When I Was A Fair Maid - Triona ni Dhomhnaill

Here is a little tribute to the incomparable Irish harpsichordist & singer, Tríona ní Dhomhnaill, using her rendition of "When I Was A Fair Maid". This lively & humorous song from Tríona's 1984 self-titled cd album (originally a 1975 vinyl album) has been performed by others, but I prefer her version by far. The lyrics below are from the booklet that came with the cd with minor corrections, mostly punctuation. Check out her lovely 2010 solo cd "The Key's Within" with piano music composed & performed by her & nature photography by her. I own no copyright to the music, images or lyrics for this vid.

When I was a fair maid about seventeen
I listed in the navy for to serve the Queen.
I listed in the navy a sailor lad to stand
For to hear the cannons rattlin' and the music so grand,
And the music so grand, and the music so grand,
For to hear the cannons rattlin' and the music so grand.

Well, the officer that listed me was a tall and handsome man.
He said, "You'll make a sailor, so come along, my man".
My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and thin,
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them,
Oh, I soon exceeded them, I soon exceeded them,
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them.

Well, they sent me to bed and they sent me to bunk.
To lie with a sailor, I never was afraid.
But taking off my blue coat, sure it often made me smile,
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while,
And a maiden all the while, and a maiden all the while,
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while.

Well, they sent me off to London for to guard the Tower.
And I'm sure I might be there 'til my very dying hour.
But a lady fell in love with me. I told her I was a maid.
Oh, she went unto the Captain, and my secret she betrayed.
My secret she betrayed. My secret she betrayed.
Oh, she went unto the Captain, and my secret she betrayed.

Well, the Captain he came up to me, and he asked if this was so.
Oh, I dare not, I dare not, I dare not say no.
"It's a pity we should lose you, such a sailor lad you made.
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid.
You're a handsome young maid, a handsome young maid.
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid."

So it's fare thee well, Captain. You've been so kind to me.
And likewise, my shipmates, I'm sorry to part with thee.
But if ever the navy needs a lad, a sailor I'll remain.
I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the riggin' again.
And I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the riggin' again.
I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the riggin' again.

[DeirdreEmm]

Wow, I think she's the best Irish singer I've ever heard. She was also beautiful when she was young, no makeup, just perfect as is. Love her!!!

[michaeljordan]

Beautiful Brilliant Performance Triona RIP Micheal

[failurecommunicateu]

I was the U.S. importer of her records, and The Bothy Band, etc, back in the day. When we listened to this "solo" album it blew us all away!!

[michaeldineen]

Excellent work. There are not many versions of this song.

[neatlas]

Thank you. It was fun to put together.

[hanabibear]

Actually this amazing record was released in 1975, the cover art and date you posted is the 1984 reissue, otherwise great video! Very enjoyable.

[AugustMeteors]

I always loved this song a lot!  This album used to be in my collection.  And I'm almost certain that's a clavichord, not a harpsichord, although they do sound similar.