Maggie Murphy’s Melodion


Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh

“Johnny, will we sing this little song”
“Aye, sure its only a bit of gallery lad”

Chorus

Maggie Murphy had a melodion that she bought in Bagenalstown.
A lovely little melodion that she got for a half a crown. 
It was an international, it had a lovely sound.
And every time she’d squeeze it, the boys would gather ‘round.

When maggie went a courtin’ she brought the melodion too.
She never had just one boy, she always had a few.
One night she started courtin’ she didn’t do no wrong.
But when she finished courtin’ her melodion it was gone.

Chorus

Maggie Murphy had a melodion that she bought in Bagenalstown.
A lovely little melodion, that she got for a half a crown.
It was an international, it had a lovely sound.
And every time she’d squeeze it, the boys would gather ‘round.

Well she went ta Father Murphy, he said Maggie what is wrong?
Oh father I’ve been courtin’ this fella for so long.
He said I was so beautiful, he loved no one but me.
But he was only after me melodion now ye see.

Chorus

Maggie Murphy had a melodion, that she bought in Bagenalstown.
A lovely little melodion, that she got for a half a crown.
It was a international, it had a lovely sound.
And every time she’d squeeze it, the boys would gather ‘round.

She went ta the Garda station, for ta report a crime. 
The Sergeant said, Maggie your surely just in time.
We’ve apprehended your aul boyfriend n’ your aul melodion too.
So give us a squeeze if ye please, give us a bitta of your…..

Diddely-idle-diddly-idle-diddley-idle-doe
A roddle-doddle-diddly-idle-dory-idle-da
A roddley-doddley-diddley-idley-dory-idle-day
A roddle-doddle-diddley-idley-dory-idle-da

(OH) diddley-idle-diddley-idle-diddley-idle-doe
A roddle-doddle-diddley-idle-dory-idle-da
A roddely-doddley-didely-idley-dory-idle-day
A roddle-doddle-diddely-idely-dory-idle-da

(OH) diddley-idle-diddley-idle-diddley-idle-doe
A roddle-doddle-diddley-idle-dory-idle-da
A roddely-doddley-didley-idley-dory-idle-day
A roddle-doddle-diddley-idle-dory-idle-da