Irish Ballad: Mairi's Wedding

In honor of St. Patrick's Day fast approaching here is another of my favorite ballads. This one I learned is actually a Traditional Scottish ballad but I've always heard Irish singers preforming this song so I still think of it as Irish. 

The song tells the story of guests going to the wedding of Mairi, a local girl. The first verse speaks of the guest's traveling to the wedding; the second verse tells what Mairi looks like; and the third verse is a toast for the bride to have food, comfort and many children. In the chorus they are dancing "heel for heel and toe for toe" and "arm in arm and row on row".  

Mairi's Wedding

Chorus: 
Step it gaily, on we go

Heel for heel and toe for toe,

Arm in arm and row on row

All for Mairi's wedding.

Over hillways up and down

Myrtle green and bracken brown,

Past the sheiling through the town

All for sake of Mairi.

Red her cheeks as rowans are,

Bright her eye as any star,

Fairest o' them a' by far,

Is our darling Mairi.

Plenty herring, plenty meal

Plenty peat to fill her creel,

Plenty bonny bairns as weel

That's the toast for Mairi.

Words in Lyrics:

Mairi - a Scottish form of Mary, in some versions it's spelled Marie, pronounced mah-ree

bracken - large coarse fern often several feet high

sheiling - A hut or small cottage in an expessed or a retired place

rowans - tree with orange-red berrylike fruits

peat - dried peat moss used to make the fire burn better

creel - a wicker basket

bonny bairns as weel - pretty babies as well

History: Mairi's Wedding (also known as Marie's Wedding, the Lewis Bridal Song, or Mairi Bhan) is a Scottish folk song originally written in Gaelic by Johnny Bannerman for Mary McNiven. Written using a traditional Scottish tune, it was first played for McNiven in 1935 at the Old Highlanders Institute in Glasgow's Elmbank Street. Hugh S. Roberton translated the Gaelic version into English in 1936. It is also a Scottish country dance, 40 bar, reel time, devised in 1959 by James B. Cosh.

The High Kings - This version was the first I ever heard and is so much fun! The High Kings are my favorite Irish group, they sing all the old ballads, play so many different instruments and their voices blend so well together! For more on them you can read my post on The High Kings from last Ste. Paddy's Day. There's also a plain audio version of this song here.


The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem - These guys are the essential Irish folk group that has inspired many of today's singers. Their version is just voice, guitar and banjo. The song ends on the video at around 2:00 and the rest of the video is an introduction for another song.


Harp Version - Just the tune played on harp by a talented lady named Kathleen.


The Corries - A favorite Scottish folk group of mine, they recorded the song under the Scottish title of Lewis Bridal Song.

Other versions include The Rankin Familiy's fun upbeat version and Noel McLoughlin's mostly acapella version.

Have you every heard Mairi's Wedding?Which of the versions above do you like best?

Irish Ballad: The Maid of Culmore

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching so this week I'll be posting some Irish related posts along with following the Anne of Green Gables Week and Jane Austen Heroine Week. 

This ballad is my latest Irish obsession. I'd heard it before but hearing the version on the newest Celtic Thunder venture Voyage reminded me of how much I love this song. It's a sad song but a very beautiful one! 

The Maid of Culmore
Leaving sweet lovely Derry for fair London town,
There is no finer harbour all around can be found,
Where the youngsters each evening go down to the shore,
And the joy bells are ringing for the maid of Culmore.

The first time I saw her she passed me by,
And the next time that I saw her she bid me goodbye,
But the last time I saw her it grieved my heart sore,
For she sailed down Lough (Loch) Foyle and away from Culmore.

If I had the power the storms for to rise,
I'd make the wind blow out and I'd darken the skies,
I'd make the wind blow high and the salt seas to roar,
Till the day that my darling sailed away from Culmore.

To the bad parts of America my love I'll go see (seek),
For it's there I know no-one and no-one knows me,
But if I don't find her I'll return home no more,
Like a pilgrim I'll wander for the maid of Culmore.

Lough Foyle, County Derry, Northern Ireland

History: Culmore is about two miles from Derry city in the north of Ireland, where the Foyle river widens into Lough Foyle. It was a departure point for emigrants. The song tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a young lady from Culmore but she soon leaves Ireland. The young man finally decides to go to the wild parts of America to find his darling the Maid of Culmore. The song probably dates from the later 1800's and is considered a Traditional Irish ballad although I couldn't find much info about it online.

