Nic Jones was an influencial singer/guitarist in the English Folk Revival. He specialized in re-working and arranging traditional ballads, of which “Courting Is a Pleasure” is one. Other versions from both the United States & UK are called “Meeting Is A Pleasure,” “Handsome Molley,” and “A True...
[Verse 1]
Courting is a pleasure
Between my love and I
And it's down in yon green valley
I'll meet her by and by
It was down in yon green valley
She is my heart's delight
"Molly, lovely Molly
I will stay till broad daylight"
[Verse 2]
Going to church last Sunday
My true love she passed me by
I knew her mind was altered
By the roving of her eye
Well, I knew her mind was altered
To a lad of high degree
"Molly, lovely Molly
Your looks have wounded me"
[Verse 3]
Up came her love Willy
With a bottle in his hand
Saying, "Drink this, lovely Molly
For our love will never stand"
Saying, "Drink this, lovely Molly
Let the bottle flask go free
Ten guineas I'll wager
That married we ne'er shall be"
[Verse 4]
Never marry a fair young maid
With a dark and a roving eye
Just you kiss her and you embrace her
Never tell her the reason why
Just you kiss her and you embrace her
Till you cause her heart to yield
For a faint-hearted soldier
Will never gain the field
[Verse 5]
Farewell, Ballymoney
Likewise the sweet Bann shore
Farewell unto McCusky braes
Will I never see more
America lies far away
That land I will go see
And may all bad luck attend the one
Who parted my love and me
Courting Is a Pleasure was written by Traditional.
Courting Is a Pleasure was produced by Tony Engle.