Henry's Songbook

Of all the stars that ever shone
Not one does twinkle like your pale blue eyes
An like golden corn at harvest time your hair
Sailing in my boat the wind
Gently blows and fills my sail
Your sweet scented breath is everywhere

And daylight peeping through the curtains
Of the passing night time is your smile
And the sun in the sky is like your laugh
Come back to me, my Nancy
Linger for just a little while
Since you left these shores I've known no peace nor joy

No matter where I wander I'm still haunted by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Standing by the ocean wondering where you've gone
If you'll return again
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain

On the day in spring
When the snow starts to melt And streams to flow
With the birds I'll sing a song
In a while I wander down by bluebell grove
Where wild flowers grow
And I'll hope that lovely Nancy will return

No matter where I wander I'm still haunted by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Standing by the ocean wondering where you've gone
If you'll return again
Where is the ring that I gave to Nancy Spain

(as sung by Christy Moore)

[1984:] I first heard this song in 1968 in Jersey [...] sung by the author Barney Rush, originally from Sallynoggin but now living in Germany. Barney recorded it for me and I had the tape in the drawer for about ten years before I started to sing it. I suppose it has become the best known song in my repertoire. (Christy Moore Song Book 50)