CASADH AN TSÚGÁIN Lyrics and Chords
(Twisting The Rope)
Recorded by The Bothy Band on their album The Best Of The Bothy Band (use capo on 5th fret for CD version and on 4th for YouTube video) Guitar chords by Marc Fahrbach, included here in the video are The Bothy Band, Micheal O'Domhnaill agus Kevin Burke.Casadh an tSugain tin whistle sheet music score is included. Back to As Gaeilge Songs .
Recorded by The Bothy Band on their album The Best Of The Bothy Band (use capo on 5th fret for CD version and on 4th for YouTube video) Guitar chords by Marc Fahrbach, included here in the video are The Bothy Band, Micheal O'Domhnaill agus Kevin Burke.Casadh an tSugain tin whistle sheet music score is included. Back to As Gaeilge Songs .
Song Meaning: "Casadh an tSúgáin" (Twisting the Rope)"Casadh an tSúgáin" is a traditional Irish-language folk song that reflects themes of love, rejection, and longing. The title translates to "Twisting the Rope," a metaphor for the complexities and twists in romantic relationships. The song has been popularized by performances from artists such as Seán Ó Sé and The Chieftains, bringing its haunting melody and poignant lyrics to a broader audience.
Themes and Meaning:
Musical Style:The song is often performed with a slow, reflective melody that emphasizes its mournful tone. Traditional Irish instruments such as the harp, fiddle, or tin whistle may accompany the vocals, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
Cultural Significance:"Casadh an tSúgáin" is considered a classic example of sean-nós singing, a traditional Irish vocal style known for its ornamentation and emotional expressiveness. The song has been preserved through generations as a symbol of Ireland’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
Conclusion:"Casadh an tSúgáin" is a beautifully crafted Irish folk ballad that captures the complexities of love and life through metaphor and song. Its timeless themes, evocative melody, and connection to Ireland’s cultural roots continue to make it a cherished part of the Irish folk tradition.
Themes and Meaning:
- Unfulfilled Love:
The song tells the story of a young man who visits his lover’s home, only to be met with rejection. The act of twisting a rope in the lyrics serves as a metaphor for both the labor of life and the emotional struggle of unrequited or lost love.- The man’s hopeful visit contrasts with the disappointment he experiences, emphasizing the heartache of love that is not returned.
- Symbolism of the Rope:
The twisting of a rope was a common rural chore, representing the twists and turns of life and relationships. In the song, the act can also symbolize the narrator’s futile efforts to secure a lasting bond with his love. - Cultural Pride:
As a traditional song sung in Irish (Gaeilge), "Casadh an tSúgáin" reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. The song is part of a long oral tradition of storytelling through music, blending everyday tasks with deep emotional themes. - Longing and Acceptance:
Despite his rejection, the narrator does not express anger or bitterness. Instead, there is a resigned acceptance of his fate, a common theme in Irish folk ballads. - Tradition and Nostalgia:
Like many Irish folk songs, "Casadh an tSúgáin" captures the nostalgia for rural life and simpler times, blending everyday experiences with profound emotional depth.
Musical Style:The song is often performed with a slow, reflective melody that emphasizes its mournful tone. Traditional Irish instruments such as the harp, fiddle, or tin whistle may accompany the vocals, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
Cultural Significance:"Casadh an tSúgáin" is considered a classic example of sean-nós singing, a traditional Irish vocal style known for its ornamentation and emotional expressiveness. The song has been preserved through generations as a symbol of Ireland’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
Conclusion:"Casadh an tSúgáin" is a beautifully crafted Irish folk ballad that captures the complexities of love and life through metaphor and song. Its timeless themes, evocative melody, and connection to Ireland’s cultural roots continue to make it a cherished part of the Irish folk tradition.
Intro: F-Em-F-C-F-C-Dm-G
Agus (C)rinne mise (G7)cleas ag (C)Tigh Mhic (F)Ui (C)Dhomhnaill a(Dm)ré(G)ir
Is an (C)tarna (G)cleas ag (C)teach an (Em)Ósta (Dm)lena (C)thaobh
An (F)triú (Em)cleas ní (F)bfhearr (C)domh a (F)chur le (C)mo (Dm)scé(G)al
Is (C)gur mhinicí (G7)domh bheith (C)ag caith(Em)eamh an (Dm)dúthracht mhaith (C)léi
'S a (C)Rí na (G7)bhfeart cad do (C)chas Ins a' (F)dú(C)iche seo (Dm)mé(G)?
