The Spanish Lady

"The Spanish Lady" is an Irish folksong dating back to the late 1700s/early 1800s and the lyrics are of unknown origin. The melody may be based on a traditional Irish air called "Mo Ghile Mhear," and is certainly in the same tune family as "The White Cockade." Like many popular Irish songs, it deals with unrequited love, this time with a bit of mystery thrown in for good measure.

As I came down through Dublin City at the hour of twelve at night
Who should I see but a Spanish lady washing her feet by the candlelight
First she washed them, then she dried them, o'er a fire of amber coal
In all my life I never did see a maid so sweet about the soul.

Wack for the too-ra-lo-loo-ra laddy
Wack for the too-ra-loo-ra lay

As I came back through Dublin City at the hour of half past eight
Who should I spy but the Spanish lady brushing her hair in the broad daylight
First she tossed it, then she brushed it, on her lap was a silver comb
In all my life I never did see a maid so fair since I did roam.

Wack for the too-ra-lo-loo-ra laddy
Wack for the too-ra-loo-ra lay

As I went back through Dublin City as the sun began to set
Who should I spy but the Spanish lady catching a moth in a golden net
When she saw me, then she fled me, lifting her petticoat over her knee
In all my life I never did see a maid so shy as the Spanish Lady.

Wack for the too-ra-lo-loo-ra laddy
Wack for the too-ra-loo-ra lay

I've wandered north and I've wandered south through Stonybatter and Patrick's Close
Up and around by the Gloucester Diamond and back by Napper Tandy's house
Old age has laid her hand upon me, cold as a fire of ashy coals
In all my life I never did see a maid so sweet as the Spanish Lady

Wack for the too-ra-lo-loo-ra laddy
Wack for the too-ra-loo-ra lay

Recommended Versions of "The Spanish Lady":

Celtic Woman - Celtic-pop (Sample/Purchase Download
The Dubliners - (Sample/Purchase Download
The Irish Tenors - Light Opera (Sample/Purchase Download)