Arthur McBride lyrics and chords
The guitar tabs are included including a version in CGDA tuning. Christy Moore and Planxty recorded this old folk song.
Traditional. This one goes back to 1840s and was recorded by Planxty , Paul Brady and Bob Dylan. The first version is by Andy Irvine with Planxty. all the other versions of the song are included here. The sheet music is below. thanks to Marc Fahrbach for the guitar chords [ in chordpro ] for the planxty version. The ukulele chords are included. Back to the folk songs of Christy Moore .
Traditional. This one goes back to 1840s and was recorded by Planxty , Paul Brady and Bob Dylan. The first version is by Andy Irvine with Planxty. all the other versions of the song are included here. The sheet music is below. thanks to Marc Fahrbach for the guitar chords [ in chordpro ] for the planxty version. The ukulele chords are included. Back to the folk songs of Christy Moore .
[D]I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
he and[G] I took a[D] stroll down[Em] by the sea[G]side
a[D] seeking good fortune and what might the[Bm] tide
it was[D] just as the[Em] day was a[G] dawn[A]ing
And[D] after we rested we[G] went on a[D] tramp
we[G] met Seargeant[D] Napper and [Em]Corporal [G]Cramp
and a[D little wee drummer who[Bm] beat up our camp
with his[A] rowdy dou[G] dou in the mor[D]ning
He said my young fellows if you will enlist
a guinea you quickly shall have in your fist
and besides a crown for to kick up the dust
and drink the King's health in the morning
but had we been such fools as to take the advance
the wee bit of money we'd have to run chance
do you think it no scruples for to send us to France
where we would be killed in the morning
He says my young fellows if I hear but one word
instantly now will out with my sword
and into your bodies as strength might afford
so now me gay devils take warning
but Arthur and I we soon took the odds
and we gave them no chance for to draw out their swords
our wacking shillelaghs came over their heads
and paid them right smart in the morning
As for the wee drummer we rifled his pouch
and we made a football of his rowdy dou dou
and into the ocean for to rock and to roll and
barring the day its returning
as for the ould rapier that hung by his side
we flung as far as we could in the tide
To the divil I pitch you says Arthur McBride
to temper your edge in the morning.
he and[G] I took a[D] stroll down[Em] by the sea[G]side
a[D] seeking good fortune and what might the[Bm] tide
it was[D] just as the[Em] day was a[G] dawn[A]ing
And[D] after we rested we[G] went on a[D] tramp
we[G] met Seargeant[D] Napper and [Em]Corporal [G]Cramp
and a[D little wee drummer who[Bm] beat up our camp
with his[A] rowdy dou[G] dou in the mor[D]ning
He said my young fellows if you will enlist
a guinea you quickly shall have in your fist
and besides a crown for to kick up the dust
and drink the King's health in the morning
but had we been such fools as to take the advance
the wee bit of money we'd have to run chance
do you think it no scruples for to send us to France
where we would be killed in the morning
He says my young fellows if I hear but one word
instantly now will out with my sword
and into your bodies as strength might afford
so now me gay devils take warning
but Arthur and I we soon took the odds
and we gave them no chance for to draw out their swords
our wacking shillelaghs came over their heads
and paid them right smart in the morning
As for the wee drummer we rifled his pouch
and we made a football of his rowdy dou dou
and into the ocean for to rock and to roll and
barring the day its returning
as for the ould rapier that hung by his side
we flung as far as we could in the tide
To the divil I pitch you says Arthur McBride
to temper your edge in the morning.
I (C)had a first cousin called Arthur McBride,
He and (F)I took a (C)stroll down (Dm)by the sea(F)side
A-(C)seeking good fortune and (F)what might be(C)tide,
T'was just as the (Dm)day was a-(F)daw(G)ning
And then (C)after resting we (F)both took a (C)tramp,
We (F)met seargent (C)Harper and (Dm)corporal (F)Cramp
Be(C)sides the wee drummer who beat up for camp
With his rowdy-dow-(G)dow in the (C)morning
He says 'My young fellows, if you will enlist,
a Guinee you quickly will have in your fist
Besides a Crown for to kick up the dust
And drink the King's health in the morning'
Had we been such fools as to take the advance
The wee bit of money we’d have to run chance
‚Do ye think it no sruples for to send us to France
Where we would be killed in the morning ‚’
He says 'My young fellows, if I hear but one word,
I instantly now will out with my sword
And into your bodies as strength will afford,
So now, my gay devils, take warning'
But Arthur and I we took in the odds,
We gave them no chance to launge out their swords
Our whacking shillelaghs came over their heads
And paid them right smart in the morning
As for the young drummer we rifled his pouch
And we made a football of his rowdy-dow-dow
And into the ocean to rock and to roll
And bade it a tedious returning
As for the old rapier that hung by his side
We flung it as far as we could in the tide
To the devil I pit you, says Arthur McBride
To temper your steel in the morning.