'S gur (C)mó cailín (G)deas a (C)gheobhainn im' (Em)dhút(Dm)haigín beag (C)féin
Gur (F)casadh mé is(Em)teach mar a raibh (F)se(C)arc agus (F)rún (C)geal mo (Dm)chlé(G)ibh
Is (C)chuir an tsean(G7)bhean amach (C)mé ag (Em)casadh an (Dm)tsúgáinín (C)féir
Curfá:
Má (C)bhíonn tú (G7)liom, bí (C)liom a (F)stói(C)rín mo (Dm)chroí(G)
Ma (C)bhíonn tú (G)liom, bí (C)liom os (Em)co(Dm)mhair an (C)tsaoil
Ma (F)bhíonn tú (Em)liom, bí (F)lio(C)m gach o(F)rlach (C)de do (Dm)chroí(G)
Is é mo (C)liom go (G7)fann nach (C)liom dé (Em)Domhnaigh (Dm)thú mar (C)mhnaoí
Tá mo (C)cheannsa (G7)liath le (C)bliain is (F)ní le (C)críonnacht (Dm)é(G)
Ní (C)bheathaíonn na (G)briathra, na (C)bráithre (Em)pé sa (Dm)domhan scéal (C)é
Is (F)táim i (Em)do dhiaidh le (F)blia(C)in is (F)gan fáil (C)agam ort (Dm)féin(G)
Is (C)gur geall le (G7)fia mé (C)ar go mbeadh (Em)gáir chon (Dm)ina (C)dhéidh
Curfá
Do (C)threabfainn, (G7)d'fhuirsinn (C)chuirfinn (F)síol (C)ins a' (Dm)chré(G)
'S do (C)dhéanfainn o(G)bair sho(C)cair á(Em)lainn, (Dm)mhín, (C)réidh
Do (F)chuirfinn (Em)crú fén (F)e(C)ach is (F)mire shiúil (C)riamh ar (Dm)féa(G)r
Is ná (C)héalaodh (G7)bean le (C)fear ná (Em)déan(Dm)fadh san (C)féin
Curfá 2x
Agus (C)rinne mise (G7)cleas ag (C)Tigh Mhic (F)Ui (C)Dhomhnaill a(Dm)ré(G)ir
Is an (C)tarna (G)cleas ag (C)teach an (Em)Ósta (Dm)lena (C)thaobh
An (F)triú (Em)cleas ní (F)bfhearr (C)domh a (F)chur le (C)mo (Dm)scé(G)al
Is (C)gur mhinicí (G7)domh bheith (C)ag caith(Em)eamh an (Dm)dúthracht mhaith (C)léi
'S a (C)Rí na (G7)bhfeart cad do (C)chas Ins a' (F)dú(C)iche seo (Dm)mé(G)?
