The Gentle Maiden Lyrics
John PorterMusic Video
The Gentle Maiden
There's one that is pure as an angel,
And fair as the flowers of May,
They call her the gentle maiden
Wherever she takes her way.
Her eyes have a glance of sunlight,
As it brightens the blue sea wave
And more than a deep sea treasure
The love of her heart
Though parted afar from my darling
I dream of her everywhere,
The sound of her voice is about me.
The spell of her presence there.
And whether my prayers are granted,
Or whether she pass me by
The face of the gentle maiden
Will follow me till I die
Song Details
🎶 The Melody:
The tune is a traditional Irish air. It was first documented in 1839 by the famous collector Edward Bunting, who noted that he heard it from a "Miss Murphy of Dublin." At that time, it was sometimes known as "The Child of Dreamland."
✍️ The Lyrics:
The English lyrics most commonly heard today were written by Sir Harold Boulton (1859–1935), who is also famous for writing the lyrics to the "Skye Boat Song."
☘ Irish Translation:
There is also a well‑known Irish‑language version, An Mhaighdean Mhín, translated by Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland and a leading figure in the Gaelic Revival.
Tá ceann amháin atá glan mar aingeal,
Is álainn mar bhláthanna na Bealtaine.
An Mhaighdean Mhín a thugann siad uirthi,
Cibé áit a dtéann sí ina bealach.
Tá radharc na gréine ina súile,
Agus í ag soilsiú ar gorm-thonn na farraige.
Is níos mó ná taisce na mara doimhne,
Grá a croí atá mé ag lorg.
Cé go bhfuil mé i bhfad ó mo mhuirnín,
Bím ag brionglóid uirthi i ngach áit.
Tá fuaim a guth thart orm,
Draíocht a láithreachta ansin.
Agus cibé an deonaítear mo phaidreacha,
Nó an rachaidh sí tharam.
Beidh aghaidh na Maighdine Míne sin,
Á mo leanúint go dtí go bhfaighidh mé bás.
🍀 Genre: Irish Folk Song
📖 Glossary:- Mhaighdean — “Maiden” or “virgin.”
This is the lenited form of maighdean, used after certain grammatical triggers. It still means a young woman, often with a sense of purity or gentleness. - Mhín — “Gentle,” “smooth,” or “fine.”
This is the lenited form of mín, often used poetically to describe a person’s nature, voice, or appearance. - Bláthanna — Flowers.”
The plural of bláth (flower). Common in Irish song imagery. - Muirnín — “Darling,” “dear one,” or “beloved.”
A warm, affectionate term used in both everyday speech and traditional songs.
📝 Song Brief:
The song is a gentle, romantic ballad. It describes a woman of exceptional grace and beauty—"pure as an angel and fair as the flowers in May."
The narrator expresses a deep, almost spiritual longing for her, stating that her face will follow him "until I die," whether his prayers for her love are granted or not.
Typical of Irish folk music, it uses nature to describe her beauty, comparing her eyes to "sunlight as it brightens the blue sea wave."
👥 Notable Versions:
Vocal:
The great Irish tenor John McCormack made a famous recording in 1940 that helped popularize the song globally.
Instrumental:
A staple for instrumentalists, notable versions include those by flutist Sir James Galway, the Adagio Trio, and various Celtic fiddle players and harpists.
🎤 Featured Artist: John Porter
John Porter was born in Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland. Before pursuing his career as a tenor, he was a talented footballer for local clubs like Lifford Celtic and Naomh Padraig GAA, and worked in his family's dog kennel business. His journey from Lifford to becoming a recognized voice in Northern Ireland’s classical and traditional music circles is a central part of his professional story.
🎬 Recorded For: Northern Songs (Northern Ireland Opera)
Accompaniment: Pianist Ruth McGinley
Location: Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh
Release context: Part of NI Opera’s weekly Northern Songs film series (2021)
