1. Bonny Labouring Boy
Words: Trad. Music: Donal Maguire - Copyright Control

As I roved out one morning all in the blooming spring
I overheard a maiden fair most grievously did sing
Oh cruel were my parents who me they did sore annoy
They never let me tarry with my bonny labouring me

Oh Johnny was my true love’s name, as you must plainly see
My father he employed him for a labouring boy to be
To harrow, reap and sow the seed and plough my father’s land
And very soon we fell in love, as you may understand

My mother said to me one day how can you stoop so low?
To marry a poor labouring boy around the world to go
Some noble man might fancy you, some treasures you could enjoy
So do not throw your love away on a poor young labouring boy

Oh mother dearest mother your words are all in vain
For lords and knights and dukes and earls their efforts I disdain
I’d rather lead a single life where time I could enjoy
Awaiting happy prospects with my bonny labouring boy

Some fifteen pounds of my best clothes I sold that very night
And with the boy that I love best to Belfast we did fly
His love it so entangled me the same I can ne’er deny
It’s with my bonny labouring boy I mean to live and die

So fill your glasses to the brim and let the toast go round
And drink to every labouring boy that ploughs and sows the ground
For when his work is over, it’s home he will come with joy
And happy is the girl who weds with the bonny labouring boy