Old Maid In The Garrett Lyrics And Chords
The Old Maid In The Garrett Irish Folk Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords, was recorded by The Clancys , The Flying Column who recorded a version of The Galtee Mountain Boy Song , Steeleye Span , The Dublin City Ramblers, this song dates back to the 17th century but the lyrics here are 19th century by Martin Parker from London .The guitar chords in D are in chordpro. [Not a song you would hear a lot of women sing] the sheet music is included. The youtube video is Sweeneys Men who play the song in the key of F#. Steeleye Span play it in F.
The song 'Old Maid in the Garrett' is a traditional Irish folk ballad that has been passed down through generations and has been popularized by various artists throughout the years. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a young woman who is left as a spinster, or an 'old maid,' living alone in the attic, or 'garrett,' of her family's home. The song touches upon themes of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of not conforming to traditional roles.
The lyrics of the song begin by introducing the central character, the old maid in the garrett. She is described as 'pale and wan,' indicating her physical appearance has been affected by her loneliness. The song then goes on to explain that she is all alone, with no one to love and care for her. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it portrays the old maid as a pitiful and tragic figure.
The second stanza of the song delves into the old maid's past, revealing that she was once a young and beautiful woman who had many suitors. However, she was 'too proud and too high' to accept any of them, and as a result, she remains unmarried and alone. This highlights the societal expectations placed upon women during this time period, where marriage was seen as the ultimate goal for women and those who remained single were often stigmatized.
As the song continues, the old maid is portrayed as living a life of regret and longing for what could have been. She is described as looking out of her window, watching as the young couples pass by, and 'thinking of days that are gone.' This highlights the idea that she is trapped in the past, unable to move on from her decision to reject her suitors.
The chorus of the song is a poignant refrain, as it repeats the line 'Poor old maid, she's in the garrett,' emphasizing the isolation and loneliness of the central character. The use of the word 'poor' evokes a sense of sympathy for the old maid, further emphasizing her tragic circumstances.
The third stanza of the song takes a darker turn, as it reveals that the old maid's siblings are now married and living comfortable lives, while she is left to suffer. The line 'her brothers and sisters have all got their men' highlights the inequality between men and women during this time period, where men were expected to provide for and protect their female family members.
The final stanza of the song brings the story to a tragic end, as it is revealed that the old maid has died alone in the garrett. The line 'they found her dead in her lonely bed' evokes a sense of sadness and pity for the old maid, who died without ever experiencing love or companionship.
The song 'Old Maid in the Garrett' highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women during this time period. It also sheds light on the consequences of not conforming to these expectations, as the old maid is left isolated and ultimately dies alone. The song serves as a cautionary tale, warning women of the consequences of rejecting societal norms and not conforming to traditional roles.
Furthermore, the song also explores the theme of love and its importance in one's life. The old maid is portrayed as a tragic figure, as she is denied the opportunity to experience love and companionship. This serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the detrimental effects of isolation.
The song has remained popular throughout the years, with various artists such as The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, and The Corrs recording their own versions of it. This speaks to the enduring appeal of the song, as it continues to resonate with audiences and remains relevant even in modern times.
In conclusion, 'Old Maid in the Garrett' is a powerful and poignant folk ballad that explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of not conforming to traditional roles. Through its tragic tale of a woman who is left alone and ultimately dies without ever experiencing love, the song serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of human connection and the damaging effects of societal pressures. Its enduring popularity and relevance in modern times is a testament to its timeless message and the universal human experience it portrays.
The lyrics of the song begin by introducing the central character, the old maid in the garrett. She is described as 'pale and wan,' indicating her physical appearance has been affected by her loneliness. The song then goes on to explain that she is all alone, with no one to love and care for her. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it portrays the old maid as a pitiful and tragic figure.
