THE BANKS OF CLAUDY

Chanson traditionnelle irlandaise / Arrangement : Christophe Goudot

1/ It was on a summer’s morning,
All in the month of May
Down beyond the flowery gardens,
I carelessly did stray
I overheard a fair maid
In sorrow to complain
All for her absent lover
That ploughed the raging main

2/ I boldly stepped up to her
And put her in surprise
I knew she did not know me,
Being all in disguise
I said “ My charming creature,
My heart and joy’s delight
How far do you mean to wander
This dark and dreary night

3/ Kind Sir, the way to Claudy,
If you will please to show
Oh take pity on the fair maid
That knows not where to go
I’m on the search of a faithful young man
And Johnny is his name
And all on the banks of Claudy,
I’m told he does remain.

4/ This is the Banks of Claudy,
Fair maid, where on you stand
Oh but don’t depend on Johnny
For he is a false young man.
Oh but don’t depend on Johnny
For he’ll not meet you here
Oh tarry with me in yon green woods,
No danger need you fear.

5/ It is six long years and better
Since Johnny left the shore
He is crossing the wide ocean,
Where thundering billows roar.
Though he’s crossing the wide ocean
For honour and for fame
But this I heard his ship was wrecked
On the fatal coast of Spain

6/ Oh it’s when she heard this dreadful news
She flew into despair
With the wringing of her hands
And the tearing of her hair.
Saying: “ If Johnny he is a-drownded,
No man on earth I’ll take
But through those lonesome groves and valleys,
I’ll wander for his sake

7/ Oh it’s when he saw her loyalty,
No longer could he stand
He flew into her arms
And saying: Nancy, I’m the man
Saying: Nancy, I’m the young man,
The cause of all your pain
But since we met on Claudy Banks,
We’ll never part again.