An Draighneán Donn (The Blackthorn Tree) Songtext
von Susan McKeown

The Brown Thorned Bush

I am lately captivated by a handsome young man
And I′m sadly complaining of my own darling John,
I am roaming all day until night-time comes on
To be sheltered by the green leaves of my Droignean(?) Donn.

Next day I'll get a Fairing from that handsome young man
Twenty sweet kisses from my own darling John,
Consume them(?) confuse them that say I′m not true
Through the green groves and valleys I'll wander for you.


My love is fairer than a fine summer's day
His breath is far sweeter than the fresh mown hay,
His hair shines like bright gold, it revives(?) by the sun,
His skin like the blossoms of the Droignean(?) Donn.

Oh, I wish I had a small boat, on the ocean I′d row
I′d follow my darling wherever he'd go.
I′d rather have that young man to love sport and play
Than all the gold and treasures between land and sea.

So, come all you pretty fair maids, get married in time
To some handsome young man who will keep up your prime,
Beware of the winter evening, cold breezes come on
Consuming the early blossom of the Droignean Donn.