Molly Bawn- John Connell (Cork) 1952 Ennis REC
[From: Some "English" Ballads and Folk Songs Recorded in Ireland, 1952-1954 by Marie Slocombe; Journal of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, Vol. 7, No. 4 (Dec., 1955), pp. 239-244. Published by: English Folk Dance + Song Society.
Brief notes by Ennis follow.
R. Matteson 2016]
JOHN CONNELL.
Aged about forty. Lives in a very comfortable farmhouse at the top of a steep and almost impassable road. Learned his songs from an old man on the next farm, from whom he has gone on learning songs since I first met him in 1948. He is one of the
best singers we have recorded, with a beautifully ornamented style. (Seamus Ennis)
THE SHOOTING OF HIS DEAR (MOLLY BAWN OR POLLY VAUGHAN)
Sung by John Connell, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork. September, 1952. Recorded and transcribed by Seamus Ennis. (R.P.L. 19024)
Jemmy went fowling with his gun in his hand
Fowling all day until evening came on,
His sweetheart being out walking, he took her as a swan
And he shot His Molly Bawn by the setting of the sun.
Jemmy went home with his gun in his hand
Sad and broken-hearted, as you may understand,
Saying "Father, dearest Father, if you knew what I have done,
I have shot my Molly Bawn by the setting of the sun."
Out bespoke the Father although his locks were grey
Say "Son, dearest Son, do not think of going away,
Stay in this country, until your trial come on.
And you shall never die for the loss of a swan."
It was in three months after to her uncle she appeared
Saying "Uncle, dearest Uncle, don't think to shoot my dear,
My white apron being around me he took me as a swan
But alas to his sad grief, I was his own Molly Bawn."
Molly you were my stoirin[1], my joy and heart's delight,
If you were to live with me I'd make of you my bride,
You were the pride of this country, the rose of them all,
O its soon I will follow[2] you my own Molly Bawn.
1.Gaelic-Little treasure (cf. English 'store').
2. Implying his death which is a rare feature in this ballad.