The second stanza of the song delves into the old maid's past, revealing that she was once a young and beautiful woman who had many suitors. However, she was 'too proud and too high' to accept any of them, and as a result, she remains unmarried and alone. This highlights the societal expectations placed upon women during this time period, where marriage was seen as the ultimate goal for women and those who remained single were often stigmatized.
As the song continues, the old maid is portrayed as living a life of regret and longing for what could have been. She is described as looking out of her window, watching as the young couples pass by, and 'thinking of days that are gone.' This highlights the idea that she is trapped in the past, unable to move on from her decision to reject her suitors.
The chorus of the song is a poignant refrain, as it repeats the line 'Poor old maid, she's in the garrett,' emphasizing the isolation and loneliness of the central character. The use of the word 'poor' evokes a sense of sympathy for the old maid, further emphasizing her tragic circumstances.
The third stanza of the song takes a darker turn, as it reveals that the old maid's siblings are now married and living comfortable lives, while she is left to suffer. The line 'her brothers and sisters have all got their men' highlights the inequality between men and women during this time period, where men were expected to provide for and protect their female family members.
The final stanza of the song brings the story to a tragic end, as it is revealed that the old maid has died alone in the garrett. The line 'they found her dead in her lonely bed' evokes a sense of sadness and pity for the old maid, who died without ever experiencing love or companionship.
The song 'Old Maid in the Garrett' highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women during this time period. It also sheds light on the consequences of not conforming to these expectations, as the old maid is left isolated and ultimately dies alone. The song serves as a cautionary tale, warning women of the consequences of rejecting societal norms and not conforming to traditional roles.
Furthermore, the song also explores the theme of love and its importance in one's life. The old maid is portrayed as a tragic figure, as she is denied the opportunity to experience love and companionship. This serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the detrimental effects of isolation.
The song has remained popular throughout the years, with various artists such as The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, and The Corrs recording their own versions of it. This speaks to the enduring appeal of the song, as it continues to resonate with audiences and remains relevant even in modern times.
In conclusion, 'Old Maid in the Garrett' is a powerful and poignant folk ballad that explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of not conforming to traditional roles. Through its tragic tale of a woman who is left alone and ultimately dies without ever experiencing love, the song serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of human connection and the damaging effects of societal pressures. Its enduring popularity and relevance in modern times is a testament to its timeless message and the universal human experience it portrays.
Old Maid In The Garrett Lyrics And Easy Guitar Chords In D
[D]Now I've often heard it said from me father and me mother
That the[A] going tae a wedding is the[G] making of a[D]nother
[D]Well, if this be[G] true, I will[D] go without a biddin
O kind providence, won't you send me tae a[A] wedding
And its[D] O[G] dear[D] me, how would it[G] be,
if I[D] die an old maid in a[A] garr[D]et
Well, there's my sister Jean, she's not handsome or good looking
Scarcely sixteen and a fella she was courting
Now at twenty-four with a son and a daughter
Here am I at forty-five and I've never had an offer
I can cook and I can sew and I can keep the house right tidy
Rise up in the morning and get the breakfast ready
There's nothing in this whole world would make me half so cheery
As a wee fat man to call me his own deary
So come landsman or come pinsman, come tinker or come tailor
Come fiddler or come dancer, come ploughboy or come sailor
Come rich man, come poor man, come fool or come witty
Come any man at all that will marry me for pity
Well now I'm away home for nobody's heeding
Nobody's heeding and nobody's pleading
I'll go away to my own bitty garret
If I can't get a man, then I'll have to get a parrot
[D]Now I've often heard it said from me father and me mother
That the[A] going tae a wedding is the[G] making of a[D]nother
[D]Well, if this be[G] true, I will[D] go without a biddin
O kind providence, won't you send me tae a[A] wedding
And its[D] O[G] dear[D] me, how would it[G] be,
if I[D] die an old maid in a[A] garr[D]et
Well, there's my sister Jean, she's not handsome or good looking
Scarcely sixteen and a fella she was courting
Now at twenty-four with a son and a daughter
Here am I at forty-five and I've never had an offer
I can cook and I can sew and I can keep the house right tidy
Rise up in the morning and get the breakfast ready
There's nothing in this whole world would make me half so cheery
As a wee fat man to call me his own deary
So come landsman or come pinsman, come tinker or come tailor
Come fiddler or come dancer, come ploughboy or come sailor
Come rich man, come poor man, come fool or come witty
Come any man at all that will marry me for pity
Well now I'm away home for nobody's heeding
Nobody's heeding and nobody's pleading
I'll go away to my own bitty garret
If I can't get a man, then I'll have to get a parrot
What's A Garrett ?