Maps of Lough Foyle & Ireland (the red square indicates where Culmore is located)

Now let's take a look at some lovely recorded versions of The Maid of Culmore:

Celtic Thunder - This is the version that inspired this post. Celtic Thunder is one of my favorite Irish groups and their new album Voyage is a great compilation of old ballads and catchy new favorites. This version features all five members of the group singing together. I really like this version especially since the song lyrics depict a man singing about the woman he loves. And it has that melancholic feel to the music and in their voices. My only complaint is that the song isn't longer! :)

Cara Dillon - Irish lass Cara Dillon sings a sweet version of the song. This was on her debut album which has just celebrated 10 years. Another of my favorite Irish singers though her super sweet voice took a bit of getting used to. I especially like the videos of her live performances.

Caroline Fraher - I'd never heard of her before but I quiet like her voice. She seems to sing at a lot of private functions.

Piano Version - This young man has quite a few home videos on YouTube and I quite like his version of the song even though the video is a bit shaky

Have you ever heard The Maid of Culmore before?
Which of her video versions is your favorite? 

Very Truly Your's,

Irish Ballads: Carrickfergus

I'm continuing my Irish week with a few more posts highlighting my favorite Irish songs and singers.

The two photos in this post are from the real town of Carrickfergus a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Carrickfergus stands on the north shore of Belfast Lough and is home to the 12th century Carrickfergus Castle (pictured at right), one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Carrickfergus has just been added to my list of places to visit if I ever get over to Ireland!

Carrickfergus

I wish I was in Carrickfergus

Only for nights in Ballygrand

I would swim over the deepest ocean

The deepest ocean for my love to find

But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over

Neither have I wings to fly

If I could find me a handsome boatsman

To ferry me over to my love and die

My childhood days bring back sad reflections

Of happy times spent so long ago

My childhood friends and my own relations

Have all passed on now like melting snow

But I'll spend my days in endless roaming

Soft is the grass, my bed is free

Ah, to be back now in Carrickfergus

On that long road down to the sea

I'm drunk today and I'm seldom sober

A handsome rover from town to town

But I am sick now my days are numbered

Come all me young men and lay me down

Video of Órla Fallon singing Carrickfergus from the DVD concert Celtic Woman: A New Journey--Live at Slane Castle. I like this version best of any I've heard. Órla's softer deeper voice and the simple music of her her harp and the orchestra behind are so lovely! 


Song History: "Carrickfergus" is an Irish folk song of unclear origins. But it has been traced to an Irish language song, "Do bhí bean uasal" ("There Was a Noblewoman"), which is attested to the poet Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna, who died in 1745 in County Clare. The Irish lyrics were about a man being cuckolded, a bawdy and humorous ditty. By contrast, the English lyrics are nostalgic. With the Industrial Revolution, a linen-trade developed between Co. Antrim (where Carrickfergus is situated), and Co. Cork. It is possible the English lyrics came from snatches picked up in interactions with the Ulstermen.

Singer: Órla Fallon was born in Knockananna, Ireland. She is is an Irish soloist, songwriter and former member of the group Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna. She plays the harp and sings traditional Irish music, most often in the Irish language. Her debut album, Water Is Wide, was released in Europe in 2000 and in North America in 2006. In 2005, she was offered to be in the Irish group Celtic Woman. She was featured in the self titled debut album Celtic Woman, Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration and Celtic Woman: A New Journey. In 2009 was when Orla left the group to have a full break and spend time with her family. Her solo career seems to be taking off with the release of four albums: Distant Shore, Orla Fallon's Celtic Christmas, Winter, Fire & Snow and My Land. She also has two corresponding DVD concerts: Orla Fallon - My Landand Orla Fallon's Celtic Christmas.
Besides her lovely voice and amazing talent Orla seems like such a nice person. I've seen bits of her solo concerts and I love the way she connects with the audience and keeps the history of Irish music alive. She's on my list of singers I'd love to see live in concert and meet in person one day! And I love her Irish Gaelic name!





Also here's a video of Charlotte Church's version of Carrickfergus. The words are very different and a bit more romantic than the original words. I'm not a huge fan of her voice and the beat is a bit much, but the words in this version are lovely!

What are your thoughts on this song? Which version do you like best?
Have you heard of Órla Fallon before and what do you think of her voice and style of singing?

Blessings,

Irish Ballads: Red Is The Rose

Red Is The Rose
Come over the hills, my bonnie Irish lass
Come over the hills to your darling
You choose the rose, love, and I'll make the vow
And I'll be your true love forever.

Chorus:
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any.

'Twas down by Killarney's green woods that we strayed
When the moon and the stars they were shining
The moon shone its rays on her locks of golden hair
And she swore she'd be my love forever.


It's not for the parting that my sister pains
It's not for the grief of my mother
'Tis all for the loss of my bonny Irish lass
That my heart is breaking forever.



