Origin: Down by the Glenside

Subject: RE: Origin: Down by the Glenside
From: GUEST,jo coffey
Date: 04 Nov 15 - 06:48 PM

Brendan Behan, nephew of Peadar Kierney the song's author, sings a verse in Irish - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzluqXrPCp8. Does anyone know the translation to that?

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: JedMarum
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 11:50 AM

this verse is listed in the DT and is one I love. I agree with you Victoria, the melody is haunting and beautiful.

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Victoria
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 09:23 PM

As all can see, my keyboard is being less than cooperative! Oops! That was "Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian MEN. (obviously!) :-)

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Victoria
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 09:20 PM

I've always loved the haunting sound of this song.... I learned it with an additional verse; Some died by the glenside, some died with a stranger/ and wise men will tell us their cause was a failure/ but they stood by old Ireland and never feared danger/ Glory O, Gloy O, to the bold Fenian me....

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Neil Comer
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 03:31 PM

Just as a matter of interest, there is a song to the tune of 'Down by the Glenside,' called Sloíte na bhFiann, written ( almost certain) by Seán Bán Mac Grianna, a poet from the Rann na Feirste Gaeltacht. It is a translation of Down by the Glenside. I am not sure of any commercial recordings, but I have heard it on a number of occasions

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Martin _Ryan
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 03:14 PM

Written after or close to 1916 - but referring to the 19C, Fenian uprising .

Regards

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: JedMarum
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 09:36 AM

Does this song remember the rising of 1848? Or 1916? It seems that the song is modern era, if so it would refer to the 1916 uprising, that ended with all republican leaders but Devalera being executed.

Anyone have any insights to offer?

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: JedMarum
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 09:13 AM

Thanks Mick. I have sent you an email.

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 01:42 AM

Liam, if you send me your email addy, I will send you the words and chords via email. I sing this one.........great song. Send it to me at [e-mail]

All the best,

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: JedMarum
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 01:00 AM

Philippa - thanks.

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Philippa
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 05:28 PM

Down By the Glenside was composed by Peadar Kearney, who also wrote the Soldier's Song (Irish national anthem). I think he was an uncle of Brendan Behan. Lyrics are in the DT.

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 12:03 PM

There have been several threads on this one - try a Forum Quicksearch on "fenian".

Regards

Subject: RE: Help: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: InOBU
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 11:16 AM

Try the title Bold Fienan Men (check my spelling) It was down by the glen side
I met an old woman
she was plucking young nettles
and she ner saw me coming
I listened a while to the song she was humming
Glory o glory o to those bold fienian men

Now when i was a young girl
the sound of their drilling
arose ore the glenside
so knobly thrilling
They fough for Ireland and to die they were willing
Glory o glory o to those bold fienan men

Its been fifty long years since I saw the moon beaming
on brave manly forms their eyes all a gleaming
I see them agian in all my sad dreaming
glory o glory o to the bold fienian men

I passed on my way, God be praised that I met her
be my life long or short, sure I ll never forget her
Ireland may have brave sons, but she ll never have better.
Glory o glory o to those bold feinan men
Dont worry about offending folks, tell the truth.
Larry

Subject: DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE
From: JedMarum
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 11:04 AM

Who knows about this song? It has a lovely, haunting melody and a sad but noble theme. It commemorates what, a single, failed uprising? How old is it? Do we know the author? Is it offensive in some circles? Any info would be helpful. Thanks.