Bold Doherty
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Dad, Sharon and me–three Bold Dohertys!
I first heard this wonderful ballad On Niamh Parsons’ album, “In My Prime.” If this song and her beautiful voice weren’t enough to make me fall in love on the spot; she also sang “An Paistin Fionn” on the same album. “Mo Phaistin Fionn is my heart’s delight – Her heart shines out through her two eyes so bright – You are my delight and my comfort all night – And I’ll wrap you up tight in my arms.”
BOLD DOHERTY
My name is Bold Doherty from the north country
Where there’s a still upon every stream
Landlady be quicker and bring us more liquor
And fill us a pitcher that’s stronger than cream
If I had you Molly so pleasant and jolly
Although it’s a folly to ask you at all
But if I had a glass and a mile to the bottom
I’d drink to you Molly beside Donegal
(And sing)
Folderol day folderol laddity
Folderol lay raddely folderol day
I’d a new pair of clogs I brought home from the market
I wanted an excuse for to go to the town
I told me old mother the seams they were ripped
And I needed some nails for to rivet them round
She clothed me hand with a bright golden shilling
She thought the remainder it would be her own
She says when you go to town you may buy half a noggin
But be sure you leave all of them fancifuls home
chorus
When crossing the hills of me brave Enniskillen
I went to an alehouse for to take a dram
There I saw two tinkers dividing a saucepan
Although they were arguing about a tin can
Then one of them made such a blow to the other
And said you old villain I will take your life
For your saucepans are leaking and can’t hold the water
Since ever bold Doherty spoke to your wife
chorus
And when I got home well the door it was bolted
I rapped up my mother for to let me in
Begone from the place were the words that she mentioned
For inside this door you will not enter in
You may go away to wherever you came from
For to keep you out now I’m sure ’tis no sin
I said me good woman you can keep your temper
And I can get lodging with Nora McGlynn
chorus
My name is Bold Doherty from the north country
Where there’s a still upon every stream
Landlady be quicker and bring us more liquor
And fill us a pitcher that’s stronger than cream
If I had you Molly so pleasant and jolly
Although it’s a folly to ask you at all
But if I had a glass and a mile to the bottom
I’d drink to you Molly beside Donegal
