Subject: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: Mr Happy Date: 08 May 08 - 07:29 AM A chap sang a song last night at our sesh, which he called 'For Ireland I'd not tell its name' Anyone know it? |
Subject: Lyr Add: FOR IRELAND I'D NOT TELL HER NAME From: Megan L Date: 08 May 08 - 07:34 AM from an old thread FOR IRELAND I'D NOT TELL HER NAME Words: Traditional - From the Gaelic Melody: Traditional One eve as I happened to stray By the lands that were bordering mine A young girl I saw on my way Who left me to languish and pine, A slave of the charm and the mien And the silver-toned voice of the dame, To meet her I sped over the green, Yet for Ireland I'd not tell her name. Would she list to my love laden voice That pledges but vows to the fair, Would she make me for ever her choice Her wealth would increase with my care; I'd sing her our poet's sweetest lays. Press close to my wild heart the dame, Devote to her beauty the bays, Yet for Ireland I'd not tell her name, A maiden, young, tender refined, By the lands that are bordering mine, Hath graces and virtue of mind And features surpassingly fine; Blended amber and yellow compose The ringleted hair of the dame, Oh, her cheeks have the bloom of the rose, Yet for Ireland I'd not tell her name. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: GUEST Date: 08 May 08 - 07:49 AM The Wolfe Tones sing a slightly different version, perhaps not translated correctly from the Gaelic, Lyrics guitar chords sheet music video and Gaelic lyrics on my site. I have been playing this one at sessions since some helpful Mudcat member worked out the chords for me years ago, a beautiful haunting air. Wolfe Tones Version |
Subject: Lyr Add: FOR IRELAND I'D NOT TELL HER NAME From: trevek Date: 08 May 08 - 07:49 AM I have my own version which is based on a translation a friend did of the Irish lyrics. Last night as I wandered from here, Far away from the safety of home, A mystical beauty came near, To enchant me as never I've known. I bowed to her beauty and charm, To words from lips tender and sweet Her embrace kept me safe from all harms Is ar Éirinn ní n-eósainn cé h-í. If she to my words would take heed, Then the voice of my heart could ring true To her will I would gladly ascede Her desirs I would satisfy too I would read to her stories of old I would die for this woman with ease For one kiss my heart would explode Is ar Éirinn ní n-eósainn cé h-í. A vision of beauty and grace resides just beyond my domain There is beauty and joy in her face And her reason is honest and plain. Her hair is as gold when it shines her cheeks, like th rose, ar aflame And my heart to her will it resigns But for Ireland I'd not tell her name. (trans Sinead Cassidy, adapted Trev Hill) Here's another version: http://www.cranfordpub.com/langan/for_ireland.htm |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: masato sakurai Date: 08 May 08 - 07:59 AM The Wolfe Tones - For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name is on YouTube. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: Mr Happy Date: 08 May 08 - 08:07 AM Thanks to all for rapid responses! Agree the WT's version is lovely, but their tune's not quite as I usually hear in sesions. Anyone know where I can get the dots for the tune - there's a version of the melody I'm seeking here http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IsiKio0J3q4 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: Mr Happy Date: 08 May 08 - 08:08 AM Sorry, that should be http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IsiKio0J3q4 |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: clueless don Date: 08 May 08 - 11:45 AM Perhaps this has been discussed in one of the old threads on the song, but what exactly does "For Ireland I'd not tell her name" mean? I understand that the English lyrics are a translation from the Irish, and so possibly represent an expression that does not translate well. But I'm still curious. Is it another way of saying "For the life of me, I don't know her name!"? Does it represent some sort of choice between Ireland and the young woman? Something along the lines of "Even for Ireland's sake, I would not betray her!"? I don't see anything in the lyrics that hint at this situation. Or perhaps an alignment of Ireland and the young woman? i.e. he will protect her confidentiality for Ireland's sake as well as for her own? Once again, this sort of refusing to tell her name (to, e.g., enquiring authorities) isn't hinted at in the lyrics, as far as I can see. Any thoughts? Don |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: Willa Date: 08 May 08 - 11:51 AM This link may help. The version I sing is different from those posted above. http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=ar+eirinn+ni+neosfainn&spell=1 (Blicky maker is not working for me just now!) Human blickifier working just fine. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: MartinRyan Date: 08 May 08 - 12:08 PM The sense is just "No way am I gonna tell you who she is!". Secret love. Regards |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: GUEST Date: 08 May 08 - 12:39 PM Cathy Jordan has recorded a version of the song with Dervish, think it is on Live in Palma. It should be in an old thread here some where, For Ireland I'd not tell her name, or try the Irish Ar Éirinn ní n-eósainn cé h-í. Elizabeth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: Willa Date: 08 May 08 - 04:43 PM Hi Joe; blicky problems lie with my computer, not with the cat. had trouble making links a few weeks ago, then it was OK, now it's not working again. Thanks for fixing the one in my post. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: trevek Date: 08 May 08 - 05:12 PM I think the Dervish version has very different lyrics. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd not tell its name From: bubblyrat Date: 08 May 08 - 07:27 PM I have heard this tune played often by a friend of mine, the late (sadly) Jon Hayward, and I remember telling him that I felt very strongly that it was used as the theme-tune to a 1970s Australian TV series about the outlaw Ben Hall ( played by Jon Finch ). ----Anyone agree, or disagree ?? ( I'm easy !! ). |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:35 PM my friend do not look to understand, irlande is free there is a reason , the reason of the great secret is for are securite that will make sure that peace stay's forever. Irlande is the exemple for the world . soon you will be ask to comme and support a great cause i am you passe,present, future, this all you need to know about me. the cause will be leaded by a great name, a name that crossed every frontere of time . keep healing you body your ancester inside of you need to be in harmony together . until then remember this there is a great battle that is comming also you have to learn to clean your body all you have to do is warm up some water then you drink it five day's in role 1 a month your ancestor |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:49 PM I read that as "If you offered me all of Ireland, I couldn't be bribed to tell her name!" Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST,Gerry Mac Date: 17 Sep 10 - 03:41 PM Like that other great melody the Coolin, words are superfluous..it is every Irish woman's smile. It is as compelling as the geis that Grainne put on Diarmuid. This melody steals in your soul. It is Ireland as the women we have loved, its the mist on an Autumn morning its the glint in a joyful eye and as lovely and uplifting as the word Yes on the lips of a woman. I think I need to lie down after that! |
Subject: Lyr Add: AR EIRINN NI NEOSFAINN CE HI (Tom Lenihan From: Jim Carroll Date: 18 Sep 10 - 04:23 PM West Clare singer, Tom Lenihan's version of the song along with Tom Munnelly's note for it, for inclusion in The Mount Callan Garland. Jim Carroll 1 There's a home by the great Avonmore, That flows into the broad open sea, Whilst the rivers that dash through the foam And the bullrushes wave in the breeze. The green ivy clings around the door, And the birds sweetly sing on each tree. To my darling sweet notes they do pour, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. 2 Her father has riches in store, Both cattle, corn and wealth And fine land by lovely Glandore, While I have my youth and good health. For she's the fond maid I adore And her life she has pledged unto me Without riches or no earthly store, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. 3 1 have toiled through those years of my life, Through sunshine, through storm and rain, And surely I'd venture my life To ease her one moment from pain. I would climb the highest hills of the land And I'd swim to the depth of the sea To get a touch from her lily-white hand, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. . 4 Last night as the sun was aglow And sank right into its rest And the clouds like mountains of snow As they declined to the west— To be out for to meet my own stor, And kindly she waited for me By the old stile by lovely Glandore, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. 5 Like a sick man that longs for the dawn I would long for one sight of her eye And I'd pray for my own cailin ban As she's waiting for me by the stile. For she is my pride and my joy, My comfort in life then is she. For she is my own promised wife, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. . 