THE BLOOMING BRIGHT STAR OF BELLE ISLE
More about Sally Goddard
Sally was born in London, England and grew up there during the 60s folk revival. She got her first guitar at age 14, and performed in London folk clubs before heading to Bangor, North Wales to study marine biology.
While at university, her love of, and exposure to, traditional music grew – so many great singers visited the University Folk Club (e.g. Peter Bellamy, Steeleye Span), and a steady stream of amazing singers and musicians passed through Bangor from Ireland on their way to England.
In 1987, Sally moved to Newfoundland with her family, and quickly found Bridgett's Folk Club and a new world of tunes and songs to learn, and wonderful musicians to play with.
In addition to performing solo - she sings a cappella, or accompanies herself on the guitar - Sally has played in a variety of bands. Finding new songs, learning and performing those songs, alone, with friends at home, in folk clubs, at house concerts, and folk festivals has been an abiding passion and a source of great joy.
Since 1987, her day jobs have all focused on marine biology, and for the last 16 years she has been a lecturer in biology at MUN. Sally retired in May 2022, which means much more time for MUSIC!!
While at university, her love of, and exposure to, traditional music grew – so many great singers visited the University Folk Club (e.g. Peter Bellamy, Steeleye Span), and a steady stream of amazing singers and musicians passed through Bangor from Ireland on their way to England.
In 1987, Sally moved to Newfoundland with her family, and quickly found Bridgett's Folk Club and a new world of tunes and songs to learn, and wonderful musicians to play with.
In addition to performing solo - she sings a cappella, or accompanies herself on the guitar - Sally has played in a variety of bands. Finding new songs, learning and performing those songs, alone, with friends at home, in folk clubs, at house concerts, and folk festivals has been an abiding passion and a source of great joy.
Since 1987, her day jobs have all focused on marine biology, and for the last 16 years she has been a lecturer in biology at MUN. Sally retired in May 2022, which means much more time for MUSIC!!
“Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle”
Atlantic Union
From the album The Whole Dance, 2005
Open in YouTube Music
Atlantic Union
From the album The Whole Dance, 2005
Open in YouTube Music
Purchase the album from the band's website
Person list
Words and tune:
- Traditional (Irish)
Locations associated with this song:
Lyrics:
The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle
One evening for pleasure I rambled, to view the fair fields all alone;
And down by the banks of Loch Erin, where beauty and pleasure were known.
I spied a fair maid at her labour, which caused me to stay for awhile;
I thought her the goddess of beauty, the blooming bright star of Belle Isle.
I humbled myself to her beauty, saying, "Fair maiden, where do you belong?
Are you from the heavens descended, abiding in Cupid's fair throng?"
“Young man I will tell you a secret. I own I'm a maid that is poor;
But to part from my vow and my promise, well it’s more than my heart could endure.
Therefore I'll remain at my service, and I’ll go through all hardship and toil;
And I’ll wait for the lad who has left me, alone on the banks of Belle Isle."
“Young maiden, I wish not to banter, for ‘tis true I came here in disguise;
I came to fulfill my last promise, And I hoped to give you a surprise.
For I own, you're the maid I love dearly, and you've been in my heart all the while;
For me there is no other damsel, than my blooming bright star of Belle Isle.
Yes I own, you're the maid I love dearly, and you've been in my heart all the while;
For me there is no other damsel, than my blooming bright star of Belle Isle.
One evening for pleasure I rambled, to view the fair fields all alone;
And down by the banks of Loch Erin, where beauty and pleasure were known.
I spied a fair maid at her labour, which caused me to stay for awhile;
I thought her the goddess of beauty, the blooming bright star of Belle Isle.
I humbled myself to her beauty, saying, "Fair maiden, where do you belong?
Are you from the heavens descended, abiding in Cupid's fair throng?"
“Young man I will tell you a secret. I own I'm a maid that is poor;
But to part from my vow and my promise, well it’s more than my heart could endure.
Therefore I'll remain at my service, and I’ll go through all hardship and toil;
And I’ll wait for the lad who has left me, alone on the banks of Belle Isle."
“Young maiden, I wish not to banter, for ‘tis true I came here in disguise;
I came to fulfill my last promise, And I hoped to give you a surprise.
For I own, you're the maid I love dearly, and you've been in my heart all the while;
For me there is no other damsel, than my blooming bright star of Belle Isle.
Yes I own, you're the maid I love dearly, and you've been in my heart all the while;
For me there is no other damsel, than my blooming bright star of Belle Isle.