Subject: Origins: Star of the County Down From: Joe Offer Date: 25 Apr 00 - 03:47 PM Here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry on this song: Star of the County Down, TheDESCRIPTION: Near Banbridge town, the singer sees a "sweet colleen." He is instantly smitten with the beauty of "the star of the Country Down." He makes plans to pursue her, and dreams of life with herAUTHOR: unknown (credited to Cathal McGarvey [1866-1927] by Colm O'Lochlainn) EARLIEST DATE: 1936 (Irish Country Songs) KEYWORDS: love courting clothes FOUND IN: Ireland REFERENCES (1 citation): DT, STARDOWN* Roud #4801 CROSS-REFERENCES: cf. "Dives and Lazarus" [Child 56] (tune) cf. "The Banks of Newfoundland (I)" [Laws K25] (tune) cf. "When a Man's in Love" [Laws O20] (tune) cf. "The Wreck of the Gwendoline" (tune) cf. "The Colleen from Coolbaun" (tune) SAME TUNE: Dives and Lazarus (File: C056) The Wreck of the Gwendoline (File: OLcM257) The Banks of Newfoundland (I) [Laws K25] (File: LK25) When a Man's in Love [Laws O20] (File: LO20) The Colleen from Coolbaun (File: RcTCofCo) File: DTstardo Go to the Ballad Search form Go to the Ballad Index Instructions The Ballad Index Copyright 2015 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle. For the sake of discussion, here are the lyrics from the Digital Tradition: STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN Near to Banbridge Town, in the County Down One morning in July, Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen, And she smiled as she passed me by; Oh, she looked so neat from her two white feet To the sheen of her nut-brown hair, Sure the coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself To make sure I was standing there CHORUS: Oh, from Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay, And from Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the brown colleen That I met in the County Down. As she onward sped I shook my head And I gazed with a feeling quare, And I said, says I, to a passer-by, "Who's the maid with the nut-brown hair?" Oh, he smiled at me, and with pride says he, "That's the gem of Ireland's crown, She's young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann, She's the Star of the County Down." She'd a soft brown eye, And a look so sly And a smile like the rose in June; And you hung on each note from her lily-white throat As she lilted an Irish tune. At the pattern dance you were held in a trance, As she tripped through a reel or jig; And when her eyes she'd roll, she'd coax, upon my soul, A spud from a hungry pig. I've travelled a bit, but never was hit Since my roving career began; But fair and square I surrendered there* To the charms of young Rose McCann. With a heart to let and no tenant yet Did I meet with in shawl or gown, But in she went and I asked no rent From the Star of the County Down. At the crossroads fair I'll be surely there And I'll dress in my Sunday clothes, And I'll try sheep's eyes, and deludhering lies On the heart of the nut-brown Rose. No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke, Though with rust my plow turns brown, Till a smiling bride by my own fireside Sits the Star of the County Down. *O'Keeffe has "thee" instead of "there" @Irish @love From The First Book of Irish Ballads, Daniel O'Keeffe filename[ STARDOWN TUNE FILE: STARDOWN CLICK TO PLAY RPf The Digital Tradition version is almost an exact transcription of the version in The First Book of Irish Ballads by Daniel D. O'Keeffe. For some reason, the Digital Tradition leaves out the verse that is shown in italics. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Star of County Down..... Author ? From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 14 Jun 01 - 07:44 AM Literally thousands of people have recorded this fine, but abominably abused and done-to-death piece. John Moulden also mentioned that McGarvey, the putative lyricist, died in 1935, a year before the first (known) publication of the Star of the County Down lyric in Herbert Hughes' Irish Country Songs vol 4; Hughes appears not to have known who wrote it. If McGarvey did write the words, then technically they are still in copyright; however, his authorship may not be certain, and there seems to be no record of his, or his heirs, ever having claimed any rights. The Mudcat is not a copyright resource, though we're always happy to help people who are also prepared to do some research of their own. This is such a well-known song that I'm surprised that there should be any worries as to its status, though there is frequently a lot of confusion in peoples' minds as to its age. Tune: old. Words and title: recent. Malcolm |
Subject: RE: Star of the County Down From: banjomad (inactive) Date: 05 Jan 03 - 06:09 AM Dubliners do an excellent version, Sean Cannon singing it on the 25 year anniversary album |
Subject: RE: Star of the County Down From: Emma B Date: 05 Jan 03 - 12:29 PM There is a lovely version in Cathal OBoyles book 'Songs of County Down' published by Gilbert Dalton of County Dublin, said to originate from the end of C18th. - and not at all 'parlourised Irish' The chorus is much more local - From Scrabo hill to Lisnadill and from Comber to Newry town, there's no girl so neat as that damsel sweet, she's the flower of the County Down. As the author says 'colleens and boreens may be as Irish as shillelags and spalpeen but they are as foreign to County Down as coconuts!' |
Subject: RE: Star of the County Down From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 05 Jan 03 - 12:56 PM I've never heard this song sung before... I've got it on an old tape I've enjoyed for many years... "Shakin' Down the Acorns" by Tony Elman. The tune made me swoon, So soon I did croon... I learned the song on guitar, and then, on a whim, I looked it up on our most glorious Mudcat (Yeaaaaaaah!...) ... and I sing it every day now. Gosh, I hope it's correct! ;^) ttr |
Subject: RE: Star of the County Down From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 05 Jan 03 - 01:08 PM According to Colm O Lochlainn, Star of the County Down was written by Cathal McGarvey (who is also credited with The Devil and Bailiff McGlynn), probably in the early 20th century (he died in 1937), though of course the tune is much older. As for the "Flower", that text is quoted in an earlier (and otherwise mostly uninteresting) discussion of Star of the County Down: The Flower of the County Down See, however, John Moulden's comments on its supposed age in another thread, Lyr/Chords Req: The flower of the County Down. John came up with the information about McGarvey, and if he has doubts about it then so should we all. |
Subject: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: GUEST,Spike Date: 14 Oct 03 - 05:40 PM Anyone know any other words to the tune "Star of County Down"? Many thanks Spike |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Sorcha Date: 14 Oct 03 - 05:57 PM I've seen several. Which ones do you have? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: GUEST,Spike Date: 14 Oct 03 - 06:03 PM Hi Sorcha, Thanks for such a quick response. This is the version I already have. Any alternatives greatfully received. Regards Spike Star of C D V1 Near to Banbridge Town, in County Down One morning in July Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen.......etc Chorus From Bantry bay up to Derry Dquay and from Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the broen colleen I met in County Down. V2 As she onward sped...... V3 At the harvest fair....... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Susan of DT Date: 14 Oct 03 - 06:13 PM It seems to me that this has come up before and I mentioned this trick then. Find one of the songs. Note the tunefile name, in this case "stardown" and then search for stardown to get other songs with that tunefile attached to them. This will miss some that have their own separate tune entered, rather than just attaching the stardown tunefile to them. DOS filenames do have their uses. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: masato sakurai Date: 14 Oct 03 - 06:31 PM Some of the related threads are: Star of the County Down Songs to Star of the County Down? alt. words to star of the county down Tune Kingsfold |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN From: early Date: 14 Oct 03 - 07:31 PM now then spike should've asked me this afternoon - here's a version with a verse you dont hear much - not surprisingly cheersM Near to Banbridge Town, in the County Down e D One morning in July, E G D Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen, e D e And she smiled as she passed me by; G D G Oh, she looked so neat from her two white feet e D To the sheen of her nut-brown hair, e G D Sure the coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself e D e To make sure I was standing there e G D CHORUS: Oh, from Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay, e D And from Galway to Dublin town, e G D No maid I've seen like the brown colleen e D e That I met in the County Down. Near to Banbridge Town, in the County Down One morning in July, Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen, And she smiled as she passed me by; Oh, she looked so neat from her two white feet To the sheen of her nut-brown hair, Sure the coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself To make sure I was standing there CHORUS: Oh, from Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay, And from Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the brown colleen That I met in the County Down. As she onward sped I shook my head And I gazed with a feeling quare, And I said, says I, to a passer-by, "Who's the maid with the nut-brown hair?" Oh, he smiled at me, and with pride says he, "That's the gem of Ireland's crown, She's young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann, She's the Star of the County Down." I've travelled a bit, but never was hit Since my roving career began; But fair and square I surrendered there To the charms of young Rose McCann. I'd a heart to let and no tenant yet Did I meet with in shawl or gown, But in she went and I asked no rent From the Star of the County Down. At the crossroads fair I'll be surely there And I'll dress in my Sunday clothes And I'll try sheep's eyes, and deludhering lies On the heart of the nut-brown Rose. No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke Though with rust my plow turns brown, Till a smiling bride by my own fireside Sits the Star of the County Down. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 14 Oct 03 - 07:53 PM Starting with verses indicated, and what is in the DT version (O'Keefe), a third verse has been inserted by some (after onward sped and before travelled a bit) She'd a soft brown eye, And a look so sly And a smile like the rose in June; And you hung on each note from her lily-white throat As she lilted an Irish tune. At the pattern dance you were held in a trance, As she tripped through a reel or jig; And when her eyes she'd roll, She'd coax, on my soul, A spud from a hungry pig. Not up to the standard of the other verses, and probably fairly recent in comparison. The pig line does not match the mood of the rest of the song. In the verse I've travelled a bit- In line six, Did I meet, substitute- Though I'd searched countryside and town; But in she went and I asked no rent, etc. The last verse, At the harvest fair- sometimes- At the crossroads fair, she'll surely be there And I'll dress in my Sunday clothes; With my shoes shone bright, and my hat cocked right, For a smile from my nut-brown rose. No horse I'll yoke, no pipe I'll smoke, Though my plow with rust turn brown, Till a smiling bride by my own fireside Sits the star of the County Down. The song is fairly consistent in content, suggesting that the lyrics are not all that old. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:04 PM Written by Cathal McGarvey, likely in the 1920s (and set to a very well-known traditional tune); though this has already been said a number of times in earlier discussions. Popularised in Herbert Hughes' 1930s arrangement (Hughes seems not to have known the name of the writer) as recorded by John McCormack. A traditional song de facto, but modern. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:08 PM See version in thread 268 -different: County Down |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 14 Oct 03 - 08:33 PM Thread 35381 contains discussion of the age, and possible lyrics authorship by Cathal McGarvey (posts by Malcolm Douglas) in the early 20th c. Star tune Ian C. claims the the tune is 500 years old, but first known publication stems from about 1700. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 14 Oct 03 - 09:19 PM John Moulden seems since then to have become more certain that McGarvey was indeed the writer, and that's good enough for me. A form of the tune appears as Gilderoy in the early 18th century, but may perhaps be earlier. Simpson (The British Broadside Ballad and Its Music, 1966, 252-4 and 109) points to a tune appearing in the mid 17th century, The Clean Contrary Way, as likely ancestral to Gilderoy and Dives and Lazarus (a close variant of which last was used in Ireland for My Love Nell, and later for McGarvey's song). |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: kendall Date: 14 Oct 03 - 10:07 PM My friend, Kathleen Logan wrote a beautiful love song to this same tune. I posted it long time ago. Titled "Will you greet me in the morning"? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Amergin Date: 14 Oct 03 - 11:02 PM I got some words to the tune as well.. Silent Voices |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: InOBU Date: 15 Oct 03 - 08:13 AM Good one Amergin... Larry |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: Amergin Date: 16 Oct 03 - 05:34 PM thanks, Larry....yours too...I still get a pleasure from listening to your cd. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: spikeis Date: 16 Oct 03 - 06:39 PM Hi all, there is a bit of confusion here, cos I used to reply under the name guest spike, but to all who know me( you early etc) itwas NOT me asking for lyrics to star of the County Down. Boy did that message confuse me you sent early, untill I came on here and read the board!!! For reference, I am now member spikeis Cheers all Spike ( the one and only!!!) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other lyrics for Star of County Down? From: GUEST Date: 17 Oct 03 - 10:49 AM Many thanks for all your replies. I particularly liked the lyrics "Silent Voices". Dear Spikeis! I'm sorry I got lumped with this nickname when I was at school.......I'll think up a different name next time. Regards NotSpike |
Subject: Lyr Req: 'Star of County Down' - satirical version From: GUEST Date: 25 Feb 06 - 02:06 AM Does anyone have the words of the satirical version of the Star of the County Down? Thanks, Roisin |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: GUEST,tempo Date: 24 Aug 09 - 01:54 PM Traditionally, do vocalists sing this song in 3/4 or 4/4 time? Thanks. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: Leadfingers Date: 24 Aug 09 - 03:17 PM We do it in 4/4 and Eminor |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: MGM·Lion Date: 24 Aug 09 - 03:42 PM The air generally used for The Murder of Maria Marten seems to my ear to be quite closely related to this one. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: Little Robyn Date: 24 Aug 09 - 03:42 PM We do it in 4/4 as well - the Morris version, the one sung at our local session and the way we sing it in choir. That's 3 different places. Robyn |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: Celtaddict Date: 24 Aug 09 - 06:39 PM Danny Doyle has another set of words, that he sings in waltz time; it is, after all, a love song, though it is often performed in a rapid boucing style. Danny Doyle is not currently performing, and the lyric is not among those on his website, but the e-mail address posted there is dannythedoyler@cs.com |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: GUEST,Gi Joe Date: 25 Aug 09 - 02:04 PM I also heard " I'll make sheeps eyes and i'll tell luthern lies till my plow turns a rust colored brown" |
Subject: RE: Origin: Star of the County Down From: Stringsinger Date: 14 Jan 13 - 06:07 PM There is a version floating around from the Contra Dance movement that puts it in 3/4 waltz time as an instrumental. The song is known generally in 4/4. I think it works nicely as a waltz. As the song "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya'" so many variations of the song have been done that probably means it changed through aural transmission. |
Subject: RE: Origin: Star of the County Down From: GUEST,Gealt Date: 14 Jan 13 - 06:21 PM 1 Star of County Down Shaun O'Farrell 1924 2 The Star of the County Down John McCormack 1940 3 Star of the County Down The King's Singers 1985 4 Star of the County Down Van Morrison & The Chieftains 1988 5 Star of the County Down The Pogues August 1989 6 Star of the County Down Béla Fleck & The Flecktones June 1991 7 The Star of the County Down The Celtic Tenors 2002 8 Star of the County Down The Boundary Water Boys June 14, 2005 9 Star of the County Down Psaltrio 2007 10 Star of the County Down Immigrant's Daughter 2009 11 The Star of County Down Loreena McKennitt November 16, 2010 12 Star of the County Down The Black River Boys 2011 http://www.secondhandsongs.com |
Subject: RE: Origins: Star of County Down (additional verses?) From: AmyLove Date: 24 Jan 17 - 12:05 AM The Orthodox Celts' video of this song is quite cute. It has nearly 10.5 million views, but just in case anyone here who'd be interested in it might have missed it, here's the link: Orthodox Celts - Star Of The County Down |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |