The Star Of The County Down is an Irish folk song that has been popular for many years. It tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Rosie. The song has been covered by many artists, and it is still a popular tune today.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of The Star Of The County Down are as follows:
Near Banbridge town, in the County Down,
One morning last July,
Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen,
And she smiled as she passed me by;
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet
To the sheen of her nut-brown hair;
Such a coaxing elf, sure I shook myself
To see I was really there.From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay,
From Galway to Dublin town,
No maid I’ve seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.As she onward sped, sure I scratched my head,
And I looked with a feelin’ rare;
And I says, says I, to a passer-by,
“Who’s the maid with the nut-brown hair?”
He smiled at me and he says, says he,
“That’s the gem of Ireland’s crown.
She’s Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann,
She’s the star of the County Down.”She’d a soft brown eye and a look so sly,
And a smile like a rose in June,
And she sang so sweet what could be complete
Than the lilt of the Irish tune.
And on the day I asked her “Could we be wed?”
In a year or so’s time;
She smiled at me and she said to me,
“We’ll see what we can do.”From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay,
From Galway to Dublin town,
No maid I’ve seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.At the harvest fair she’ll be surely there,
And I’ll dress in my Sunday clothes,
And I’ll try sheep’s eyes, and deludhering lies,
On the heart of the nut-brown rose.
No pipe I’ll smoke, no horse I’ll yoke,
Though with rust my plow turns brown,
Till a smiling bride by my own fireside
Sits the star of the County Down.From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay,
From Galway to Dublin town,
No maid I’ve seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.
The History
The Star Of The County Down is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The song was written by Cathal McGarvey, a writer and poet from County Down, Ireland. The melody is believed to have been composed by a musician named Patrick Byrne.
The song tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Rosie. The song has become a popular tune in Ireland and has been covered by many artists over the years.
The Meaning
The meaning of The Star Of The County Down is open to interpretation, but it is generally believed to be a love song. The song tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Rosie. The song is filled with romantic imagery and poetic language, making it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
The Legacy
The Star Of The County Down has become a beloved song in Ireland and around the world. The song has been covered by many artists, including Van Morrison and The Chieftains. The song has also been featured in films and television shows, including the movie Far and Away and the TV series The Tudors.
The Reception
The Star Of The County Down has been well-received by audiences around the world. The song is known for its beautiful melody and romantic lyrics. The song has become a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions, and it is often played at Irish-themed events.
The Cover Versions
The Star Of The County Down has been covered by many artists over the years. Some of the most popular cover versions include those by Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and Sinead O’Connor. The song has also been covered by many lesser-known artists and has been adapted into different styles of music, including rock, jazz, and classical.
The Adaptations
The Star Of The County Down has been adapted into many different styles of music over the years. The song has been adapted into rock, jazz, and classical music, among others. The song has also been adapted into different languages, including Spanish, German, and French.
The Significance
The Star Of The County Down is significant because it is a beloved song in Ireland and around the world. The song has become a part of Irish culture and is often played at events and celebrations. The song has also been covered by many artists and has been adapted into different styles of music, making it a versatile and enduring tune.
The Folklore
The Star Of The County Down is part of Irish folklore and has been passed down from generation to generation. The song is believed to have originated in County Down and is often associated with the area. The song is also believed to have been inspired by a real-life woman named Rosie McCann.
The Interpretations
The Star Of The County Down has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some people view the song as a romantic love song, while others see it as a celebration of Irish culture and folklore. The song has also been interpreted as a commentary on the social and political issues of the time.
The Variations
The Star Of The County Down has been adapted and modified over the years, resulting in many different variations of the song. Some of the variations include changes to the lyrics, melody, and instrumentation. These variations have helped to keep the song fresh and relevant over the years.
The Impact
The Star Of The County Down has had a significant impact on Irish culture and music. The song has become a beloved tune in Ireland and around the world, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. The song has also been adapted into different styles of music, making it a versatile and enduring tune
