From the recording Between The Worlds
Lughnasadh was the harvest feast, celebrating the wedding of the sun god Lugh to Mother Earth. It was a time of gathering, games and joining together to reinforce the identity and strength of the people. It also marked the beginning of the sun's journey into the night of winter. Still in the "light half" of the year, it was considered the best time for a wedding.
This is a courting song of daring, in which a man and woman challenge each other to do the impossible - ultimately an invitation to explore all the other possibilities.
Lyrics
HE:
You may go down to Rosemary Faire
Every rose grows merry and fine
Pick me out then the finest girl there
And I shall make her a true lover of mine.
SHE:
Tell him to find me an acre of land
Every rose grows merry and fine
Between the salt water and the sea strand
Or he'll never be a true lover of mine.
HE:
Tell her to send me a carembrick shirt
Every rose grows merry and fine
Made without needle or needlework
Or she cannot be a true lover of mine.
SHE:
Tell him to bring it to Rosemary Faire
Every rose grows merry and fine
When he arrives there'll be nobody there
And he'll never be a true lover of mine.