Recently I requested the words of "Mori-ari-rity" and a kid mudcatter referred me to a site where I got the. They, however were not the version I remembered. I was fortunate, a few days ago to record the version sung by the late Sean Mooney which is the one I was looking for. Comparing the two versions, there is quite a difference. Sean's version is obviously the later one. Here are the words:When first I came to Dublin Town, To good old Baile Cliath. I went direct with head erect For to join the DMG. Me ponderous feet woke Kevin Street, As I marched with alacrity; For well I knew, they couldn't do, Without Mori-ar-rity.
I'm a well-known bobby of the stalwart squad, I belong to the DMG. And the girls all sigh as I pass by, "There goes Mori-ar-rity."
Now the sergeant looked me up and down, And down and up and then, With a kindly smile on his honest dial He stroked his rugged chin. As as he took the station book; "Your name a mhic?" sez he; And out I stuck me chest like a duck, And sez I, "Mori-ar-rity!"
Now the childer love to have me near; For I care not a straw when they Used to sing that stuff about Harvey Duff In their own most engaging way. And when some wee maid from her ma had strayed, She'd surely be found by. Then over she'll run, and, "Hello! ould son Aren't you Mori-ar-rity?"
I'm a well-known bobby of the stalwart squad, I belong to the DMG. And the kids all cry as I pass by, "How're doin', Mori-ar-rity?"
When me race is run, and me work is done, And I've walked on me last long beat. Up to Heaven's shore, I'll quickly soar And St. Peter up there I'll meet. And I hope he'll say in a kindly way, "Is it there Tim a mhic I see? Your reward you've won for work well done, Flap your wings Mori-ar-ity."
I'm a well-known bobby of the stalwart squad I belong to the DMG. And the angels cry as I pass by, "Flap your wings Mori-ar-rity!"
Harvey Duff was a character in Dion Boucicault's play "Conn the Shaughran" written in 1874. He was a comic villain, a police spy and indicated his presence by a catchy whistle. Mike