Kellswater

(version 1)

Words & Music:

Traditional Irish or Scottish

 

I am sure there are a zillion variations on the chords & tune.  Please feel free to send me any new ones and I shall post 'em.  This lyric variation is commonly sung by heterosexual women.

 

         G             Bm         Em               G                        C

Here's a health to you bonny Kellswater, where you get all the pleasures of life.

G                     Bm          E       C     G         D6            G

Where you get all the fishing and fowling and a bonny wee lass for your wife.

 

Oh, it's down where yon waters run muddy; I'm afraid they will never run clear.

And it's when I begin for to study, my mind is on him that's not here.

 

And it's this one and that one may court him, but if any one gets him but me.

It's early and late I will curse them the parting lovely Willie from me.

 

Oh, a father he calls on his daughter, "Two choices I'll give unto thee:

Would you rather see Willie's ship a-sailing or

See him hung like a dog on yonder tree?"

 

"Oh father, dear father, I love him.  I can no longer bide it from thee.

Through an acre of fire I would travel along with the lovely Willie to be."

 

Oh, hard was the heartbreak I'm finding she took from her full heart's delight.

May the chains of old Ireland come find them and softly their pillows at night.

 

Oh yonder there's a ship on the ocean and she does not know which way to steer.

From the east and the west she's a-blowing, she reminds me of the charms of my dear.

 

Oh, it's yonder my Willie will be coming.  He said he'd be here in the spring.

And it's down by yon green shades I'll meet him & among wild roses we'll sing.

 

For a gold ring be placed on my finger, saying "Love, bear this in your mind:

If ever I sail from old Ireland, you'll mind I'll not leave you behind."

 

Here's a health to you bonny Kellswater, where you get all the pleasures of life.

Where you get all the fishing and fowling and a bonny wee lass for your wife.