Perhaps this has been discussed in one of the old threads on the song, but what exactly does "For Ireland I'd not tell her name" mean? I understand that the English lyrics are a translation from the Irish, and so possibly represent an expression that does not translate well. But I'm still curious.

Is it another way of saying "For the life of me, I don't know her name!"?

Does it represent some sort of choice between Ireland and the young woman? Something along the lines of "Even for Ireland's sake, I would not betray her!"? I don't see anything in the lyrics that hint at this situation. Or perhaps an alignment of Ireland and the young woman? i.e. he will protect her confidentiality for Ireland's sake as well as for her own? Once again, this sort of refusing to tell her name (to, e.g., enquiring authorities) isn't hinted at in the lyrics, as far as I can see.

Any thoughts?

Don