She Moved Through the Fair

She Moved Through The Fair is a traditional Irish folk song. Its original author is unknown. The song, a folk staple, has been performed by many artistes, and its haunting tune and lyrics will be familiar to many.

The song was first collected in 1909 in Donegal, though some claim it dates back to medieval times. The modern words are from a reworking by Padraic Colum, and the tune was written down by Herbert Hughes. Most modern arrangements of the song can be traced to the recording by Fairport Convention in 1968, who adopted the style of the song from the travelling singer Margaret Barry.

A very recent reworking of the song, Simple Minds' Belfast Child, was a number one hit in the UK in 1990.

Artistes who have recorded the song include:

• All About Eve
• Mary Black
• Boyzone
• Máire Brennan
• The Chieftans
• Charlotte Church
• Sandy Denny
• Art Garfunkel
• Bert Jansch
• Shane McGowan
• Loreena McKennitt
• Simple Minds
• Van Morrison
• Sinead O'Connor

A site including the lyrics and a midi version of the song is here:[1]. Note that most modern versions omit the third verse.