Thurles Information

Nancy Spain.

Lyrics: Irish poet, singer and Dublin native, the late Barney Rush.
Vocals: Co. Offaly born country and Irish genre singer and entertainer Johnny McEvoy.

In reality Nancy Spain [Nancy Brooker Spain (1917-1964)] was a colourful and extremly talented English broadcaster and journalist, a columnist for the Daily Express; for ‘She’ magazine and for the News of the World.
Nancy lived openly from the 1940’s to the 1960’s with her female lover, the editor of ‘She’, Joan Laurie (“Jonnie”).

In 1964, Nancy and her partner were both sadly killed with three others, in a light aircraft accident, near Aintree racecourse, while on their way to the English Grand National.
Ms Spain was travelling there to cover the 1964 Grand National, which was taking place on that same day.

When author Barney Rush was writing this love song, featured below, he just needed a name to tie it all together and Nancy Spain was simply the name that he chose, as most fitting for his lyrics.

Nancy Spain.

Of all the stars that ever shone,
Not one twinkles like your pale blue eyes,
Like golden corn at harvest, is your hair.
Sailing in my boat, the wind,
Gently blows and fills my sails,
Your sweet-scented breath is everywhere.
Daylight peeping through the curtains,
Of the passing night time, is your smile,
The sun in the sky is like your laugh,
Come back to me, my Nancy,
Linger for just a little while.
Since you left these shores, I’ve known no peace nor joy.
No matter where I wander I’m still haunted by your name,
The portrait of your beauty stays the same.
Standing by the ocean wondering where you’ve gone,
If you’ll return again.
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain?
On that day in Spring, when snow starts to melt,
And streams to flow,
With the birds, I’ll sing a song.
In the while I’ll wander.
Down by bluebell grove, where wild flowers grow,
And I’ll hope that lovely Nancy will be there.
No matter where I wander I’m still haunted by your name,
The portrait of your beauty stays the same.
Standing by the ocean wondering where you’ve gone,
If you’ll return again,
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain?
No matter where I wander I’m still haunted by your name,
The portrait of your beauty stays the same.
Standing by the ocean wondering where you’ve gone,
If you’ll return again,
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain?
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain?
Where is the ring I gave to Nancy Spain?

END.