6 And when I will call her my own, It is married we both then will be. Like a king and a queen in their throne We'll be living in sweet unity. I'll do all I can for my star And I'll rise up a nice family On the lovely green hills of Glandore, 'S arÉirinn ní neosfainn cé hí. 7 If there be any dispute by us both, Between her loving parents and mine On some steamer that will be afloat We'll set off to some strange counterie, Where we'll have a home of our own And be at our own liberty. And 'tis then sure her name will be known— Yet for Ireland I'll not tell who she is! Cassette 1, Side B, Track 3. IFC TM 81/B/2. August 19th 1972. Tom did not recollect a specific source, although he recalled that it had been in the family a long time. Known in Scotland as 'Tweedside', this beautiful air is said to have been written by David Rizzio (or Riccio), musician and secretary to Mary Queen of Scots. His affection for the Queen was manifest and the amount of time he spent in her private chamber the source of much speculation. On March 9th 1566 the unfortunate Italian was dragged from the pregnant Queen's side and butchered before her eyes by a number of armed lords who delivered him no less than fifty dagger-strokes. In its Irish form this song, (trans.'For Ireland I will not tell whom she is'), is classified as a reverdie by O Tuama. The classification refers to the greenwood setting in which the poet encounters the beautiful maiden much as in an aisling. However, if they are vision-poems, O Tuama reminds us that they are 'aisling na súll n-oscailte go minic. And indeed some versions of the song carried intimations of carnality which at least implied that the interpretations of the singers at any rate were down-to-earth, no matter how high-flown the poetry. When Conny Cochlan of Derrynasaggart, Baile Bhuirne, sang his version for A.M. Freeman in 1914 he told the collector that it was a dialogue between a married man and his brother, a priest, in which the former lets the priest know that he is aware of his passion for his wife!' The Clare Gaelic scholar Eugene O' Curry stated that this song was written originally about 1810 by a Finneen, or Florence, Scannell, a Kerry schoolmaster. The song in English which Tom sings has been about for a good many years likewise, as is witnessed by the similar version which Freeman noted down in London in 1915. Interestingly enough in our context, his informant was a Frank Brewe from Ruan in West Clare. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies) Date: 18 Sep 10 - 04:26 PM I sing this. Thanks for the background info and extra verse Jim! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Jim Carroll Date: 18 Sep 10 - 05:12 PM You should try to get hold of the Tom Lenihan recording - probably one of his most beautiful pieces of singing - and has a lot of fond memories for me. Jim Carroll |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST,Dan Kaufman Date: 28 Feb 12 - 03:54 PM Cherish the Ladies does a stunning version of this (lyrics similar to the ones Jim Carroll cites). At a concert recently the singer introduced it by saying that the refrain "For Ireland I'll not tell her name" refers to the suitor--having returned to Ireland to find his love has married his brother--desiring not to cause a war over a woman. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST,Lifelong Exile Date: 20 Jun 14 - 01:44 PM I love Wolfetones and Irish Music. When I listen to it I feel a deep deep love for Ireland and a strong yearning to join it. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Dave Hanson Date: 20 Jun 14 - 03:29 PM Barney McKenna did a stunning version of the melody, no one else could make a tenor banjo sound so sweet and moving. Dave H |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: MartinRyan Date: 13 Oct 14 - 05:01 AM There's a version of this at The Goilin Song Project, by the inimitable Con Greaney. Good luck with the transcription! Click here Regards |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: bubblyrat Date: 13 Oct 14 - 06:37 AM But nobody else ( yet ! ) agrees with me that it was the "theme music" for the Australian TV series " Ben Hall " !! Like, was it or wasn't it ??? (Like !). |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: MartinRyan Date: 13 Oct 14 - 08:51 AM Not judging by THIS version! ;>)> Regards |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Willa Date: 14 Oct 14 - 08:09 AM The version I sing, which I learnt from Sandra Joyce at a Folkworks workshop some years ago, is exactly as Jim Carroll's post has it (post 18 September 2010) I have a copy of the pages from the book that it was in, including the tune, but not the title of the book. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Jim Carroll Date: 14 Oct 14 - 08:38 AM "but not the title of the book." Possibly from the book of Tom Lenihan's songs, 'Mount Callan Garland' which was issued as a box set alongside two cassettes of Toms singing. It was published by Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann in 1994 and is still available if you hunt around for it - a wonderful piece of work and well worth the trouble searching out. I notice that our local newsagents here in Miltown Malbay still has copies of it for sale if anybody is interested. Jim Carroll |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Tattie Bogle Date: 20 Dec 14 - 08:21 PM I see there's a new thread on it, but sensibly referred the OP back to this thread. One of my favourite tunes, which I learned early on when starting button accordion. (Score in my button accordion book in key of G.) Later I heard the Dervish recording of Cathy Jordan singing it in Gaelic on the "Live in Palma" album and was blown away by it. There is another version by Cathy on YouTube with her singing in English: the lyrics scroll on the clip, and are as Jim Carroll has given above. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST,Jimmy D Date: 27 May 18 - 09:19 AM I was at a wedding playing this song (Gaelic Ayre) on a bagpipe...At the end of the tune an elderly lady came up to me and said.."How dare you play this song at my Granddaughters wedding".She told me that the song was called For Ireland I'd Not tel her Name--It was about a gentleman having an affair with His Brothers Wife..I guess she heard a different version |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Jim Carroll Date: 27 May 18 - 09:38 AM AS martin's link seems to have nbeen bushwhacked - TRY THIS Jim Carroll The Hills of Glendore (Roud 9302) Tom Lenihan, Knockbrack, Miltown Malbay, Recorded 1976 Carroll Mackenzie Collection Tom Lenihan There’s a home in the hills of Glendore, That sleeps near the broad open sea, Whilst the rivers that dash through the foam And the bull rushes wave in the breeze. The green ivy clings around the door, And the birds sweetly sing on each tree. To my darling sweet notes they do pour, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Her father has riches in store, Both cattle, corn and wealth, And fine land by lovely Glandore While I have my youth and good health. For she’s the fond maid I adore And her life she has pledged unto me, Without riches or no earthly store, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. I have toiled through those years of my life, Through sunshine, through storm and rain; And surely I’d venture my life To ease her one moment from pain. I would climb the highest hill of the land, And I’d swim to the depth of the sea To get a tip from her lily-white hand, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Like a sick man that longs for the dawn, I‘d long for one sight of her eye. And I’d pray for my own cailín bán As she’s waiting for me by the stile. For she is my pride and my joy, My comfort in life then is she. For she is my own promised wife, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Last night as the sun was aglow And sank right into its rest, And the clouds like mountains of snow As they declined to the west. To be out for to meet my own stór, And kindly she waited for me By the old stile by lovely Glandore, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. And when I will call her my own, It is married we both then will be. Like a king and a queen in their throne We’ll be living in sweet unity. Well we’ll have a home of our own, And be at our own liberty, And ‘tis then, sure her name will be known Yet for Ireland I’ll not tell who she is! There’s a home in the hills of Glendore, That sleeps near the broad open sea, Whilst the rivers that dash through the foam And the bull rushes wave in the breeze. The green ivy clings around the door, And the birds sweetly sing on each tree. To my darling sweet notes they do pour, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Her father has riches in store, Both cattle, corn and wealth, And fine land by lovely Glandore While I have my youth and good health. For she’s the fond maid I adore And her life she has pledged unto me, Without riches or no earthly store, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. I have toiled through those years of my life, Through sunshine, through storm and rain; And surely I’d venture my life To ease her one moment from pain. I would climb the highest hill of the land, And I’d swim to the depth of the sea To get a tip from her lily-white hand, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Like a sick man that longs for the dawn, I‘d long for one sight of her eye. And I’d pray for my own cailín bán As she’s waiting for me by the stile. For she is my pride and my joy, My comfort in life then is she. For she is my own promised wife, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. Last night as the sun was aglow And sank right into its rest, And the clouds like mountains of snow As they declined to the west. To be out for to meet my own stór, And kindly she waited for me By the old stile by lovely Glandore, ‘S ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hí. And when I will call her my own, It is married we both then will be. Like a king and a