Jessie Munroe

(Traditional)

If you intend to fool around, either, make sure the lady will consent, or make sure your wife is available, in case she turns you down, as does Jessie Munroe. This song was sung often in Merasheen by Billy Wilson and his sister Ag. It is sung here by Ag’s son Gerald Pearson of Merasheen.

As I'm going out on a fine summer's evening,
Down by a green meadow I chanced for to go;
I spied a fair lassie, she appealed to my fancy,
I'll tell you about her as far as I know.

Right fall de di dey, right fall de di daddy,
I'll tell you about her as far as I know.

I said, "Handsome lassie, how far are you going?
Oh, who is your father I'd fain wish to know?"
"My father's a blacksmith, he lives down in Gloucester,
And I am his daughter, young Jessie Munroe.

Right fall de di dey, right fall de di daddy,
And I am his daughter, young Jessie Munroe."

I said dearest Jessie, my heart you have stolen,
Your two pretty eyes they are blacker than coal;
It's into your arms I long to be falling,
And lie on the bosom of Jessie Munroe.

Right fall de di dey, right fall de di daddy,
And lie on the bosom of Jessie Munroe."

"She said dearest Johnny, begone with such flattery,
For it's into your arms I never will go;
Your buildings are shaking,
my poor heart is breaking,
Some handsomer laddie for Jessie Munroe.

Right fall de di dey, right fall de di daddy,
Some handsomer laddie for Jessie Munroe."

"I said dearest Jessie, since you spoke so saucy,
It's home to my own dearest Maggie I'll go;
She not quite so bonny, more fitting for Johnny,
So go to the devil, young Jessie Munroe.

Right fall de di dey, right fall de di daddy,
So go to the devil, young Jessie Munroe."