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Carrickfergus
Traditional

Notes: This is a classic Irish ballad from the northern singing tradition.  Carrickfergus is in County Antrim. 
sheet music

I wish I was in Carrickfergus only for a night in Ballygrand
I would swim the deepest ocean 
only for a night in Ballygrand
But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over 
and neither have I but wings to fly
I wish I could meet a handsome boatman 
To ferry me over, my love and I.

My childhood days bring back sad reflections 
Of happy times I spent so long ago, 
My boyhood friends and my own relations 
Have all passed on now like melting snow. 
But I'll spend my days in endless roaming, 
Soft is the grass, my bed is free. 
Ah, to be back now in Carrickfergus, 
On that long road down to the sea.

And in Killkenny It is reported 
They have marble stones there As black as ink
With gold and silver I did support her 
But I'll sing no more now 'Til I've had a drink
I'm 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 I'll lay me down

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