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Lyr Req: So called Irish song

03 Dec 04 - 11:53 AM (#1346463)
Subject: Lyr Req: So-called Irish song
From: KK

Need help identifying a song that has a first line that goes something like:
When first I left old Ireland dear, to Liverpool I went, sir
. . . . . it was my whole intent, sir

He uses the phrase whole intent sir fairly regularly.
It's also got a too ra loo ra string at the end of the verse.
I know I've seen this somewhere. . . but the closest thing to a title I 've got is "Irish song" - though it's sung by a Scot.
I'm working from an old battered recording, so any help would be appreciated
ta!
K


05 Dec 04 - 04:36 AM (#1347837)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: Bonnie Shaljean

This one's driving me crazy!! I can HEAR the damn thing in my head, but can I remember the title?

It was recorded on a super and far too little known album by the Black family (Mary Black & siblings who are brilliant at harmony) with one of the brothers singing lead - what great voices they all have.

If it's the song that you mean (can't remember the too ra loo bit, but the lines end with Sir as a sort of upswing rhythm device) the title is something to do with Liberty ... aha!! - "Sweet Liberty" ... I think...


05 Dec 04 - 01:06 PM (#1348068)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: KK

Yes, I think you're right about liberty. I'll see what I can dig up with that title. It's driving me crazy too, cause I know I've heard it recently. . .
Thanks
K


05 Dec 04 - 04:34 PM (#1348203)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: Susanne (skw)

The structure of KK's fragment, with the 'sir' at the end, would fit the Scottish song 'The Forfar Soldier', so it could be the same tune. Anybody know other lyrics to that tune?


05 Dec 04 - 07:06 PM (#1348276)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: michaelr

"Sweet Liberty", written by John Shields and recorded on The Black Family's "Time For Touching Home" (Dara, 1989), fits the rhyming scheme and the "sir" bit, but not the lyrics that KK remembers. It may have been written based on the one we're looking for.

The song may well be related to "Forfar Sodger", which, as Susanne points out, uses a similar structure.

Cheers,
Michael


16 Dec 04 - 07:16 AM (#1358495)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: KK

Nope, it's not either of these, nor is it the Vicar of Bray. Starting to think the old fellow made it up. And why not? I've been tempted to do it myself a few times
KK


16 Dec 04 - 07:20 PM (#1359178)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: So called Irish song
From: GUEST,Susanne (skw) cookieless from Berlin

You mention that it's sung by a Scot - perhaps Andy Stewart or some old music hall artist having made up his own words to The Forfar Soldier? Can you remember where you got the cassette from?