Lyrics

One evening fair to take the air alone I chanced to stray
Down by the town of Garvagh I surely went my way
By the purling rills and Boylan’s Mills their echoes did resound
‘Twas there I met my charming maid the star of Garvagh Town.

She stood amazed on her I gazed she was so straight and tall
I thought she was Diana or the Star of Donegal
Her lovely hair beyond compare o’er her shoulders did hang down
Her slow black eyes did me entice bright star of Garvagh Town.

Says I my fair and pretty maid how could I make so bold
To ask of you your lily hand one moment for to hold
‘Twould yield to me more pleasure than the wearing of a crown
Oh pray excuse don’t me refuse my star of Garvagh Town.

Says she my dear I sadly fear our folks would not agree
You are a Roman Catholic and that I never will be
If I should go along with you my friends would on me frown
So I’m fully bent and well content to live in Garvagh Town.

I am a Roman Catholic and that I’m proud to say
I’m sorry such a fine young girl as you been led astray
Our church is pure I’m very sure it’s built on holy ground
Before there was an Orangeman to live in Garvagh Town.

Says she my dear I’ll let you know before you go away
About the pleasant times we had all on the Sabbath day
There is a church in Garvagh every corner you go round
There’s twenty-two religions held up in Garvagh Town.

Says he my dear I sadly fear the foundation is but small
Before the call of Luther you had no church at all
John Calvin then joined in the fray and then the wheel went round
Which planted you descendent tribes to live in Garvagh Town.

Says he my dear I sadly fear us both are getting dry
Let us go down to Elkin Kanes some spirits for to buy
She proved her cause so manfully I could not on her frown
They both shook hands and parted on the Diamond of the town.