Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
Galway City

Galway City

Galway City

As I roved out thro' Galway City,
At the hour of twelve at night,
Who should I see but a handsome damsel,
Combing her hair by candlelight.
"Lassie, I have come a-courtin',
Your kind favours for to win;
And if you'll but smile upon me,
Next Sunday night I'll call again."

     Chorus:
     Raddy a the toodum, toodum, toodum,
     Raddy a the toodum, toodum day.[twice]

"So to me you come a-courting,
My kind favours for to win;
But 'twould give me the greatest pleasure
If you never did call again.
What would I do when I go walking,
Walking out in the morning dew?
What would I do when I go walking,
Walking out with a lad like you?"
     Chorus.

"Lassie, I have gold and silver,
Lassie, I have houses and lands;
Lassie, I have ships on the ocean;
They'll be all at your command."
What do I care for your ships on the ocean?
What do I care for your houses and lands?
What do I care for your gold and silver?
All I want is a handsome man."
     Chorus.

Did ever you see the grass in the morning
All bedecked with jewels rare?
Did ever you see a handsome lassie,
Diamonds sparkling in her hair?
Did ever you see a copper kettle
Mended with an ould tin can?
Did ever you see a handsome damsel
Married up to an ugly man?
     Chorus.

[learned from David Browne of Vancouver, 1970]
[related to "Dublin City".]
MS
                                                 apr96