Constant Farmer’s Son- Jimmy Doherty (Don) 1984
[From Jimmy McBride Collection; ITMA Reference Number: 515-ITMA-MP3
Listen: http://www.itma.ie/inishowen/song/constant_farmers_son_jimmy_caitlin_doherty
R. Matteson 2016]
The Constant Farmer’s Son- sung by Jimmy Doherty (Caitlin), singing in English, 1984. Recorded at Jimmy Doherty's house, Coolcross, Clonmamy, Co. Donegal.
A wealthy farmer’s daughter near Limerick town did dwell
She was comely neat and handsome her parents loved her well
She was admired by lords and dukes but all their hopes in vain
There was only one a farmer’s son young Mary’s heart to gain.
A long time Willie courted her and appointed the wedding day
Her parents both they give consent but her brothers they did say
There is a lord who pledged his words and him you must not shun
For we’ll betray and we will slay your constant farmer’s son.
A fair was held not far from town her brothers went straightway
They asked young Willie’s company with them to spend the day
When day was done and night came on they said his race was run
And with a stick the life did take of her constant farmer’s son.
Young Mary on her pillow lay she dreamed a dreadful dream
She dreamed she saw her own true love lying in a crystal stream
Young Mary rose put on her clothes to seek her love she run
While dead and cold she did behold her constant farmer’s son.
A loneliness came over her while she did weep with woe
And for to seek the murderer she straightways home did go
Saying parents dear you soon will hear the dreadful deed that’s done
In yonder vale lies cold and pale my constant farmer’s son.
Out spoke her oldest brother saying indeed it was not me
The same replied the others and swore most bitterly
Ah don’t be raised young Mary says or try the lot to shun
For yous done the deed and yous will bleed for my constant farmer’s son.
Now those villains was found guilty and for the crime did die
The doctors got their bodies all for to practice by
Young Mary's thoughts both day and night on her murdered love does run
In a mad house cell young Mary dwells for her constant farmer’s son