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If I had the wings of a swallow,
I would travel far over the sea;
And a rocky old road I would follow,
To a spot that is heaven to me.
When the sun goes to rest way down in the west,
Then I'll build such a nest in the place I love best.
In the dear little town in the old County Down,
It will linger way down in my heart;
Though it never was grand it was my fairyland,
Just a wonderful world set apart.
Oh, my island of dreams you are with me it seems,
And I care not for fame or renown;
Like the black sheep of old I'll come back to the fold,
Little town in the old County Down.
In the evening when shadows are falling,
'Round the old door without any key;
There's a voice in my dreams ever calling,
Ever watching and praying for me.
There is someone I bless with true tenderness,
And her lips I'll caress when I bring happiness.
To that dear little town in the old County Down,
It will linger way down in my heart;
Though it never was grand it was my fairyland,
Just a wonderful world set apart.
Oh, my island of dreams you are with me it seems,
And I care not for fame or renown;
Like the black sheep of old I'll come back to the fold,
Little town in the old County Down.
A popular hit of the early 20th century recorded by internationally famous Irish singer, John Count McCormack (1884-1945). Also sung by Maudie Sullivan (1908-1981) of Calvert, NL, and published in MacEdward Leach And The Songs Of Atlantic Canada © 2004 Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive (MUNFLA).
