The Maid from Buncloudy
This song I learnt many years ago back in Australia from my very good friend Brian Mooney. As with so many songs, some of which are not often sung out, each time they are sung out they capture the memory of first hearing it and then first singing it and the pleasure of knowing the song and the memories it has. Martyn
THE MAID FROM BUNCLOUDY Traditional.
Oh were I at the Moss House where the birds do increase
At the foot of Mount Leinster or some silent place
By the streams of Buncloudy where all pleasures do meet
And all that I ask is one kiss from you sweet.
Oh the streams of Buncloudy they flow down to the sea
By the streams of Buncloudy I am longing to be
A drinking of strong liquor at the height of my cheer
Here’s a health to Buncloudy and the lass I love dear.
Oh the cuckoo is a pretty bird and she sings as she flies
She brings us glad tidings and she tells us no lies
She sucks all of the small birds eggs just to make her voice clear
And the more she sings cuckoo the summer draws near.
If I were a clerk and could write a good hand
I would write to my true love so that she’d understand
That I am a young man who is wounded in love
Once I lived in Buncloudy but now must remove.
So farewell to my father and my mother adieu
To my sisters and my brothers farewell unto you
I am bound out for America my fortune to try
When I think on Buncloudy I am ready to die.