The Banks of the Lee
Love's Tender Memory on the Banks of the Lee
Lyrics
When two lovers meet down beside the green bower
Expresses the setting where two lovers are meeting near a green bower.
When two lovers meet down beneath the green tree
Reiterates the lovers' meeting, emphasizing the natural and romantic environment under a green tree.
When Mary, fond Mary, declared to her lover
Mary declares her love to her partner, expressing deep affection.
"You have stolen my poor heart from the Banks of the Lee"
Mary feels that her lover has captured her heart, metaphorically stealing it from the Banks of the Lee (a river).
Chorus:
Chorus: Highlights the singer's profound love for Mary and the impact she has on his world.
I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
Expresses the singer's deep and sincere love for Mary.
There was no one in this wide world I loved better than she
Confirms that Mary is the most loved person in the singer's entire world.
Every bush, every bower, every sweet Irish flower
Every natural element reminds the singer of Mary, emphasizing her significance.
Reminds me of my Mary, on the banks of the Lee.
Reiterates that everything in nature reminds the singer of Mary, particularly on the banks of the Lee.
"Don't stay out late, love, on the moorlands, my Mary
Mary is advised not to stay out late on the moorlands, indicating concern for her safety.
Don't stay out late, love, on the moorlands from me"
Repeats the plea for Mary not to stay out late on the moorlands.
How little was our notion when we parted on the ocean
Reflects on the underestimated consequences of their parting, particularly when they separated on the ocean.
That we were forever parted from the Banks of the Lee
Expresses the realization that they are now permanently separated from the Banks of the Lee.
Chorus
Chorus: Reiterates the singer's enduring love for Mary.
I will pluck her some roses, some blooming Irish roses
The singer plans to pick roses for Mary, symbolizing love and beauty.
I will pluck her some roses, the fairest that ever grew
Reiterates the intention to choose the most beautiful roses for Mary.
And I'll leave them on the grave of my own true lovely Mary
The roses will be left on Mary's grave in a cold and silent churchyard.
In that cold and silent churchyard where she sleeps 'neath the dew
Describes the resting place of Mary, emphasizing the solemnity of the churchyard and the dew-covered surroundings.
Chorus
Chorus: Reiterates the singer's enduring love and the tribute he plans for Mary.
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