I have heard this song with different melodies and some very creative arrangements. Cathy Ryan does her version with English bits. Altan does a version with a completely different melody. I've always loved this song. Years ago, I was thrilled to find it written out for a beginner Irish language learner. I have since performed this song with bodhran player, Jeff Moore and completely a cappella many many times. I added my octave mandolin, some creative chords and rhythms and twisted the melody to suit me. I hope you like it!
Beidh aonach amárach i gContae an Chláir, Cén mhaith dom é, ní bheidh mé ann!
Curfá: A mháthairín, a’ ligfidh tú chun aonaigh mé? A mhuirnín ó, ná héiligh é!
Níl tú a deich ná a haon déag fós. Nuair a bheas tú trí déag beidh tú mór.
Táimse i ngrá le gréasaí bróg, Mur’ bhfaigh’ me é ní bheidh mé beo!
B’fhearr liom féin mo ghréasaí bróg, Ná oif’geach airm le lásaí óir!
There is a fair tomorrow in County Clair. What good is it, I won't be there!
Chorus: Mother, will you let me go alone? Darling, don't complain about it.
You're not ten or eleven yet. When you're thirteen, you will be big enough.
I’m in love with a shoemaker. If I can’t have him, I won’t live.
I prefer my shoemaker To an army captain with gold laces.