There were some references to this song on an earlier thread. I found these words in a songbook called Amhranleabhar Ogra Eireann, first published in Dublin in 1950 by Ogra Eireann, an organisation set up by the Irish Christian Brothers to promote the Irish language and culture in general (and republican politics, if the words of the songs in this book are anything to judge by) among their pupils. These words are from the 5th edition Pub. 1964.

The lyrics are credited to Peadar O Cearnaigh or Peadar Kearney who was an uncle of the Behan family (Brendan, Dominic et al) who also wrote other songs with a republican theme including the Soldiers Song (the irish national anthem) and Down By Anna Liffey.

There is no reference to the tune other than that the music is available from Waltons (A well known Dublin music shop and publisher), but having heard it sung its a close relation to the air sung by Maddy Prior and Co although sung much more slowly.

I have no date for when the song was written except the reference to Easter Monday seems to suggest it was later than 1916.

THE THREE COLOURED RIBBON
(Lyrics by Peadar O Cearnaigh)

I had a true love if ever a girl had one,
I had a true love a brave lad was he,
And one fine Easter Monday, with his gallant comrades.
He started away for to make Ireland Free.

                  Chorus

All round my hat I wear a three coloured ribbon.*
All round my hat until death comes to me,
And if anybody's asking why I'm wearing that ribbon
It's all for my true love I Near more shall see.

His bandolier round him, his bright bayonet shining.
His short service rifle a beauty to see,
There was joy in his eyes, though he left me repining,
And started away for to make Ireland free.

In praying and watching the dark days past over.
The roar of the guns brought no message to me;
I prayed for old Ireland, I prayed for my lover.
That he might be safe and old Ireland be free.

The struggle was ended, they brought me the story.
The last whispered message he sent unto me:
"I was true to my land, love; I fought for her glory,
And gave up my life for to make Ireland Free.

*These are he words as published but I've only ever heard it sung as
"All around my hat I wear a tri-coloured Ribbon-O
All around my hat until death comes to me.
And if anybody asks me just why I do wear it,
It's all for my true love I ne'er more will see."
which fits in better with the air I know although Kearney may have had a slightly different air in mind ?

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Thread #56061   Message #874472
Posted By: Fiolar
25-Jan-03 - 05:26 AM
Thread Name: Origins: All around my hat (Steeleye Span)
Subject: RE: Origins: All around my hat (Steeleye Span)

Sabine: As far as I am aware the Steeleye Span song is based on "The Tri-Coloured Ribbon" which was written by Peadar Kearney who also wrote among other items the Irish National Anthem (The Soldiers' Song). Hope that helps.