[From Manx Soc vol XXI]

THAPSAGYN JIARGEY.

Tuis old song was formerly a great favourite, evidently alluding to some peculiar style of head-dress . The air to which it was sung was also adapted to a Manx dance then in vogue. A translation is given. Ree or Lord was a common name on the hills at Lezayre some sixty or seventy years ago.

THAPSAGYN JIARGEY

RED TOP-KNOTS.

I.

YIOW thapsagyn jiargey, as rybbanyn green,
As Betsy veg villish, my vees oo ihiam pene.

Chorus—

Robin y ree, Robin ye ree ridlan,
Aboo, Aban,
Fal dy ridlan,
Aboo, Aban,
Robin y ree.

II.

Yiow thapsagyn jiargey, as rybbanyn ghoo,
Neem Queen y Thouree jeed, foddee oo loo.
Robin y ree, etc.

III.

Oh ! Vetsy veg villish, nee oo brishey my chree,
T’ad gra dy vel oo sooree er Robin y ree.
Robin y ree, etc.

I.

THOU’LL get red top-knots and green ribbons,
My sweet little Betsy, if thou’ll be my own.

Chorus.—

Robin the king, Robin the king riddle, Aboo, Aban,
Fal dy riddle,
Aboo, Aban,
Robin the king.

II.

Thou’ll get red top-knots and black ribbons,
I’ll make thee Queen of May, I swear to thee.
Robin the king, etc.

III.

Oh ! my sweet little Betsy, thou’ll break my heart,
They say thou art courting Robin the king.
Robin the king, etc.

 

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Manx Ballads

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor
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