This is a traditional Irish song which originates in the Gaeltacht region in the north-west of County Donegal, which is usually taught to young children. It is based on the immortalistion of a small boat owned by a man called Feilimí (Phelim) heading to Tory Island. Tory Island (Toraigh) is an island 14.5 km off the north-west coast of County Donegal in Ireland.
Irish Washerwoman lyrics
When I was at home I was merry and frisky, My dad kept a pig and my mother sold whisky, My uncle was rich, but never would by aisey Till I was enlisted by Corporal Casey. Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey, My dear little Shelah, I thought would run crazy, When I trudged away with tough Corporal Casey.
I marched from Kilkenny, and, as I was thinking On Shelah, my heart in my bosom was sinking, But soon I was forced to look fresh as a daisy, For fear of a drubbing from Corporal Casey. Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey! The devil go with him, I ne’er could be lazy, He struck my shirts so, ould Corporal Casey.
We went into battle, I took the blows fairly That fell on my pate, but they bothered me rarely, And who should the first be that dropped, why, and please ye, It was my good friend, honest Corporal Casey. Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey! Thinks I you are quiet, and I shall be aisey, So eight years I fought without Corporal Casey.