Spanish Lady- Tommy Makem/Clancy Brothers (Tip) 1996
[Source: Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers (County Tipperary) from "Irish Pub Songs." This represents the Spanish Lady arrangement that combines Campbell and Hushes versions. The second and third stanzas are taken from Hughes 1930 arrangement. The last stanza is from Campbell's poem. See also the version from the Dubliners (1976).
R. Matteson 2017]
Spanish Lady- Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers from "Irish Pub Songs."
[instrumental, fiddle]
As I came into Dublin city,
At the hour of twelve at night,
Who should I spy but a Spanish lady,
Washing her feet by candlelight.
First she washed them, then she dried them
Over a fire of ambery coal,
In all my life I ne'er did see
A maid so sweet about the sole.
CHORUS:
Whack fol the toora, toora laddy
Whack fol the foora loora lay (2x)
As I came back through Dublin city
At the hour of half past eight
Who should I spy but the Spanish lady
Brushing her hair in the broad daylight.
First she brushed it, then she tossed it,
On her lap was a silver comb
In all my life I ne'er did see
A maid so sweet since I did roam.
CHORUS
As [yet again] I came back through Dublin city
As the sun began to set
Who should I spy but the Spanish lady
Catching a moth in a golden net.
When she saw me then she fled me
Lifting her petticoat o'er her knee
In all my life I ne'er did see
A maid so fair as the Spanish lady.
CHORUS
I've wandered north and I've wandered south
Through Stonybatter and Patrick's Close
Up and around the Gloucester Diamond
Back by Napper Tandy's house.
But old age has laid her hand on me [tempo slows]
Cold as a fire of ashy coal
But where is the lovely Spanish lady
Neat and sweet about the sole.
CHORUS 2X [original tempo]