Ballynamony
Music File
Lesley Nelson

Information
Lyrics
This tune was sung in The Brave Irishman, or Captain O'Blunder, a comedy Thomas Sheridan (1719-1788) wrote while he was an undergraduate at Trinity College.

In 1743 Sheridan appeared as Richard III at the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. In 1744 he made his appearance in London and played several leading roles at Covent Garden. He became manager of the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin in 1747 and married a novelist, Frances Chamberlaine.

It was through Sheridan's efforts that Samuel Johnson was given a pension. Sheridan himself was given a pension by Lord Bute for his work in creating a dictionary (which was published in 1780.) In 1764 Sheridan moved to France, to return after his wife's death in 1766.

Wherever I'm going, and all the day long,
At home and abroad, or alone in a Throng,
I find that my Passion's so lively and strong,
That your Name when I'm silent still runs in my Song.

Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, Ballynamony ho, ro,
Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, O Ballynamone ho, ro,

Since the first Time I saw you, I take no repose,
I sleep all the Day to forget half my Woes:
So strong is the Flame in my Bosom that glows,
By St. Patrick, I fear it will burn thro' my Cloaths.

Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, Ballynamony ho, ro,
Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, O Ballynamone ho, ro,

By my Soul, I'm afraid I shall die in my Grave
Unless you comply, and poor Phelim will save;
Then grant the Petition your Lover doth crave,
Who never was free till you made him your slave.

Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, Ballynamony ho, ro,
Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, O Ballynamone ho, ro,

On that happy Day when I make you my Bride,
With a swinging long Sword, how I'll strut and I'll stride!
In a Coach and six Horses with my Honey I'll ride,
As before you I walk to the Church by your side.

Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, Ballynamony ho, ro,
Sing Ballynamony ho, ro, O Ballynamone ho, ro,

From Songs from The Williamsburg Theatre
See Bibliography for full information.
Information from
"Sheridan, Thomas" Encyclopædia Britannica from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service.

[Accessed January 27, 2004].