queen in their throne We’ll be living in sweet unity. Well we’ll have a home of our own, And be at our own liberty, And ‘tis then, sure her name will be known Yet for Ireland I’ll not tell who she is! "In Tom Munnelly’s collection of Tom Lenihan’s songs, 'Mount Callan Garland' this is sung as 'There’s a Home by the Great Avonmore' and the Irish 'Ar Éireann ní neosfainn cé hÍ' (For Ireland I’ll not tell who she is) is given as a title. Tom Munnelly’s note reads: 'Known in Scotland as 'Tweedside', this beautiful air is said to have been written by David Rizzio (or Riccio), musician and secretary to Mary Queen of Scots. His affection for the Queen was manifest and the amount of time he spent in her private chamber the source of much speculation. On March 9th 1566 the unfortunate Italian was dragged from the pregnant Queen's side and butchered before her eyes by a number of dagger strokes.' He attributes this conclusion to Irish dance music scholar Breandán Breathnach ('Folkmusic and Dances of Ireland', Educational Co. of Ireland, Dublin, 1971.) Pat MacNamara’s text differs somewhat from Tom’s." Jim Carroll |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Helen Date: 27 May 18 - 05:04 PM bubblyrat, if you still want the answer to your question in 2008 and on 13 Oct 14 - 06:37 AM "But nobody else ( yet ! ) agrees with me that it was the "theme music" for the Australian TV series " Ben Hall " !! Like, was it or wasn't it ??? (Like !). " My answer is that I don't know. I never saw the Ben Hall series back in 1975. (Poor student at the time, no access to TV in that period.) Here is a video of the opening credits. It doesn't sound like the For Ireland tune to me, unless it has been beefed up so much that it is unrecognisable to me, but please feel free to disagree with me. If the loud background accompaniment was taken away, and the melody alone could be heard, and the rhythm changed to a more traditional feel, then perhaps there may be some similarity. BEN HALL - 1975 - Jon Finch - Nobody's Man - Series Music by Bruce Smeaton Helen |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Helen Date: 27 May 18 - 05:14 PM Also, I'm probably wrong, in the light of other information here, but I always thought the title was a covert way of singing about love for and loyalty to Ireland, the country, as a rebellion against the English. The title would then imply that the singer would die for his country if necessary. The description of the woman can possibly, with a bit of mental gymnastics, be read as a description of Ireland. From trevek's post, 08 May 08 - 07:49 AM: If she to my words would take heed, Then the voice of my heart could ring true To her will I would gladly ascede Her desirs I would satisfy too I would read to her stories of old I would die for this woman with ease For one kiss my heart would explode Is ar Éirinn ní n-eósainn cé h-í. A vision of beauty and grace resides just beyond my domain There is beauty and joy in her face And her reason is honest and plain. Her hair is as gold when it shines her cheeks, like th rose, ar aflame And my heart to her will it resigns But for Ireland I'd not tell her name. (trans Sinead Cassidy, adapted Trev Hill) I'm trying to remember whether the same covert sentiments about Ireland have been attributed to the song Four Green Fields. Helen |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST,Martin Ryan Date: 27 May 18 - 05:45 PM Nothing covert about the (very modern) "Four Green FIelds" - but the idea has frequently been applied to songs over the centuries. That said - hindsight is a wonderful thing... Regards |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Helen Date: 27 May 18 - 05:55 PM Yep, I'd agree about hindsight, Martin. But I also know that songs can be very powerful statements which can unite people who are oppressed, so I have an open mind about it. I just found this article which attributes the political meaning to the song. Four Green Fields |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Tattie Bogle Date: 27 May 18 - 07:02 PM I was somewhat startled to hear a swingy waltz played at one of our local sessions, so much so that I had to ask the player where he got that version from. "It's by Blair Douglas" - "Cross Border Love". Have a listen and see what you think: certainly some similarities to "Ar Eireann". Blair Douglas has written some fine tunes and is a great musician, not saying anything agin that. Cross Border Love |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: GUEST Date: 09 Jul 18 - 08:07 AM Do you have the Lyrics for this song in Gaelic ? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name From: Jim Dixon Date: 12 Jul 18 - 08:39 AM I have found these Irish versions already posted at Mudcat (I have not compared them): AR ÉIRINN NÍ NEOSFAINN CÉ HÍ One Two Three |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |