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She Moved through the Fair

from The Maiden​’​s Lament by Bronwyn Claire Asha

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about

The original text of “She Moved through the Fair” dates back to an ancient Irish ballad from Donegal, while the melody could very likely be from the Middle Ages (and the musical scale used is similarly found in old Middle Eastern/Arabic music). The standard version of this song does however come from the pen of Padraic Colum (1881-1972) who rewrote it in 1909. There are many versions of the text with additional or rewritten verses and a version also in Irish Gaelic, reflecting the great popularity of the song.

It may be missing a verse or two, for it isn’t really clear what happened to the bride-to-be, or why, but it continues to be a much-loved traditional song nonetheless.

lyrics

My young love said to me, "My mother won't mind.
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind."
And she laid her hand on me and this she did say:
"It will not be long, Love, ‘til our wedding day."

And she went away from me and she moved through the fair.
So fondly I watched her move here and move there
And she went her way homeward with one star awake,
As the swan in the evening moves over the lake.

The people were saying no two e’er were wed.
But one has a sorrow that ne’er was said.
And she smiled as she passed me with her goods and her gear.
And that was the last that I saw of my dear.

I dreamed it last night that my lover came in
So softly she wandered, her feet made no din.
And she laid her hand on me and this she did say,
"It will not be long Love ‘til our wedding day.”

credits

from The Maiden​’​s Lament, released December 5, 2022

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Bronwyn Claire Asha British Columbia

Bronwyn Claire Asha is a Canadian multi-instrumental folk artist. Her music breathes new life into the traditional folk ballad genre, and her unique arrangements of traditional songs on fiddle, guitar, harmonium and banjo with loop effects create a sound that feels both elemental and ancient. Her live performances combine storytelling and history for a powerful and engaging listening experience. ... more

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