Streets of Derry
Derry Gaol
Sheet Music (and more information about this song)
My love is one of the fairest young men
that ever was in this country
But how to win him I do not know it,
for he is sentenced for to die.
As he walked up the streets of Derry,
he walked so proud and so manfully
He was far more like a commanding officer
Than a man to die upon the gallows tree.
The first time he went to climb the ladder,
His bloomin' face began to pale
and this he said, "Is there no assistance",
"Is there no release in the Derry Gaol?
He took one other step up the ladder,
His beloved father was standing by,
"Come here, come here, my beloved father,
and speak one word to me before I die."
The next time he went to climb the ladder,
His beloved sister was standing by,
"Come here, come here, my beloved sister,
and speak one word to me before I die."
"I wonder what became of my true love
and what has sent her so far from me
Or does she think it a great dishonour
For to see me die upon the gallows tree?"
He looked around, and he saw her coming
And she was dressed up in woollen so fine
and every step as she drew nearer
was swifter than the blowing wind. (wined)
Come down, come down, off that weary gallows,
For I've got your pardon now from the king
and I'll show you, we will be united
And I'll crown my Johnny with a laurel wreath.
Discography: Bothy Band: Out of the Wind, into the Sun (Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill)
History: Slow, free rhythm
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