Kity of Coleraine

 "Kitty of Coleraine" is a famous Irish folk song that tells the story of Kitty, a beautiful girl who stumbles upon a broken milk pitcher from the fair of Coleraine. The song is believed to have been written as a poem by Edward Lysaght, a barrister by profession, a songwriter, and noted wit. The song appears to have first been published c.1810 by Major's Wholesale Music Warehouse of London. The song is a fantastic and humorous addition to any men's choir performance and has been performed by various artists, including Shannon Singers and Bing Crosby. 

The song appears to have first been published c1810 by Major's Wholesale Music Warehouse of London. The words (attributed to Lysaght) were published in the May 1887 issue of Harper's New Monthly Magazine with illustrations. It has appeared in print many times since, including an arrangement for chorus by Harry Edward Piggott, published by J. Curwen of London and G. Schirmer of New York in 1962. It has obviously also been recorded many times, and (indirectly) inspired the song "Red Sails In The Sunset."  

To download the easy alphanotes sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Lyrics:

 As beautiful Kitty one morning was tripping,
 With a pitcher of milk from the fair of Coleraine,
 When she saw him she stumbled, the pitcher it tumbled,
 And all the sweet buttermilk watered the plain.
 Oh! What shall I do now, 'twas looking at you now,
 Sure, sure, such a pitcher I'll ne'er meet again.
 'Twas the pride of my dairy, Oh, Barney McCleary,
 You're sent as a plague on the girls of Coleraine.

 He sat down beside her and gently did chide her,
 That such a misfortune should give her such pain.
 A kiss then he gave her, and before he did leave her,
 She vowed for such pleasure, she'd break it again.
 'Twas haymaking season, I can't tell the reason,
 Misfortune will never come single 'tis plain,
 For very soon after poor Kitty's disaster,
 The divil a pitcher was whole in Coleraine.