Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)
From: GUEST,Stanley from Manly
Date: 17 Aug 18 - 02:47 AM

Google Translates the Irish verse thus

Shawla listen to the ears of thamma listen
Shawla listen to the ears of thamma listen
Shawla listen to the ears of thamma listen
Balli shly gattery howsh munnaveen.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)
From: Lighter
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 12:13 PM

Thanks, Ace. Some of the words do have an Irish sound, as though they were once based on something real.

But if no one has any suggestions....maybe not.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)
From: GUEST,Jonny Ace
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 12:00 PM

According to Van Ronk's autobiography, they were just nonsense syllables, taught to him by his grandmother. The Irish fiddle tune that provided the melody is also known, unbelievably, as "Hitler's Downfall."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 06:00 PM

Here's what Van Ronk's chorus sounds like to me

Shawla guh hawla guh thamma guh thoo
Shawla guh hawla guh thamma guh thoo
Shawla guh hawla guh thamma guh thoo
Balli shly gattery howsh munnaveen.

Mean anything to Irish speakers?

Of course, it may have been Irish once but Irish no longer.

Or it may always have been gibberish in any language.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brian O'Lynne (from Dave Van Ronk)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 02:29 PM

Dave Van Ronk's version is the only one (of many)that I've heard or found that has a chorus in the Irish language - learned from his grandmother if I recall a'right - which adds greatly to the general rollick of the tune. I've never been able to find a written version of that chorus, tho'.

Subject: RE: Lyrics to Brian O'Lynne
From: Alice
Date: 03 Oct 97 - 06:08 PM

Do a search in the database using brian* o'linn*. You will find reference to several versions. Alice in Montana

Subject: Lyrics to Brian O'Lynne
From: DW Ditty
Date: 03 Oct 97 - 06:03 AM

I am not sure even how to spell Brian's name, but I once heard a rendition of this song done by Dave Van Ronk. I am quite sure from the sound (a traditional sounding jig) that the song exists outside of Van Ronk's repetoire. I can only bring back sketches of the lyrics and would very much appreciate having a complete version to work with. Thanks in advance.