He and (F)I took a (C)stroll down (Dm)by the sea(F)side
A-(C)seeking good fortune and (F)what might be(C)tide,
T'was just as the (Dm)day was a-(F)daw(G)ning
And then (C)after resting we (F)both took a (C)tramp,
We (F)met seargent (C)Harper and (Dm)corporal (F)Cramp
Be(C)sides the wee drummer who beat up for camp
With his rowdy-dow-(G)dow in the (C)morning
He says 'My young fellows, if you will enlist,
a Guinee you quickly will have in your fist
Besides a Crown for to kick up the dust
And drink the King's health in the morning'
Had we been such fools as to take the advance
The wee bit of money we’d have to run chance
‚Do ye think it no sruples for to send us to France
Where we would be killed in the morning ‚’
He says 'My young fellows, if I hear but one word,
I instantly now will out with my sword
And into your bodies as strength will afford,
So now, my gay devils, take warning'
But Arthur and I we took in the odds,
We gave them no chance to launge out their swords
Our whacking shillelaghs came over their heads
And paid them right smart in the morning
As for the young drummer we rifled his pouch
And we made a football of his rowdy-dow-dow
And into the ocean to rock and to roll
And bade it a tedious returning
As for the old rapier that hung by his side
We flung it as far as we could in the tide
To the devil I pit you, says Arthur McBride
To temper your steel in the morning.
Below is the list of songs in the Christy Moore pdf song book. Over 50 of Christy's greatest songs
with sheet music and tin whistle notes. Price €8.75. Arthur McBride included.
with sheet music and tin whistle notes. Price €8.75. Arthur McBride included.
Arthur McBride is a traditional Irish folk ballad that tells the story of two young men who encounter a British army recruiting sergeant and his drummer while walking on a country road. The song, which is believed to originate from the 19th century, has been passed down through generations and has been recorded and performed by countless artists, solidifying its place in the canon of Irish music.
The song starts with the two protagonists, Arthur McBride and his cousin, walking down a country road on a peaceful day. As they continue on their journey, they come across a recruiting sergeant and his drummer who are looking for new soldiers to join the British army. The sergeant tries to persuade the two young men to join the army, promising them riches and glory. However, Arthur and his cousin are not easily swayed and instead, they use their wit and cunning to outsmart the sergeant and his drummer, ultimately refusing their offer and standing up for their Irish identity and resistance against British rule.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the song is its strong anti-recruiting message. The song serves as a commentary on the practice of British army recruitment in Ireland during the 19th century, which was often done through coercion and false promises. The song highlights the resistance of the Irish people against British rule and the pride they take in their identity and heritage.
The character of Arthur McBride also represents the archetypal Irish hero - brave, cunning, and steadfast in his beliefs. He is a symbol of Irish resistance and rebellion against the British army and their attempts to recruit and suppress the Irish people. His quick thinking and clever responses to the sergeant's attempts to persuade him showcase the resilience and determination of the Irish people.
The song also showcases the traditional Irish style of storytelling, with its vivid imagery and descriptive lyrics. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Irish countryside and the encounter between the two young men and the army sergeant. The use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the fiddle and bodhrán, further adds to the authenticity and cultural significance of the song.
The popularity and longevity of the song can be attributed to its ability to capture the essence of Irish identity and resistance against British rule. It has been recorded and performed by numerous artists, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. The most notable version is by renowned Irish folk singer Paul Brady, who recorded the song in 1976 and helped to introduce it to a wider audience.
The song has also been adapted and referenced in popular culture, further cementing its place in Irish folklore. The most notable example of this is in the 1997 film The Boxer, where the song is used as a symbol of the protagonist's Irish identity and struggle against the British.
In conclusion, Arthur McBride is a timeless and iconic Irish folk ballad that tells a story of resistance, identity, and pride. Its powerful anti-recruiting message, memorable characters, and traditional storytelling style have solidified its place in Irish music and culture. The song serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Irish people and their unwavering pride in their heritage.
The song starts with the two protagonists, Arthur McBride and his cousin, walking down a country road on a peaceful day. As they continue on their journey, they come across a recruiting sergeant and his drummer who are looking for new soldiers to join the British army. The sergeant tries to persuade the two young men to join the army, promising them riches and glory. However, Arthur and his cousin are not easily swayed and instead, they use their wit and cunning to outsmart the sergeant and his drummer, ultimately refusing their offer and standing up for their Irish identity and resistance against British rule.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the song is its strong anti-recruiting message. The song serves as a commentary on the practice of British army recruitment in Ireland during the 19th century, which was often done through coercion and false promises. The song highlights the resistance of the Irish people against British rule and the pride they take in their identity and heritage.
The character of Arthur McBride also represents the archetypal Irish hero - brave, cunning, and steadfast in his beliefs. He is a symbol of Irish resistance and rebellion against the British army and their attempts to recruit and suppress the Irish people. His quick thinking and clever responses to the sergeant's attempts to persuade him showcase the resilience and determination of the Irish people.
