On the Banks of Red Roses
On The Banks Of Red Roses
One verse and chorus: |
.mp3 (469K)
"On the Banks of Red Roses" is
performed by Stephanie Makem of on their 2003 EP "Dorsa".
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Notes: Stephanie learned this song from the singing of her
great-grandmother, Sarah Makem, who is considered one of the great "source
singers" of Ireland, having handed on hundreds of traditional songs before
her death in 1983. One of the most notable Ulster ballad singers, Sarah
Makem's
children and grandchildren have carried her songs and the singing tradition
around the world. Tommy Makem may be the most recognized name int he
family, but his brother Jack Makem was a lauded singer and composer, too.
Tommy's sons perform currently as the Makem Brothers, and another of Sarah's
grandsons, Tom Sweeney, has performed for the President of the United
States. Stephanie is the newest performer from this song-rich family, and
her voice echoes strongly of her great-grandmother.
This version of the Banks of the Roses is quite different than the one
popularized by The Corries and The Clancy Brothers. See
the other version for comparison.
When
I was a wee girl I heard my Mama say
That
I was a foolish girl so easy led astray
And
before I would work, well, I'd rather sport and play
With
my Johnny on the banks of Red Roses
By
the Banks of Red Roses my love and I sat down
And
he pulled out his charm flute to play his love a tune
In
the middle of the tune well the
bonny lassie cried
Ara
Johnny lovely Johnny would you leave me
So
he took her to his cabin where he treated her to tea
Saying
drink my dearest Mary and come along with me
Saying
drink my dearest Mary and come along with me
To
the bonny bonny banks of Red Roses
Well
they walked and they talked til
they came unto a cave
Where
Johnny all the day had been digging up a grave
Where
Johnny all the day had been digging up a grave
For
to lay his lassie low among the roses
Next
he pulled out a pen knife, it was both long and sharp
And
he plunged it right into his own dear Mary's heart
Yes
he plunged it right into his own dear Mary's heart
And
he's left her lying low among the Roses
(Repeat
verse 1)