The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #58665   Message #929500
Posted By: Bloomfield
09-Apr-03 - 09:53 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Hiring Fair at Hamiltonsbawn
Subject: Origins: Hiring Fair At Hamiltonsbaw: Burnhouse?
Hi, new here, with a question.

In the song Hiring Fair [at Hamiltonsbawn], the last verse makes a reference I don't understand. (I get it from the 1978 recording Corner House by The Irish Tradition.)

My trousers go too wide for me, my coat was rather big
The skin grew tight upon my back, my hair 'twas like a wig
For days and nights you'd have heard me pray for Burnhouse or its van
To take me from that rascal called Tom McCann.

Who or what is "Burnhouse or its van"?

Thanks.