Banks of Claudy
Traditional - Recorded by Lorenna MacKennitt on her Elemental album - This is one of those melodies that gets stuck in your head - and the story is pretty good too. (Though if I were the girl, I would have given him some static over pulling such a stunt!) It is a long-ish song, and you may need some instrumental bits to break it up so it doesn't get monotonous. I try to make some separation in the different parts of the storyline, too.
Dm Bb F A7
As I walked out one morning, all in the month of May
Dm Bb Gm Am Dm
Down by a flowery garden, I carelessly did strayI overheard a young maid in sorrow did complain
All for her absent lover, who plows the raging main.I boldly stepped up to her and put her in surprise.
I know she did not know me, I being in disguise.I says, “Me charmin’ creature. My joy, my heart’s delight,
How far have you to travel this dark and dreary night.“I’m in search of a faithless young man. Johnny is his name.
And along the Banks of Claudy, I’m told he does remain.”“This is the Banks of Claudy, fair maid, whereon you stand,
But don’t depend on Johnny, for he’s a false young man.Oh, don’t depend on Johnny, for he’ll not meet you here.
But tarry with me in yon green woods. No danger need you fear.Oh, its six long weeks or better since Johnny left the shore.
He is crossing the wild ocean, where the foam and the billows roar.Oh, he’s crossing the wild ocean for honor and for fame.
But this I heard – His ship was wrecked, all on the coast of Spain.”Oh, its when she heard this dreadful news, she flew into despair,
By the wringing of her milk-white hands and the tearing of her hair.Saying, “If Johnny he is drown-ed, no man on earth I’ll take,
But through lonesome groves and valleys I’ll wander for his sake.”Oh, it’s when he saw her loyalty, no longer could he stand.
He took her in his arms, saying, “Betsy, I’m the man!”Saying, “Betsey, I’m the young man, the cause of all your pain.
But since we met on Claudy Banks, we’ll never part again.”
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