Bonny Labouring Boy, The
Sheet Music (and more information about this song)
As I roved out one morning fair, all in the blooming Spring
I overheard a damsel fair so grievously did sing,
Saying "Cruel were my parents who me did sore annoy
They would not let me tarry with my bonny labouring boy."
"His cheeks are like the roses red, and his eyes are black as sloes,
He is meek in his behaviour wherever that he goes.
He is well sized, both neat and wise like a maiden's chastity,
If I had my will I would be still in my love's company."
Says the mother to her daughter, "Why do you stoop so low,
For to marry a poor labouring boy, around the world to go?
Oh, perhaps lord might fancy you - great riches to enjoy,
So do not throw your love away on a bonny labouring boy."
Said the daughter to her mother, "Your words are all in vain,
For dukes, and lords, and knights, and earls - their efforts I disdain.
I'd sooner live a humble life where time I might employ,
Awaiting happy prospects with my bonny labouring boy."
"If I had all the riches that great men have in store,
Oh, 'tis freely I'd bestow them all, on the lad that I adore.
Oh, his beauty has entangled me - oh, the same I'll ne'er deny,
In the arms of my labouring boy I mean to live and die."
We will fill our glasses to the brim and let the toast go round,
Here's a health to every labouring boy who ploughs and sows the ground,
Who, when his daily work is o'er, it is home he'll go with joy,
And happy is the girl that weds the bonny labouring boy.
Discography: Oisin
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