“Bess of Ballymoney”

Description

The singer calls on the muses to inspire him in praise of "the star of Ballymoney." He sees her, falls in love, and asks her to marry. She is young and not ready to leave home. He takes her to a tavern. She agrees to leave home and friends and marry him

Notes

In what is clearly a typographical accident, the note in Henry/Huntington/Herrmann list this as a version of Child #143. It's not; it's just another of those Irish songs about love at first sight -- in this case, perhaps aided by alcohol. - RBW

References

  1. SHenry H133, p. 461, "Bess of Ballymoney" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. BI, HHH133

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1926 (Sam Henry collection)
Found in: Ireland