The Lisburn Lass, or The Maid of Lisburn Town – Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

A late 19th-century copy of the ballad, printed in Belfast. Held at UCD archives.

This is a traditional folk song, likely from the mid-19th century and telling the story of man who is forced to enlist in the army and travels to India to win the heart of a ‘Lisburn Lass’. Lisburn is famously connected to India through Brigadier Nicholson, whose staute stands in Market Square.

We are indebted to Digger for his research on the track.

The Maid of Lisburn Town

You girls and boys where’re you be
Come pay attention unto me,
Unto those lines that I have penned down,
It’s all in the praise of Lisburn town.Its happened to be in the harvest year
As I roved out, the day being clear,
And coming home those words I said,
I doubt I will die for the Lisburn maid.She is handsome, tall, and quite complete,
Like waxwork made, from head to feet;
My heart does rend when I do her pass,
For I’m deep in love with the Lisburn lass.When first I saw this pretty maid
I vow she had my heart betrayed,
Until her parents did on me frown,
I was forced to ‘list in Lisburn town.Then to India I had to go
For to face the daring foe,
And did not know when a shot would knock me down,
For the love of the maid in Lisburn town.

Oh, Willie, dear this maid did say,
What did tempt you to go away?
You know I left my parents of high renown,
And I went with you from Lisburn town.

But if e’er I do come back, he said,
Whether day or night, my pretty maid,
I’ll get a pass of high renown,
And I’ll steal my love from Lisburn town.

Farewell father, and mother too,
I must bid you all adieu,
For by my foes I am put down
So farewell, my love, in Lisburn town.

Hear it below, performed by Armagh-born performer Ríoghnach Connolly