salt tears he shed
He ran home to his father with his gun in his hand
Saying father dear father I have shot Molly Bawn.
I have this shot this fair maiden, I have taken the life
Of the one I intended for to take for my wife
Oh Johnny young Johnny it’s don’t run away
Don’t leave your own country til your trial day.
Don’t leave your own country til your trial comes on
For you’ll never be convicted for the loss of a swan
On the night before her funeral her ghost did appear
Saying Mother dear Mother young Johnny is clear.
I was going to my uncle when a shower came on
I went under yon green bush the shower for to shun
With my white apron around me he took me for a swan
You can tell him he’s forgiven by his own Molly Bawn.
All the girls in this country are all very glad
That the pride of Glenalla Molly Bawn is now dead
If all the girls in this country were placed in a row
Molly Bawn would shine above them like a mountain of snow.