The Maid Of Cabra West

Traditional


It’s all the for the love of a fair young maid that in Cabra West did reside.
Myself, I lived up in Donnybrook, it’s a one and a fipenny ride.
But there was a fly in the ointment now, That you very seldom see.
For although I loved her very well, She was in love with a Portugee

Now he was a nasty piece of work, Gonzales was his name.
For he couldn’t wait to get his hands on Concepta who was me dame.
So I made a vow by the grand canal that I would do him in,
For I didn’t like them Portugees, and in particular I didn’t like him.

So I followed them up to Grafton street, one evening just for fun.
Around by the Mercer Hospital, it’s next door to the Bartley Dunne
Sure I spied them sitting in the corner seat, they were kissing and holding hands.
And there he was seducing her, with pints of Babycham.

I followed him up to his lodgings in Rathgar or thereabouts.
And as he was going up an alleyway, I battered him inside out.
He gave out many’s the curse and swear, till he was dead I’m sure.
Then I lifted up the manhole lid, and I dropped him down the sewer.

Now when the mot she heard of this, sure she made my life a hell.
And just for the sake of peace and quiet, I did her in as well.
And now I’m up before the judge to answer for my crime.
He said, I wouldn’t mind the first one sir, but not the second time.

So, its all for the love of a fair young maid, and her Portugee sailor boy,
For the passionate love of that fair young maid, I landed in Mountjoy.
And if I ever get out again, I’ll change my ways you’ll see.
I’ll marry with a mot from Walkinstown who wouldn’t look at a Portugee.