HANDSOME MOLLY

Like many traditional songs, the origins of “Handsome Molly” are undocumented and

difficult to trace. Musicologists have traced similarities with traditional Irish ballads from

“Farewell Ballymoney” family of songs including “Irish Girl”, “Lovely Molly”, “Loving

Hannah”, “Dark-Eyed Molly”, and “Going to Mass Last Sunday.” Other’s argue that its

orgins are from the Scottish Traditions. Clearly is it in the Celtic tradition. The song is a

popular ballad with many known artists having recorded it including: Bob Dylan, Jerry

Garcia, Tim O’Brien, Doc Watson, Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs and quite

interestingly, Mick Jagger.

Well I wish was in London

Or some other seaport town

I’d set my foot in a steamboat

And sail the ocean round

Refrain:

I’d sail around the ocean

I’d sail around the sea

I’d think of Handsome Molly

Wherever she may be

Her hair was black as a Raven’s

Her eyes bright as coal

Her teeth shown like lilies

Out in the morning cold

Now don’t you remember Molly

When you gave me your right hand

You said if you ever married

That I would be your man

I rode to church last Sunday

As she passed me on by

I knew her mind was changin’

By the rovin’ of her eye

Now you’ve broke your promise

Go home with whom you please

While my poor heart is aching

You’re lyin’ at your ease

Banjo Mountain