From Songs of Miramichi by Louise Manny and James Reginald Wilson, Brunswick Press, Fredericton, New Brunswick, 1968

Pretty Susan

When first from sea I landed I had a roving mind,

I rambled undaunted my true love to find.

Then I met pretty Susan with her cheeks like the rose,

And her skin was like the lilies fair or the flower that grows,

And her skin was like the lilies fair or the flower that grows.

Oh, a long time I courted her till I wasted my store,

Her love turned to hatred because I was poor,

She said, I have another one whose fortune I’ll share,

So begone from pretty Susan, the Pride of Kildare.

Broken-hearted next morning as I strolled by the way,

I met pretty Susan with her young man so gay,

And as I passed by her with my heart full of care,

I sighed for pretty Susan, the Pride of Kildare,

I sighed for pretty Susan, the Pride of Kildare.

Once more to the ocean I’m resolved for to go,

I’m bound for the east’rd with my heart full of woe.

It’s there I’ll see pretty girls with jewels so rare,

But there’s none like pretty Susan, the Pride of Kildare.

And now ’tis farewell to my dear native shore,

To the green hills of Erin I’ll ramble no more,

And while I’m at a distance and burdened with care,

I’ll dream of pretty Susan, the Pride of Kildare.