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When Two Lovers Meet

from When Two Lovers Meet by Sarah McQuaid

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about

Also known as ‘The Banks of the Lee’, but as there’s a totally different song called ‘The Banks of the Lee’ I prefer to call it by the first line. I learned this song from Nora Butler when I was living in Nenagh. Nora has a great stock of songs and was tremendously obliging about hunting up obscure lyrics for me. I have immense respect for her as a singer and as one of the most generous, giving individuals I’ve ever run across.

lyrics

When two lovers meet down beneath the green bower
When two lovers meet down beneath the green tree
When Mary, fond Mary, did say unto her lover
You have stolen my fond heart by the banks of the Lee

For I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
There is no one in this wide world I loved more than she
Every bush and every bower, every tree and every flower
Reminds me of my Mary on the banks of the Lee

Don’t stay out late tonight on the moorlands, my Mary
Don’t stay out late tonight on the moorlands from me
For it’s little was our notion when we sailed upon the ocean
That forever we’d be parted from the banks of the Lee

For I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
There is no one in this wide world I loved more than she
Every bush and every bower, every tree and every flower
Reminds me of my Mary on the banks of the Lee

I will pluck my love some roses, some blooming Irish roses
I will pluck my love some roses, the finest ever grew
And I’ll place them on the grave of my own true loving Mary
In the cold and silent churchyard where she sleeps ’neath the dew

For I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
There is no one in this wide world I loved more than she
Every bush and every bower, every tree and every flower
Reminds me of my Mary on the banks of the Lee

credits

from When Two Lovers Meet, released February 1, 1997
Trad arr. S. McQuaid
Sarah – guitar, vocals
Rod McVey – keyboards
John McSherry – uilleann pipes

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Sarah McQuaid Penzance, UK

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc

“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters

See sarahmcquaid.com/about for more info.
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