Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Cathie Ryan > Somewhere Along The Road > Cailín Deas Crúite Na mBó

Cailín Deas Crúite Na mBó     Credits: Traditional; arranged by John McCusker & Cathie Ryan     Appears On: Somewhere Along The Road     Language: English & Gaeilge (Irish Gaelic)     Other Versions: "The Pretty Maid" on Clannad's album Clannad "An Cailín Deas Crúite Na mBó" on Danú's album When All Is Said And Done

Lyrics:

It being on a fine summer's morning
As the birds sweetly tuned on each bower
I heard a fair maid sing most charming
As she sat milking her cow
Her voice was enchanting melodious
Which left me scarce able to go
My heart, it was soothed with solace
By the cailín deas crúite na mbó

I courteously did salute her
"Good morning, most amiable maid
I'm your captive slave for the future"
"Kind sir, do not banter," she said
"I'm not such a precious rare jewel
That I should enamour you so
I am but a plain county girl"
Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó

"The Indies afford no such jewels
So precious, so transparent clear
Oh do not refuse me, my jewel
Consent now and love me, my dear
For riches I care not a farthing
It's your love that I want and no more
I'd rather live poor on the mountain
With my cailín deas crúite na mbó"

"I don't understand what you mean, sir
I ne'er was a slave yet to love
For these feelings I have no desire
I pray your affection remove
To marry, I can assure you
That state I will not undergo
I'm prepared to live single and airy"
Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó