This is an interesting and confusing comment... do you think we sang the "wrong" words? Or that we were reading a teleprompter? 😂

It’s fifty-one spring-times since she was a bride, But still you may see her at each Whitsuntide In a dress of white linen and ribbons of green, As green as her memories of loving. The feet that were nimble tread carefully now, As gentle a measure as age do allow, Through groves of white blossom, by fields of young corn, Where once she was pledged to her true love. The fields they are empty, the hedges grow free, No young men to tend them, or pastures go see. They’ve gone where the forests of oak trees before Had gone to be wasted in battle. Down from their green farmlands and from their loved ones Marched husbands and brothers and fathers and sons. There’s a fine roll of honour where the Maypole once was, And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun. There’s a row of straight houses in these latter days Are covering the Downs where the sheep used to graze. There’s a field of red poppies, a wreath from the Queen. But the ladies remember at Whitsun, And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun.

​@@GigFilm1 I don't think that our version changes the meaning in any way - we haven't missed a verse / don't stumble over the lyrics etc. A couple of changes were conscious decisions (such as swapping the last lines), but apart from that it's normal "folk process" changes. Would you make a similar comment on a traditional song that has hundreds of variations because it wasn't written in living memory? (Just interested - not intended to sound rude)

@@RowanFolk The "folk process" occurs over time. The "correct" lyrics are available to this song. Does "a straight row of houses" mean the same as "a row of straight houses"?

@@GigFilm1 Yep 👍 it does to me. And the folk process very much happens even when the "correct" lyrics / melody are available... Sometimes within a year of a song or tune being written it's already changing in the hands of the people performing it. My own songs/tunes are performed differently all over the country in different ways and by different people... I really doubt Austin John Marshall would've minded!

Doorus is just outside Kinvara on the Clare/Galway border (which is where Rowan grew up) so it’s lovely to really feel at home singing about the place in this song! The “brown boats” refer to the rusty coloured sails of the Galway hookers that sailed up and down this part of the west coast. Glad you’re enjoying the song! All the best, Rosie

@@RoLoHodgson Many thanks for your reply Rosie and especially for the correct spelling of Doorus. The lyrics of the song makes it seem like a place worth visiting. Now I know where it is, that might just happen!!!! Best wishes.

Warmest of greetings, Francis J Fahy. I’m one of your American cousins.Your Great Great Grandfather is my Great Great Uncle! His sister Mary married into the Kirwan family. Her daughter Norah (my Grandmother) emigrated to America a century ago to settle in Boston, married a Laurence O’Sullivan and started a family here. I’m so impressed w/ the tributes paid to Francis Fahy, renowned not just for his songwriting and poetry but for his great love of and devotion to Ireland and its citizenry. Blessings on you and yours! Your New England cousin, Va. Parker