The Banks of Claudy

"The Banks of Claudy" is a well-known traditional Irish folksong which has also been collected by folklorists in different versions in England, North America, and Australia. It's a well-known example of a type of song known as a "Riley Ballad," wherein a man leaves his lover for a long period of time, and then returns in disguise to test her faithfulness and virtue. A great history of "The Banks of Claudy" and the Riley ballad in general can be read in this article which originally appeared in Inside Bluegrass. There are several bodies of water named Claude/Claudy/Cloddy/Caldy, and it's unclear which one the original writer (whose name is lost to time) was referencing.

'Twas on a pleasant morning all in the month of May
Down by the Banks of Claudy I carelessly did stray
I overheard a damsel most grievously complain
It is on the Banks of Claudy where my darling does remain.

I boldly stepped up to her, I took her by surprise
I own she did not know me, I being dressed in disguise
"Where are you going my fair one, my joy and heart's delight
Where are you going to wander this dark and stormy night?"

It's on the way to Claudy's banks if you will please to show
Take pity on a stranger, for there I want to go
It's seven long years or better since Johnny has left this shore
He's crossing the wide ocean where the foaming billows roar.

He's crossing the wide ocian for honor and for fame
His ship's been wrecked so I've been told down on the Spanish Main
It's on the banks of Claudy, fair maid whereon you stand
Now don't you believe young Johnny, for he's a false young man.

Now when she heard this dreadful news, she fell into despair
For the wringing of her tender hands and the tearing of her hair
"If Johnny he be drowned, no man alive I'll take
Through lonesome shades and valleys, I'll wander for his sake."

Now when he saw her loyalty, no longer could he stand
He fell into her arms saying, "Betsy, I'm your man"
Saying "Betsy, I'm the young man that caused you all your pain
And since we've met on Claudy's banks, we'll never part again.

Recommended Versions:

Susan McKeown - Sample/Purchase Download
Donal Lunny - Sample/Purchase Download
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