This video is of The High Kings singing Red Is The Rose, for radio, on the street in New York City. I love their acapella version, their voices blend together so beautifully it made me teary eyed!


Song History: This is an Irish variant of the Scottish ballad Loch Lomond and is sung with the same melody but different (although similarly themed) lyrics. It was popularized by Irish folk musician Tommy Makem. Even though many people mistakenly believe that Makem wrote "Red is the Rose", it is a traditional Irish folk song.

Singers: The High Kings, again! My own opinion is that Finbarr starts this song out because of his family's relation to the song. It makes me think of his uncle Liam Clancy singing with Tommy Makes. I just love their version it's so sweet!


What's your favorite version of this song?


Did you have a good St. Patrick's Day?


Irish Blessings,

The Wearing of the Green

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everyone!!!!



The Wearing Of The Green

Oh, Paddy dear, and did you hear
The news that's going round?
The shamrock is forbid by law
To grow on Irish ground!



St. Patrick's Day no more we'll keep,
His color can't be seen,
For there's a bloomin' law agin'
The wearing of the green.



I met with Napper Tandy
And he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor old Ireland
And how does she stand?"



"She's the most distressful country
That ever yet was seen;
They're hanging men and women there
For wearing of the green."



Then since the color we must wear
Is England's cruel red,
Sure Ireland's songs will ne'er forget
The blood that they have shed.



You may take the shamrock from your hat now,
Cast it on the sod,
But 'twill take root and flourish still,
Tho' under foot it's trod.



When the law can stop the blades of green
From growing as they grow,
And when the leaves in summertime
Their verdue dare not show,



Then I will change the color that I
Wear in my canteen;
But 'till that day, please God, I'll stick
To wearing of the green.






Song History: "The Wearing of the Green" is an anonymously-penned Irish street ballad dating to 1798.The context of the song is the repression around the time of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Wearing a shamrock in the "caubeen" (hat) was a sign of rebellion and green was the colour of the Society of the United Irishmen, a republican revolutionary organisation. During the period, displaying revolutionary insignia was made punishable by hanging.


Are you wearing green today? 
Which of these lovely green items would you most like to wear?

Irish Blessings,

The High Kings!

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow!!

This post is a homage to one of my favorite Irish groups, The High Kings!
Their group consists of the amazingly talented and charming Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden and Martin Furey.
Michaela and Anna Olivia, this one's for you! ;)



I first heard about The High Kings back in 2008 when they were advertised on the Celtic Woman website. I immediately checked them out and loved their sound. I loved them so much I went right out and bought their DVD concert The High Kings: Live In Dublin. I was hooked!



My personal favorites in the group are Finbarr Clancy and Brian Dunphy (at right in photo). But comparing High Kings is a bit like comparing different types of chocolate - they are all so good it's a bit pointless!



Discography:

• High Kings
• A Celtic Family Christmas (2 tracks, 4 by Celtic Woman)
• Memory Lane

I currently own only their DVD concert and the Christmas compilation album which I really enjoy. Their two CDs are on my wishlist though and I hope to buy them as soon as I'm able!




Some of my favorite songs:



Marie's Wedding 





Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore




Red Is The Rose






The Fields of Athenry


And there's so many more lovely tunes! I don't think I could even try to choose a favorite!


I adore their harmonies as they join their voices together. I also enjoy the variety of instruments they play in their concerts. By all accounts they are as charming in person as their voices are in song. My dearest wish is to one day see The High Kings live and meet them in person! Until then I love searching YouTube for videos of their various appearances. 
Keep up the awesome work lads! You are loved!



Okay, comment away!

Have you heard of The High Kings before? 
What do you think of them? 
Do you have a favorite singer from the group? 
Do you have a favorite song they sing?
What's your favorite type of chocolate?

Blessings,

Irish Ballads: Rocky Road To Dublin

Rocky Road To Dublin In the merry month of June, From my home I started,
Left the girls of Tuam, Nearly broken hearted,
Saluted father dear, Kissed my darlin' mother,
Drank a pint of beer, My grief and tears to smother,
Then off to reap the corn, And leave where I was born,
I cut a stout blackthorn, To banish ghost and goblin,
In a brand new pair of brogues, I rattled o'er the bogs,
And frightened all the dogs,On the rocky road to Dublin.
Chorus:
One, two, three, four five,
Hunt the hare and turn her
Down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin,
Whack-fol-lol-de-ra.

In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary,
Started by daylight, My spirits light and airy,
Took a drop of the pure, To keep my heart from sinkin',
That's the Paddy's cure, Whene'er he's on for drinking.
To see the lasses smile, Laughing all the while,
At my curious style, 'Twould set your heart a-bubblin'.
They ax'd if I was hired, The wages I required,
Till I was almost tired, Of the rocky road to Dublin.

