Lyrics

My love he was a collier lad and he worked down underground
His meek and mild behaviour or his equal can’t be found
He had two sparkling blue eyes and his cheeks were a rosy red
But alas my handsome collier lad lies numbered with the dead

The very night my love was killed I was lying in my bed
When I dreamt that he came up to me and this is what he said
Oh Nancy lovely Nancy for my absence do not mourn
For I am dead and my spirit’s fled never more to return

The moon shone in my window pane and the stars were shining bright
I heard a low and mournful cry sure I think I hear it yet
He laid his head down on my breast his blood ran in a stream
And when I awoke sure I cried loud thank God it was a dream

It was early the next morning my dream was testified
When the neighbours all came running in John Sneddon’s killed they cried
While working at his work last night sure the roof upon him fell
What grief and woe lies in my heart is more than tongue can tell

Now the ring was bought and the day was set and married we would be
And me and my lover were going to sail unto Americay
Me and my love were going to sail to a far off distant shore
But alas my handsome collier lad sure I never will see more

Now the summer time will come again with all its fleeting glee
The little birds will sweetly sing and the lambs will sport and play
While other fair maids will happy be sure I to death must mourn
For the loss of my handsome collier lad who never will return

see also The Collier lad / Michael McGonigle (James Eoghain)