Constant Farmer's Son- Theresa Houten (Don) 1991
[From: Jimmy McBride Collection; ITMA Reference Number: 518-ITMA-MP3
Listen: http://www.itma.ie/inishowen/song/constant_farmers_son_theresa_houten
R. Matteson 2016]
The Constant Farmer’s Son- sung by Theresa Houten, singing in English, Co. Donegal in February 1991
In the town of Limerick a lovely maid did dwell
She was gentile and handsome her parents have loved her well
She was admired squire and all her hopes in vain
There is but one a farmer’s son poor Mary’s heart did gain.
A long time they had courted at length they appointed the wedding day
Her parents they give consent her brothers they did say
There is a lord you pledged that oath and him you cannot shun
For we’ll beslay and we’ll be gay for your constant farmer’s son.
A fair was held not far from town along straightway they went
They asked young William to company for them to spend that day
The day passed by the night came on they says your race is run
And with a knife they took his life the constant farmer’s son.
These two villains reached home that night oh sister dear they said
Ah weep no more for your true love and let him go his way
Ah weep no more for your true love for dead love he does lie.
Oh Mary on her pillow lay she had a dreadful dream
She dreamt she saw her own true love lying in a purling stream
And she arose put her clothes and ran along to find
That it’s dead and cold she did behold her constant farmer’s son.