Eileen Aroon

 

When, like the early rose, Eileen, A-roon.

Beauty in childhood blows, Eileen A-roon.

When like a diadem Buds blush around the stem,

Which is the fairest gem, Eileen A-roon.

Irish Cottage Painting

(2020)

Bonnie B. Cook
Image courtesy/Fine Art America

Is it the laughing eye, Eileen A-roon,

Is it the timid sigh, Eileen A-roon

Is it the tender tone, soft as a sting'd harp moan,

Oh, it is truth alone, Eileen A-roon.

When like the rising day, Eileen A-roon

Love sends his early ray, Eileen A-roon

What makes his dawning glow, changeless 

through joy or woe,

Only the constant know, Eileen A-roon.

I knew a valley fair, Eileen A-roon,

I knew a cottage there, Eileen A-roon,

Far in that valley's shade, I knew

a gentle maid,

Flower of hazel glade, Eileen A-roon.

Eileen Aroon

(1966)

The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem

"Eileen Aroon"
The 14th century harper Cearbhaill O' Dalaigh composed this
 air and wrote the original lyrics of this touching love song.
The English version is by Gerald Griffin (1803-1840), 
 better known as the author of "The Colleen Bawn".