Auf Wiedersehen Crossmaglen Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords
Song Meaning: "Auf Wiedersehen, Crossmaglen""Auf Wiedersehen, Crossmaglen" is a poignant Irish ballad that reflects on the conflicts and challenges experienced in the village of Crossmaglen, located in South Armagh, Northern Ireland. The song touches on themes of political strife, loss, and the longing for peace and resolution in a region that endured significant turmoil during The Troubles (a period of violent conflict from the late 1960s to 1998 in Northern Ireland).
Themes and Meaning:
Musical Style:The song is often performed as a reflective folk ballad, with a solemn melody that underscores the seriousness of its themes. The traditional Irish instrumentation and storytelling style enhance its emotional impact.
Historical and Cultural Context:
Conclusion:"Auf Wiedersehen, Crossmaglen" is a somber reflection on the realities of life during a troubled time in Northern Ireland’s history. It captures the sorrow, resilience, and longing for peace that many felt during The Troubles. While tied to a specific place and time, the song’s universal themes of conflict and hope for peace continue to resonate today.
Themes and Meaning:
- Farewell to a Conflict-Torn Place:
The phrase “Auf Wiedersehen” (German for "goodbye until we meet again") reflects a bittersweet farewell, possibly from soldiers, police officers, or those stationed in the area during the height of The Troubles. Crossmaglen was known as a stronghold of Irish republican sentiment and a hotspot of conflict, making it a difficult and often dangerous place for British forces. - War and Strife:
The song acknowledges the tensions and hardships that defined life in Crossmaglen during the conflict. It may express the fatigue and disillusionment felt by those caught in the violence, while also highlighting the resilience of the local community. - Longing for Peace:
At its core, the song can be interpreted as a yearning for an end to the suffering and division. It may convey hope for a peaceful future where farewells are no longer necessary, and communities can live without fear. - Cultural and Political Divisions:
"Auf Wiedersehen, Crossmaglen" reflects the complex nature of Northern Ireland’s political landscape during The Troubles. While it doesn’t explicitly take sides, the song captures the emotional toll on those involved and the lasting scars left behind by the conflict.
Musical Style:The song is often performed as a reflective folk ballad, with a solemn melody that underscores the seriousness of its themes. The traditional Irish instrumentation and storytelling style enhance its emotional impact.
Historical and Cultural Context:
- Crossmaglen’s Significance: Crossmaglen became symbolic of resistance for many Irish republicans, as well as a site of frequent clashes between the IRA and British forces.
- The Troubles: The song is a reflection of the broader conflict in Northern Ireland, which centered on the division between unionists (who wanted to remain part of the UK) and nationalists (who sought a united Ireland).
Conclusion:"Auf Wiedersehen, Crossmaglen" is a somber reflection on the realities of life during a troubled time in Northern Ireland’s history. It captures the sorrow, resilience, and longing for peace that many felt during The Troubles. While tied to a specific place and time, the song’s universal themes of conflict and hope for peace continue to resonate today.
4/4 (Gerry O’Glacain)Recorded by Éire Óg, The Irish Brigade and The Spirit Of Freedom ‚Auf Wiedersehen‘ means ‚Goodbye‘ in German. The Irish Brigade mostly sing Irish rebel songs, the covered the Kathleen Largey song The Sniper's Promise also. If you think you heard the tune before, your right. Gerry from the ballad group The Irish Brigade used the air of ''Farewell To Carlingford'' for this song.
Tin whistle notes to Auf Wiedersehen Crossmaglen are in the Irish Rebel Songs For Tin Whistle
Chorus
So Auf (D)Wieder(G)sehen to (D)Crossma(Bm)glen
(G)Farewell Carrick(A)more;
I've (G)seen e(A)nough of (D)Ireland (Bm)boys
And I (G)won't be (Em)back for (A)more!
No I (G)won't be (A)back for (D)more!
The re(D)cruiting (G)sergeant (D)told me (Bm)’Son,
The (G)army life is (A)fine’
But he (G)did not (A)mention (D)mortar (Bm)bombs
Or (Em)bloody (G)Claymore (A)Mines!
Chorus
He (D)told me (G)of the (D)German (Bm)girls;
In the (G)discos every (A)night
But the (G)only (A)craic in (D)South Ar(Bm)magh
Comes (Em)from an (G)arma(A)lite!
Chorus
So fare(D)well at (G)last to (D)West Bel(Bm)fast
To the (G)Markets and the (A)Falls
I (G)quickly (A)got the (D)message (Bm)there
It was (Em)written (G)on the (A)walls
Brits Out!
Chorus
So come (D)all you young (G)lads though in (D)England you may (Bm)be
(G)Signing on the (A)brew
Stay (G)well a(A)way from the (D)IR(Bm)A
And (Em)they won't (G)bother (A)you...
Chorus
So Auf (D)Wieder(G)sehen to (D)Crossma(Bm)glen
(G)Farewell Carrick(A)more;
I've (G)seen e(A)nough of (D)Ireland (Bm)boys
And I (G)won't be (Em)back for (A)more!
No I (G)won't be (A)back for (D)more!
The re(D)cruiting (G)sergeant (D)told me (Bm)’Son,
The (G)army life is (A)fine’
But he (G)did not (A)mention (D)mortar (Bm)bombs
Or (Em)bloody (G)Claymore (A)Mines!
Chorus
He (D)told me (G)of the (D)German (Bm)girls;
In the (G)discos every (A)night
But the (G)only (A)craic in (D)South Ar(Bm)magh
Comes (Em)from an (G)arma(A)lite!
Chorus
So fare(D)well at (G)last to (D)West Bel(Bm)fast
To the (G)Markets and the (A)Falls
I (G)quickly (A)got the (D)message (Bm)there
It was (Em)written (G)on the (A)walls
Brits Out!
Chorus
So come (D)all you young (G)lads though in (D)England you may (Bm)be
(G)Signing on the (A)brew
Stay (G)well a(A)way from the (D)IR(Bm)A
And (Em)they won't (G)bother (A)you...
Chorus