'S gur (C)mó cailín (G)deas a (C)gheobhainn im' (Em)dhút(Dm)haigín beag (C)féin
Gur (F)casadh mé is(Em)teach mar a raibh (F)se(C)arc agus (F)rún (C)geal mo (Dm)chlé(G)ibh
Is (C)chuir an tsean(G7)bhean amach (C)mé ag (Em)casadh an (Dm)tsúgáinín (C)féir
Curfá:
Má (C)bhíonn tú (G7)liom, bí (C)liom a (F)stói(C)rín mo (Dm)chroí(G)
Ma (C)bhíonn tú (G)liom, bí (C)liom os (Em)co(Dm)mhair an (C)tsaoil
Ma (F)bhíonn tú (Em)liom, bí (F)lio(C)m gach o(F)rlach (C)de do (Dm)chroí(G)
Is é mo (C)liom go (G7)fann nach (C)liom dé (Em)Domhnaigh (Dm)thú mar (C)mhnaoí
Tá mo (C)cheannsa (G7)liath le (C)bliain is (F)ní le (C)críonnacht (Dm)é(G)
Ní (C)bheathaíonn na (G)briathra, na (C)bráithre (Em)pé sa (Dm)domhan scéal (C)é
Is (F)táim i (Em)do dhiaidh le (F)blia(C)in is (F)gan fáil (C)agam ort (Dm)féin(G)
Is (C)gur geall le (G7)fia mé (C)ar go mbeadh (Em)gáir chon (Dm)ina (C)dhéidh
Curfá
Do (C)threabfainn, (G7)d'fhuirsinn (C)chuirfinn (F)síol (C)ins a' (Dm)chré(G)
'S do (C)dhéanfainn o(G)bair sho(C)cair á(Em)lainn, (Dm)mhín, (C)réidh
Do (F)chuirfinn (Em)crú fén (F)e(C)ach is (F)mire shiúil (C)riamh ar (Dm)féa(G)r
Is ná (C)héalaodh (G7)bean le (C)fear ná (Em)déan(Dm)fadh san (C)féin
Curfá 2x
English Translation: Gaelic Lyrics And Chords
I did a trick in O’Domhnall's house last night
And a second trick at the holstelry next door
I'd prefer not to add the third trick to my story
And I often spent a good __ with her
Oh God Almighty, what drove me to this district?
When it's many a fine lass I'd find in my own townland
I called into the house of my own true love
And the old woman put me twisting rope 'til I was outside the door
Chorus:
If you'll be mine, be mine oh treasure of my heart
If you'll be mine, be mine before the whole world
If you'll be mine, be mine every inch of your heart
Alas that you're not my wife this Sunday
My head is gray and it's not from old age
Fair words butter no parships anyway
I'm after you now for a year and it's useless
And I'm like a deer on the moor and the hounds are yelping after me
I'd plow, I'd toil, I'd sow seed in the clay
And I'd do a steady job, beautiful, smooth and even
I'd shoe the maddest horse ever to walk on grass
And the woman still wouldn't elope with a man who’d do that
I did a trick in O’Domhnall's house last night
And a second trick at the holstelry next door
I'd prefer not to add the third trick to my story
And I often spent a good __ with her
Oh God Almighty, what drove me to this district?
When it's many a fine lass I'd find in my own townland
I called into the house of my own true love
And the old woman put me twisting rope 'til I was outside the door
Chorus:
If you'll be mine, be mine oh treasure of my heart
If you'll be mine, be mine before the whole world
If you'll be mine, be mine every inch of your heart
Alas that you're not my wife this Sunday
My head is gray and it's not from old age
Fair words butter no parships anyway
I'm after you now for a year and it's useless
And I'm like a deer on the moor and the hounds are yelping after me
I'd plow, I'd toil, I'd sow seed in the clay
And I'd do a steady job, beautiful, smooth and even
I'd shoe the maddest horse ever to walk on grass
And the woman still wouldn't elope with a man who’d do that
Key Of G Major.
Agus (G)rinne mise (D7)cleas ag (G)Tigh Mhic (C)Ui (G)Dhomhnaill a(Am)r (D)ir
Is an (G)tarna (D)cleas ag (G)teach an (Bm) sta (Am)lena (G)thaobh
An (C)tri (Bm)cleas n (C)bfhearr (G)domh a (C)chur le (G)mo (Am)sc (D)al
Is (G)gur mhinic (D7)domh bheith (G)ag caith(Bm)eamh an (Am)d thracht mhaith (G)l i
'S a (G)R na (D7)bhfeart cad do (G)chas Ins a' (C)d (G)iche seo (Am)m (D)?
'S gur (G)m cail n (D)deas a (G)gheobhainn im' (Bm)dh t(Am)haig n beag (G)f in
Gur (C)casadh m is(Bm)teach mar a raibh (C)se(G)arc agus (C)r n (G)geal mo (Am)chl (D)ibh
Is (G)chuir an tsean(D7)bhean amach (G)m ag (Bm)casadh an (Am)ts g in n (G)f ir
Curf :
M (G)bh onn t (D7)liom, b (G)liom a (C)st i(G)r n mo (Am)chro (D)
Ma (G)bh onn t (D)liom, b (G)liom os (Bm)co(Am)mhair an (G)tsaoil
Ma (C)bh onn t (Bm)liom, b (C)lio(G)m gach o(C)rlach (G)de do (Am)chro (D)
Is mo (G)liom go (D7)fann nach (G)liom d (Bm)Domhnaigh (Am)th mar (G)mhnao
T mo (G)cheannsa (D7)liath le (G)bliain is (C)n le (G)cr onnacht (Am) (D)
N (G)bheatha onn na (D)briathra, na (G)br ithre (Bm)p sa (Am)domhan sc al (G)
Is (C)t im i (Bm)do dhiaidh le (C)blia(G)in is (C)gan f il (G)agam ort (Am)f in(D)
Is (G)gur geall le (D7)fia m (G)ar go mbeadh (Bm)g ir chon (Am)ina (G)dh idh
Curf
Do (G)threabfainn, (D7)d'fhuirsinn (G)chuirfinn (C)s ol (G)ins a' (Am)chr (D)
'S do (G)dh anfainn o(D)bair sho(G)cair (Bm)lainn, (Am)mh n, (G)r idh
Do (C)chuirfinn (Bm)cr f n (C)e(G)ach is (C)mire shi il (G)riamh ar (Am)f a(D)r
Is n (G)h alaodh (D7)bean le (G)fear n (Bm)d an(Am)fadh san (G)f in
Agus (G)rinne mise (D7)cleas ag (G)Tigh Mhic (C)Ui (G)Dhomhnaill a(Am)r (D)ir
Is an (G)tarna (D)cleas ag (G)teach an (Bm) sta (Am)lena (G)thaobh
An (C)tri (Bm)cleas n (C)bfhearr (G)domh a (C)chur le (G)mo (Am)sc (D)al
Is (G)gur mhinic (D7)domh bheith (G)ag caith(Bm)eamh an (Am)d thracht mhaith (G)l i
'S a (G)R na (D7)bhfeart cad do (G)chas Ins a' (C)d (G)iche seo (Am)m (D)?
'S gur (G)m cail n (D)deas a (G)gheobhainn im' (Bm)dh t(Am)haig n beag (G)f in
Gur (C)casadh m is(Bm)teach mar a raibh (C)se(G)arc agus (C)r n (G)geal mo (Am)chl (D)ibh
Is (G)chuir an tsean(D7)bhean amach (G)m ag (Bm)casadh an (Am)ts g in n (G)f ir
Curf :
M (G)bh onn t (D7)liom, b (G)liom a (C)st i(G)r n mo (Am)chro (D)
Ma (G)bh onn t (D)liom, b (G)liom os (Bm)co(Am)mhair an (G)tsaoil
Ma (C)bh onn t (Bm)liom, b (C)lio(G)m gach o(C)rlach (G)de do (Am)chro (D)
Is mo (G)liom go (D7)fann nach (G)liom d (Bm)Domhnaigh (Am)th mar (G)mhnao
T mo (G)cheannsa (D7)liath le (G)bliain is (C)n le (G)cr onnacht (Am) (D)
N (G)bheatha onn na (D)briathra, na (G)br ithre (Bm)p sa (Am)domhan sc al (G)
Is (C)t im i (Bm)do dhiaidh le (C)blia(G)in is (C)gan f il (G)agam ort (Am)f in(D)
Is (G)gur geall le (D7)fia m (G)ar go mbeadh (Bm)g ir chon (Am)ina (G)dh idh
Curf
Do (G)threabfainn, (D7)d'fhuirsinn (G)chuirfinn (C)s ol (G)ins a' (Am)chr (D)
'S do (G)dh anfainn o(D)bair sho(G)cair (Bm)lainn, (Am)mh n, (G)r idh
Do (C)chuirfinn (Bm)cr f n (C)e(G)ach is (C)mire shi il (G)riamh ar (Am)f a(D)r
Is n (G)h alaodh (D7)bean le (G)fear n (Bm)d an(Am)fadh san (G)f in
