An Droighneán Donn The Blackthorn Tree traditional, arr. Susan McKeown Of late I’ve been captivated by a handsome young man I am daily complaining for my own darling John Confuse them consume them who will say I’m not true Through green groves and lofty mountains I will roam love with you O down by the river the wild birds sing O’er mountains and valleys the dewy leaves spring The wild flowers are shining gazed on by the sun And fairest of all shines the droighneán donn If I had a small boat on the ocean to float I would follow my darling wherever he would go I would rather my darling to roll, sport and play Than all the golden treasures by land or by sea I am constantly waiting for my true love’s return And for his long absence I will never cease to mourn I will join with the sweet birds till the summer comes on And I’ll be shaded by the green leaves of the droighneán donn