The song also showcases the traditional Irish style of storytelling, with its vivid imagery and descriptive lyrics. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Irish countryside and the encounter between the two young men and the army sergeant. The use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the fiddle and bodhrán, further adds to the authenticity and cultural significance of the song.
The popularity and longevity of the song can be attributed to its ability to capture the essence of Irish identity and resistance against British rule. It has been recorded and performed by numerous artists, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. The most notable version is by renowned Irish folk singer Paul Brady, who recorded the song in 1976 and helped to introduce it to a wider audience.
The song has also been adapted and referenced in popular culture, further cementing its place in Irish folklore. The most notable example of this is in the 1997 film The Boxer, where the song is used as a symbol of the protagonist's Irish identity and struggle against the British.
In conclusion, Arthur McBride is a timeless and iconic Irish folk ballad that tells a story of resistance, identity, and pride. Its powerful anti-recruiting message, memorable characters, and traditional storytelling style have solidified its place in Irish music and culture. The song serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Irish people and their unwavering pride in their heritage.
Long Version in G
I (G)had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
He and (C)I took a (G)stroll down (Am)by the sea(C)side;
(G)Seeking good fortune and (C)what might be(G)tide
It was just as the (Am)day was a'(C)daw(D)nin'
And (G)after restin' we (C)both took a (G)tramp
We (C)met Sergeant (G)Harper and (Am)Corporal (C)Cramp
Be(G)sides the wee drummer who beat up the camp
With his row-dee-(D)dow-dow in the (G)morning
He says my young fellows if you will enlist
A guinea you quickly will have in your fist
Besides a crown for to kick up the dust
And drink the King's health in the morning
For a soldier he leads a very fine life
He always is blessed with a charming young wife
And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife
And always lives happy and charming
And a soldier he always is decent and clean
In the finest of garments he's constantly seen
While other poor fellows go dirty and mean
And sup on thin gruel in the morning
Says Arthur, I wouldn't be proud of your clothes
You've only the lend of them as I suppose
And you dare not change them one night or you know
If you do you'll be flogged in the morning
And although we are single and free
We take great delight in our own company
And we have no desire strange countries to see
Although your offer is charming
And we have no desire to take your advance
All hazards and danger we barter on chance
and you'd have no scruples to send us to France
Where we would be shot without warning
And now says the sergeant, if I hear but one word
I'll instantly now will out with my sword
And into your bodies as strength will afford
So now my gay devils take warning
But Arthur and I we took the odds
We gave them no chance to launch out their swords
Whacking shillelaghs came over their heads
And paid them right smart in the morning
As for the wee drummer, we rifled his pow
And made a football of his row-do-dow-dow
Into the ocean to rock and to roll
And bade it a tedious returnin'
As for the old rapier that hung by his side
We flung it as far as we could in the tide
To the Devil I pitch you, says Arthur McBride
To temper your steel in the morning
I (G)had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
He and (C)I took a (G)stroll down (Am)by the sea(C)side;
(G)Seeking good fortune and (C)what might be(G)tide
It was just as the (Am)day was a'(C)daw(D)nin'
And (G)after restin' we (C)both took a (G)tramp
We (C)met Sergeant (G)Harper and (Am)Corporal (C)Cramp
Be(G)sides the wee drummer who beat up the camp
With his row-dee-(D)dow-dow in the (G)morning
He says my young fellows if you will enlist
A guinea you quickly will have in your fist
Besides a crown for to kick up the dust
And drink the King's health in the morning
For a soldier he leads a very fine life
He always is blessed with a charming young wife
And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife
And always lives happy and charming
And a soldier he always is decent and clean
In the finest of garments he's constantly seen
While other poor fellows go dirty and mean
And sup on thin gruel in the morning
Says Arthur, I wouldn't be proud of your clothes
You've only the lend of them as I suppose
And you dare not change them one night or you know
If you do you'll be flogged in the morning
And although we are single and free
We take great delight in our own company
And we have no desire strange countries to see
Although your offer is charming
And we have no desire to take your advance
All hazards and danger we barter on chance
and you'd have no scruples to send us to France
Where we would be shot without warning
And now says the sergeant, if I hear but one word
I'll instantly now will out with my sword
And into your bodies as strength will afford
So now my gay devils take warning
But Arthur and I we took the odds
We gave them no chance to launch out their swords
Whacking shillelaghs came over their heads
And paid them right smart in the morning
As for the wee drummer, we rifled his pow
And made a football of his row-do-dow-dow
Into the ocean to rock and to roll
And bade it a tedious returnin'
As for the old rapier that hung by his side
We flung it as far as we could in the tide
To the Devil I pitch you, says Arthur McBride
To temper your steel in the morning
Arthur McBride tenor guitar tab in CGDA
And below is the standard guitar tab in G Major. There's many more Irish Guitar Tabs Here