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity,
To be so soon deprived, A view of that fine city.
Then I took a stroll, All among the quality,
My bundle it was stole, In a neat locality;
Something crossed my mind, Then I looked behind;
No bundle could I find, Upon my stick a wobblin'.
Enquirin' for the rogue, They said my Connacht brogue,
Wasn't much in vogue, On the rocky road to Dublin.

From there I got away, My spirits never failin'
Landed on the quay Just as the ship was sailin';
Captain at me roared, Said that no room had he,
When I jumped aboard, A cabin found for Paddy,
Down among the pigs I played some funny rigs,
Danced some hearty jigs, The water round me bubblin',
When off Holyhead, I wished myself was dead,
Or better far instead, On the rocky road to Dublin.

The boys of Liverpool, When we safely landed,
Called myself a fool; I could no longer stand it;
Blood began to boil, Temper I was losin',
Poor ould Erin's isle They began abusin',
"Hurrah my soul," sez I, My shillelagh I let fly;
Some Galway boys were by, Saw I was a hobble in,
Then with a loud hurray, They joined in the affray.
We quickly cleared the way, For the rocky road to Dublin.



This video is of The High Kings sining from their video concert. I love this high energy version of Rocky Road To Dublin, it always sets my toes tapping! This DVD concert, The High Kings: Live In Dublin, it is a must have for St. Patrick's Day!




Historical Info: The words were written by D.K. Gavan, "The Galway Poet", for the English music hall performer Harry Clifton (1824-1872), who popularised the song. The song is almost identical to the Scottish Jacobite song Cam Ye O'Er Frae France written in 1715.
The song follows one man's experiences as he travels to Liverpool, England from his home in Tuam. It refers to the Irish capital city Dublin, the Irish towns Tuam and Mullingar, the Welsh town Holyhead, the Irish city Galway and the English city Liverpool.




Singers: The High Kings! I can't talk about Irish music too long without mentioning these guys! This Celtic group features four wonderful Irish lads: Martin Furey, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden and Finbarr Clancy. Each lovely lad has amazing talent, for most of them Irish music is in their blood. I really enjoy their traditional style of vocals and playing a variety of instruments. Most of the songs they play are Irish standards. If you haven't heard of The High Kings you simply must check them out! More on them later!


Do you have any favorite singers who sing this song?
Thoughts on The High Kings and their version of this song? 

Blessings,

Irish Ballads: My Lagan Love

I grew up listening to a lot of different styles of music, and one of my favorite style is folk music particularly old ballads from Scotland, England and Ireland.

In this next series of posts I will be highlighting some of my favorite Irish ballads and the talented artists who sing them.




My Lagan Love
Where Lagan stream sings lullaby
There blows a lily fair
The twilight gleam is in her eye
The night is on her hair
And like a love-sick lennan-shee
She has my heart in thrall
Nor life I owe nor liberty
With love is lord of all.

And sometimes when the beetle's horn
Hath lulled the eve to sleep
I steal unto her shieling lorn
And thru the dooring peep.
There on the cricket's singing stone,
She spares the bogwood fire,
And hums in sad sweet undertones
The song of heart's desire
-The song of heart's desire.




This video of Lynn Hilary singing My Lagan Love is from the DVD concert of Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart, which was shot at Powerscourt House and Gardens.






Historical Info: "My Lagan Love" is a traditional Irish song from the 15th to 16th century found in Donegal. It was written during a time in Irish history when it was forbidden to write openly about Ireland, or express love, devotion, or nationalism towards the country. The Irish had decided to write songs that indirectly would reference their love for their mother country; they would refer to Ireland as a beautiful woman. Hence, "My Lagan Love" speaks poetically about a beloved woman which is also a beloved homeland. The Lagan is the river that runs through Belfast. - Wikipedia






Singer: Lynn Hilary is a Dublin native with a Bachelor of Music performance. After singing mostly classical music, she moved to Celtic music to be able to "use [her] natural vocal range". She was part of the Irish choral group Anúna from 2000-2007. She released a solo album Take Me With You in 2008. She has toured with Celtic Woman as one of the soloists for the Isle of Hope tour and the ongoing show Songs from the Heart.


Celtic Woman is one of my all time favorite Celtic groups. I really like Lynn Hilary's smooth sweet voice and her version of My Lagan Love is so gentle just like a lullaby! I also think she's very pretty and that's why I posted so many photos of her!











Do you have any favorite singers who sing this song? 
Thoughts on Celtic Woman or Lynn Hilary?

Blessings,