CD package includes full colour 8-page booklet (original artwork and design by Mary Guinan) with background information on the songs. If you like, Sarah can sign the CD with a personal message to you or the intended recipient, if it's going to be a gift – just indicate how and to whom you'd like it to be signed in the "Leave comment for the seller" link on the checkout page. NOTE: Price also includes immediate download of 10 track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
I have no idea where I got this song, and I can’t seem to find it in any book. I think I learned it off a tape that I made at a festival in the States, but the original cassette is long vanished. The song is almost certainly Scottish; I’ve taken a few liberties with the words and jazzed up the music.
lyrics
Oh do you know my Johnny, he lives down in yonder lea
And he’s sneaking round and creeping, he’s always watching me
I’ve told him I’ve no love for him and that I never had
Still there’s none on earth can please me like my own Johnny lad
And it’s you, Johnny laddie, and it’s you, my Johnny lad
Still there’s none on earth can please me like my own Johnny lad
When the sheep are in the fold and the cows are in the byre
And the other lads and lasses sitting round the roaring fire
It’s me silly lassie, just as like as if I’m mad
Through the hoops and barley stooks and teasing you, Johnny lad
Teasing you, Johnny laddie, teasing you, my Johnny lad
Through the hoops and barley stooks and teasing you, Johnny lad
My Johnny’s blithe and bonny, he’s the pride of yonder lea
And I love him more than any though he’s always teasing me
He teases me and squeezes me and tickles me like mad
None comes near me that can cheer me like my own Johnny lad
And it’s you, Johnny laddie, and it’s you, my Johnny lad
None comes near me that can cheer me like my own Johnny lad
Johnny’s not a gentleman nor yet is he a laird
But I’d follow Johnny lad, although he tends a herd
Johnny is a bonnie lad, was once a lad of mine
And I’ve never had a better love though I’ve had twenty-nine
And it’s you, Johnny laddie, and it’s you, my Johnny lad
And I’ve never had a better love than you,Johnny lad
And it’s you, Johnny laddie, and it’s you, my Johnny lad
And I’d dance the buckles off my shoes for you, Johnny lad
credits
from When Two Lovers Meet,
released February 1, 1997
Trad arr. S. McQuaid
Sarah – guitar, vocals
John McSherry – whistle
“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
As my equally wonderful friend and manager Martin Stansbury did the mastering, I've been privileged to hear this lovely collection as a work in progress. Can't wait to hear the finished article! Sarah McQuaid
This is a beautiful, beautiful album by my great friend Zoë Pollock, with whom I made the Mama album back in 2009. Gorgeously earthy, expressive voice, stunningly lovely songs. Highly recommended. Sarah McQuaid
Lawrence Illsley writes beautifully idiosyncratic, lyrical songs that set your mind to thinking. This is his debut album and it’s lovely. And it’s got backing vocals by yours truly! Sarah McQuaid
Michelle Stodart’s folk music captures hope in melancholy, addressing the transformational aspects of the most challenging times. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 3, 2023