The Spanish Lady

The Spanish Lady has attained mythical status with generations of Dubliners. The ramblings of a young man through the city, naming the various places he visits are evocative of my youth

Sung by Jerry O’Reilly

1
As I was awalkin’ through Dublin City,
about the hour of twelve at night.
It was there I saw a fair pretty female,
washing her feet by candlelight.
Well, first she washed them and then she dried them,
around her shoulders she pegged a towel.
And in all me life I never did meet,
with a maid so neat about the soul.

Chorus:

2
I stopped to look but the watchman passed,
says he “young fella, now the night is late.
And along with ye home or I will wrestle you
straightway through the Bridewell Gate”
I got a look from the Spanish Lady,
hot as a fire of ambery coals
And in all me life I never did meet,
with a maid so neat about the soul.
3
As I walked back through Dublin City,
as the dawn of day was o’er.
Oh, who should I spy but the Spanish Lady,
when I was weary and footsore.
She had a heart so filled with lovin’
and her love she longed to share.
In all me life I never did meet,
with a maid that had so much to spare.
4
I have wandered north and I’ve wandered south,
through Stoneybatter and Patrick’s Close.
And up and around by the Gloucester Diamond,
back by Napper Tandy’s house,
But old age has laid her hand upon me,
cold as a fire of ashy coals.
And gone is the lovely Spanish Lady,
neat and sweet about the sole.
5
Round and around goes the wheel of fortune,
where it rests now wearies me.
Oh fair young maids are so deceivin’
sad experience teaches me.