Carrickfergus

Posted by Colin on June 21, 2001

Where do the words of this strange traditional Irish folk song, come from? + what do they mean?

CARRICKFERGUS
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Traditional
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I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Only for nights in Ballygrand

But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over
And neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I had a handsome boatman
To ferry me over, my love and I

Now in Killenny it is reported
On marble stones there as black as ink
With gold and silver I would support her
But I'll sing no more now till I get a drink

'Cause I am drunk today and I'm seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town
Ah but i'm sick now my days are numbered
Come all you young men and lay me down

• Carrickfergus R. Berg 06/22/01