Mrs Paudeen

From the Irish “Bean Pháidín,” very popular in Connemara. In the old days, the roads were very bad in Connemara, and one travelled to or from Galway on a boat called a “hooker.”

 

 

I’m wishing that I were, that I were;

I’m wishing that I were with Paudeen.

I’m wishing that I were, that I were,

And the wife that he has to be haunting.

 

Well, I’d go to Galway, to Galway;

And I’d go to Galway with Paudeen.

On the hooker I’d mind him so fondly,

I’m sure that he’d fondle no other.

 

I’m wishing that I were, that I were;

I’m wishing that I were with Paudeen.

I’m wishing that I were, that I were,

And the wife that he has to be haunting.

 

Were I at the market in Clifden,

I’d slip out to Baylanabawya;

I would peep in through the window

To capture a glimpse of my Paudeen.

 

I’m wishing that I were, that I were;

I’m wishing that I were with Paudeen.

I’m wishing that I were, that I were,

And the wife that he has to be haunting.

 

May you break both your ankles, your ankles;

May you break both your legs, Mrs Paudeen.

May you break both your ankles, your ankles,

And break every bone in your body.

 

I’m wishing that I were, that I were;

I’m wishing that I were with Paudeen.

I’m wishing that I were, that I were,

And the wife that he has to be haunting.