Roisin White and many other traditional singers have sung this song at sessions all over Ireland. Roisin learned it from Joe Holmes, who recorded it on his album After Dawning in 1978 two weeks before he died.
MELODY & HARMONY
MELODY only
HARMONY only
WORDS
I am a rambling Irishman, I have rambled up and down
Still looking for my equal, but that I never could find
I ne’er saw one I could call my own, ’til I came to Mourne shore,
And ’twas there I met a charming girl and she has my heart in store.
The first place that I saw my love, it was in Kilkeel town,
I viewed her mild behaviour, as she walked up and down.
She was fairer than the Queen of May, and for beauty she has more, And she is the darling of my heart, and she dwells on the Mourne shore.
The next place that I saw my love, it was on the Mourne strand, I stepped up unto her and gave to her my hand.
I put my arm around her waist, and I gave her kisses three,
And I said my pretty Mourne girl, will you pad the road with me.
For to pad the road with you young man, I am a year too young, And besides all of ye Lurgan lads have a false and flattering tongue. But the eventide was coming down, and she could no longer stand. And she fell into my arms, on the banks of the Mourne strand.
And when she came unto herself, and she saw what she had done,
She wrung her hands and tore her hair, saying forever I’m undone Will you marry me my Lurgan lad, as you promised me before,
And my father will divide his lands, on the banks of the Mourne shore.
I will tell you as you told to me, I am a year too young,
And besides, oh all ye Mourne girls have a false and flattering tongue. But if e’er I live to come of age, my vows I will make stand,
And I’ll marry you my Mourne girl, on the banks of the Mourne strand.
Arranged for the Mourne Community Choir by Brona McVittie