“My Charming Kate O'Neill”

Description

"The first place that I saw my love, 'twas on a summer's day, She was going to her father's as I passed Red Bay." The singer, a young sea captain, praises her beauty but must go away, for "there's another young man, she intends his bride to be."

Notes

The notes to Henry/Huntington/Herrmann list no other versions of this song, and I can't recall any myself. But there are many lines reminiscent of "The Lowlands of Holland," and the meter is also similar. Sam Henry reports that this is about an actual girl "who captivated the hearts of young Glensmen eighty years ago" (i.e. c. 1855-1860). One wonder if the composer didn't take some inspiration from "The Lowland of Holland." - RBW

References

  1. SHenry H767, pp. 370-371, "My Charming Kate O'Neill" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #6886
  3. BI, HHH767

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1938 (Sam Henry collection)
Found in: Ireland