Arthur McBride sheet music and tin whistle notes
The easy piano sheet music time signature is 3/4. There are several versions of the piano sheet music plus the tin whistle notes. I have also included an easy version of the piano keyboard / accordion.
Song Meaning
"Arthur McBride" is a traditional Irish anti-recruitment folk ballad that dates back to the early 19th century. The song, often performed in a conversational style, tells the story of two young Irishmen (the narrator and his cousin, Arthur McBride) encountering British army recruiters who try to enlist them. Through clever dialogue and defiance, the protagonists reject the recruiters, ultimately leading to a physical confrontation. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s meaning and themes:
1. Anti-Recruitment and Anti-War Themes
Song Meaning
"Arthur McBride" is a traditional Irish anti-recruitment folk ballad that dates back to the early 19th century. The song, often performed in a conversational style, tells the story of two young Irishmen (the narrator and his cousin, Arthur McBride) encountering British army recruiters who try to enlist them. Through clever dialogue and defiance, the protagonists reject the recruiters, ultimately leading to a physical confrontation. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s meaning and themes:
1. Anti-Recruitment and Anti-War Themes
- The central message of the song is a rejection of military service, a common sentiment in Ireland during the time it was written. The two men see through the recruiters’ promises of wealth and glory, recognizing the harsh realities of war and military life. Arthur dismisses the offer, noting that soldiers often end up poor, maimed, or dead.
- Arthur McBride and the narrator embody a spirit of independence and rebellion. Their refusal to be swayed by flattery or material promises reflects a broader sentiment of resistance against British authority and recruitment efforts in Ireland.
- The song’s tone is both defiant and humorous. Arthur uses clever and sarcastic language to ridicule the recruiters, making light of their efforts to persuade him. This combination of humor and rebellion is a hallmark of Irish folk storytelling.
- After the recruiters become angry at the rejection, a fight ensues, and Arthur and his cousin emerge victorious. They throw the recruiters’ swords and drums into the ocean, symbolizing their rejection of war and military life. This triumphant ending reinforces the song’s anti-authoritarian tone.
- The song reflects the historical context of British army recruitment in Ireland, which was often met with resentment and resistance. Many Irishmen were recruited—sometimes through coercion—into the British military, especially during the Napoleonic Wars and later conflicts.
- "Arthur McBride" has been recorded by numerous artists, including Paul Brady, whose 1977 version is particularly well-known for its intricate guitar work and expressive vocals. Bob Dylan also praised the song, further cementing its place in the folk music canon.
- Beyond its specific historical context, "Arthur McBride" resonates with broader themes of individual freedom, resistance to coercion, and the questioning of authority—making it relevant to audiences across generations and cultures.
Arthur McBride folk song sheet music notes in Do re mi format
Below is the list of sheet music and tin whistle songs that are in my ebooks. This is the largest collection of tin whistle songs ever put together.[over 800 songs ] Including folk, pop and trad tunes plus German And French songs along with Christmas Carols.
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50 . All the songs have lyrics .
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50 . All the songs have lyrics .
for Paul Brady song.I have included the basic letter notes also. The lyrics and chords of Arthur McBride are included.
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Arthur McBride abc music notes
G G A G G D E G A G B D' D' E' D' C B C B A B A G E G G D E G D E G A G B D' D' C B A B D' E' F'# E' D' B D' D' B C D' E' E' E' D' B C D' C B C B A B A G E G G D E G D E G A G B D' D' D' C B A E E G. The notes above may be slightly different than the video by Jean-Baptiste Meynard who is using a D whistle. This song is in the tin whistle song book with letter notes |
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Arthur McBride sheet music and tin whistle notes
Beginner piano notes
Standard piano sheet music for Arthur McBride in G Major
Arthur McBride sheet music in G Major