A garret is a habitable attic [ loft ] or small and often dismal or cramped living space at the top of a house. this was the least prestigious position in a building, and often had sloping ceilings.
A garret is a habitable attic [ loft ] or small and often dismal or cramped living space at the top of a house. this was the least prestigious position in a building, and often had sloping ceilings.
Song Meaning.
"Old Maid in the Garrett" is a traditional Irish folk song that humorously deals with the social pressures and stigma surrounding unmarried women, particularly those who are getting older. The song is lighthearted, playful, and self-deprecating, with a comedic twist on what was once considered a serious issue.
Meaning and Themes:
Spinsterhood and Social Expectations:
The song is sung from the perspective of an aging woman who laments not being married. In a time when marriage was often seen as a marker of a woman’s success or status, the narrator pokes fun at the pressure to marry.
Humor and Sarcasm:
Despite the subject, the song is full of wit and irony. Rather than showing sadness or despair, the narrator embraces the situation and sings with exaggerated humor about her unmarried state.
“Now I'm old, my spirits are bold / And I only pretend that I’m shy.”
These lines highlight the narrator’s defiance of societal norms and her refusal to feel ashamed.
Resilience and Independence:
The song also reflects the narrator’s resilience. Although she’s the "old maid in the garret," she’s still spirited and lively. The upbeat, jaunty tune emphasizes a carefree, independent attitude.
Cultural Critique:
In a broader sense, the song critiques outdated societal norms regarding women and marriage. It mocks the idea that a woman’s worth is tied solely to her marital status.
Legacy:
Popular Folk Song: The song is often performed in Irish music sessions and is beloved for its humor and energy.
Feminist Overtones: In modern times, it’s sometimes interpreted as a song of empowerment, celebrating a woman’s right to live life on her own terms.
"Old Maid in the Garrett" is a traditional Irish folk song that humorously deals with the social pressures and stigma surrounding unmarried women, particularly those who are getting older. The song is lighthearted, playful, and self-deprecating, with a comedic twist on what was once considered a serious issue.
Meaning and Themes:
Spinsterhood and Social Expectations:
The song is sung from the perspective of an aging woman who laments not being married. In a time when marriage was often seen as a marker of a woman’s success or status, the narrator pokes fun at the pressure to marry.
Humor and Sarcasm:
Despite the subject, the song is full of wit and irony. Rather than showing sadness or despair, the narrator embraces the situation and sings with exaggerated humor about her unmarried state.
“Now I'm old, my spirits are bold / And I only pretend that I’m shy.”
These lines highlight the narrator’s defiance of societal norms and her refusal to feel ashamed.
Resilience and Independence:
The song also reflects the narrator’s resilience. Although she’s the "old maid in the garret," she’s still spirited and lively. The upbeat, jaunty tune emphasizes a carefree, independent attitude.
Cultural Critique:
In a broader sense, the song critiques outdated societal norms regarding women and marriage. It mocks the idea that a woman’s worth is tied solely to her marital status.
Legacy:
Popular Folk Song: The song is often performed in Irish music sessions and is beloved for its humor and energy.
Feminist Overtones: In modern times, it’s sometimes interpreted as a song of empowerment, celebrating a woman’s right to live life on her own terms.
Old Maid In The Garret Tin Whistle Sheet Music Notes
