|
07 Apr 05 - 07:31 AM (#1454263) Subject: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: Brakn Anyone got this from the early 1900s? |
|
07 Apr 05 - 12:55 PM (#1454526) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: MartinRyan It's in one of James N Healy's books - which I don't have to hand at the moment. I'll dig it out if it doesn't appear here soon. Incidentally, it's listed in several American collections of Irish songs - including one dating to the 1870's. Regards |
|
07 Apr 05 - 01:56 PM (#1454591) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: Brakn Thanks Martin |
|
07 Apr 05 - 02:40 PM (#1454626) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: Malcolm Douglas See also Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads: Why can't Paddy be a gentleman |
|
07 Apr 05 - 03:52 PM (#1454702) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: MartinRyan Ha! Thank you Malcolm. As I read the text in the Bodleian image, I kept hearing a voice declaiming it! I've heard it done as a recitation, sometime in the last year - at a session County CLare, if memory serves. That's why the title rang a bell... Regards |
|
07 Apr 05 - 03:53 PM (#1454705) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: Brakn Thanks Malcolm. |
|
08 Apr 05 - 09:50 PM (#1455867) Subject: Lyr Req: WHY CAN'T PADDY BE A GENTLEMAN? From: Jim Dixon From Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads, 2806 b.11(213). WHY CAN'T PADDY BE A GENTLEMAN Being told Pat couldn't be a gentleman, I've set myself the task That tonight the reason why of you my friends [I] would ask. Hasn't Ireland got her colleges that have for centuries stood To teach the people? And you know their teaching's mighty good. Haven't Irishmen got heads and hearts? By dad, I know they've so. Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know. CHORUS: Why can't Paddy be a gentleman, a gentleman, a gentleman? Why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know. Some look down on an Irishman as if they thought that we Could naught but helpless dolts or fools e'er have a hope to be. What matter where a man is born? I see in Erin's Isle Are lots of native gentlemen to greet you with a smile. There are other kinds of gentlefolks besides a dandy beau. Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know. You cannot give the reason. I see it in your phiz That Paddy's not a gentleman because you know he is. He's always good to help a friend, although his means are scant, And if he's fond of blarney, he hates deceit and cant. His coat may be of common frieze. His heart won't freeze, oh, no! Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to know. If an Englishman's a gentleman, oh worrah, then it's true: As Pat is John Bull's brother, then he must be one too. Just read the Irish history, and in that same you'll find Great deeds of Irish gentlemen. St. Patrick's one, d'ye mind? And don't forget this, who sneer at honest Paddy's worth: That actions make the gentleman, no matter what the birth. |
|
09 Apr 05 - 09:35 AM (#1456196) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Why Can't Paddy Be A Gentleman? From: Brakn Thanks for taking the time to do that Jim. |