Fionnuala Maxwell and guitarist John McCartin performed at The Dock in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, as part of a live webcast streamed on IrelandWestTrad.com. And thanks to LiveTrad.com for including the lyrics on the video! Great song. Handsome Polly-O is from a recording made by Seamus Ennis of Thomas Moran of Mohill, Co. Antrim.
Handsome Polly-O
Oh a regiment of soldiers came to Mohill-o
A regiment of soldiers came to Mohill-o
And the captain on parade
He fell in love with a ladies’ maid
And the name that she was called was handsome Polly-o
Will you ‘list in the army, handsome Polly-o? (x2)
Ah you’ll get a horse to ride
And your rifle by your side
And a whole band of music going afore ye-o.
Didn’t I give you your answer long, long ago? (x2)
That I ne’er intend to roam
Into any foreign shore
Nor to marry a poor soldier in the army-o.
Song of the Isles 