Handsome Molly
NewFound Road Lyrics

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Well, I wish I was in London,
Or some other seaport town
I'd put my foot on a steamboat
I'd sail the ocean 'round.

While sailing 'round the ocean,
While sailing 'round the sea
I'd think of handsome Molly

Wherever she might be.

Don't you remember, Molly
You gave me your right hand?
You said whenever you'd marry
I would be the man.

But you broke your promise
Go with whom you please
My poor heart is aching
You are at your ease.

I went to church last Sunday
Molly came ridin' by
I could tell her mind was changin'
By the rovin' of her eye.

I go down to the river
Though everyone's asleep
I think of handsome Molly
An' I begin to weep.

So I wish I was in London,
Or some other seaport town

I'd put my foot on a steamboat
I'd sail the ocean 'round.

Overall Meaning

The song "Handsome Molly" by Newfound Road is a traditional Irish song that tells a story of a man who misses his love, Molly. He wishes to be in London or any other seaport town where he can sail around the ocean, but no matter where he is, he can't get Molly out of his mind. He remembers the day when she promised to marry him, but she broke her promise, and now his heart is aching. The man goes to the river where he weeps for his lost love. He has seen her recently, and he knows her mind is now changing, but he still can't forget her. The tune is lovely and haunting, with an unusually upbeat tone for such a sad song. The lyrics tell a story that can resonate with anyone who has lost a lover, and the singing style only adds to the sadness in the song.

The song is a traditional folk song that originated in Ireland, and it has been performed by numerous artists over the years. One interesting fact about the song is that the gender of the singer, as well as the gender of the object of affection, has been known to shift. Thus, the song has also been sang from a woman's perspective, with the object of affection being a man, and so on.

Another interesting fact is the song's origin's tracing back to the travelling people, who were traditionally regarded with suspicion and have been a minority group in Ireland for centuries. Therefore, the song may have been used for entertainment and story-telling repeatedly to this group.

It is also possible that the song dates back to the 18th century, as it has appeared in various songbooks from that period, and the earliest recorded version goes back to around 1850.

Despite many variations in lyrics and melody, "Handsome Molly" has retained popularity among folk musicians both from Ireland and other countries, sometimes appearing in a bluegrass style as in the Newfound Road version.

The chords for "Handsome Molly" are typically played in the Key of A, but the song is also recorded in other keys. The chords are as follows: A, A7, D, and E.

In summary, "Handsome Molly" by Newfound Road is a heart-rending but lovely song with a lot of historical and cultural significance. The song lyrics and melody have undergone many changes, but it still remains a popular folk song today.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I wish I was in London,
I yearn to be in London or any other seaport town

Or some other seaport town
Or any town close to the sea

I'd put my foot on a steamboat
I would board a steamboat

I'd sail the ocean 'round.
I would travel around the ocean

While sailing 'round the ocean,
During the voyage across the ocean,

While sailing 'round the sea
As I move around the sea

I'd think of handsome Molly
I would reminisce about my lover, Molly

Wherever she might be.
Regardless of wherever she may be

Don't you remember, Molly
Molly, do you recall?

You gave me your right hand?
You pledged to be with me, remember?

You said whenever you'd marry
You promised that I would be the one