The Pampa's Fairest Child (live)

“The Pampa’s Fairest Child,” is a beautiful 19th century Irish-Argentinian ballad I’ve been singing for many years. The lyrics were discovered by Edmundo Murray of "The Society for Irish Latin American Studies" in an old Argentinian newspaper from the 1870's. I used the air "The Mountains of Pomeroy" to sing the song, which is being sung here on a rooftop in Oaxaca, Mexico. I haven't made it as far south as the Pampa's yet! Heres the album version on bandcamp... troubleorfortu...
The Pampa's Fairest Child
By J. J. M.*
It's not from home this fair one's come
Tho' handsome is her mien
She's a fair lass none can surpass
Born on the Pampa's Plains.
My wishes keen have always been
And they still hold out unfailed
to love this dame unknown to fame
The Pampa's Fairest Child.
When I saw her today with her smile so gay
Cupid did me enchain
Perchance ere long if fortunes strong
Her affections I might gain
Her looks do show she's handsome O!
She leaves one all beguiled
Her winning glance I met by chance
The Pampa's Fairest Child.
'Tis natural for me to be living free
Among the gaucho tribe
To be carried away by a maid so gay
Whose beauty I can't describe.
Some people say I'm led astray
And harbour thoughts too wild
In loving one and others none
The Pampa's Fairest Child.
'El Monitor de la Campaña' N° 40
(Capilla del Señor, 25 March 1872)
#Irishfolk #tradmusic #troubleorfortune #indiefolk #19thcentury #ballad #pampasmusic