Paude O'Donoghue lyrics
"Paudeen O'Donoghue" (or "Paude O'Donoghue") is a traditional Irish folk song that humorously tells the story of a poor, lovable rascal named Paudeen O'Donoghue. The song captures light-hearted Irish storytelling, humor, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures, which are hallmarks of traditional Irish music.
Song Meaning and Themes
Musical StyleThe song is typically performed with a lively, upbeat tempo, accompanied by traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán. Its playful nature makes it popular in Irish music sessions and pub sing-alongs.
LegacyWhile not as widely known as other Irish folk tunes, "Paudeen O'Donoghue" remains a beloved song in traditional Irish music circles, appreciated for its charm and humor.
Song Meaning and Themes
- A Charming Rogue:
Paudeen O'Donoghue is typically portrayed as a carefree, mischievous character who is always involved in some kind of adventure or trouble. Despite his flaws, he’s endearing, much like other famous characters in Irish folk songs. - Resilience and Humor:
The song’s tone is light-hearted and humorous, with Paudeen’s antics reflecting a resilience in the face of poverty and misfortune. This theme is common in Irish folk music, where storytelling often celebrates making the best of life’s circumstances. - Community and Social Life:
Many versions of the song describe Paudeen’s interactions with friends and neighbors and his escapades at local gatherings or pubs. This reflects the importance of community and shared stories in Irish culture. - Cultural Identity:
As with many Irish folk songs, "Paudeen O'Donoghue" celebrates the everyday lives of ordinary people. It’s a snapshot of life in rural Ireland, blending folklore with humor and storytelling.
Musical StyleThe song is typically performed with a lively, upbeat tempo, accompanied by traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán. Its playful nature makes it popular in Irish music sessions and pub sing-alongs.
LegacyWhile not as widely known as other Irish folk tunes, "Paudeen O'Donoghue" remains a beloved song in traditional Irish music circles, appreciated for its charm and humor.
A song from the 1798 rebellion
The Yeos were in Dunshaughlin and the Hessians in Dunreagh, And spread thro' fair Moynalty were the Fencibles of Reay. While Roden's bloody hunters ranged from Skreen to Mullachoo When hammered were the Pike-head first by Paudh O'Donoghue.
Bold Padraig was as strong a boy as ever hammer swung, And the finest hurler that you'd find the lads of Meath among.
And when the wrestling match was o'er no man could boast he threw The dark-haired smith of Curragha, young Paud O'Donoghue.
Young Padraig lived a happy life, and gaily sang each day. Beside his ringing anvil, some sweet old Irish lay.
Or walked light-heartedly at eve through woods of lone Kilbrue, With her who'd given her pure heart's love to Paudh O'Donoghue.
But 'Ninety-Eight's dark season came and Irish hearts were sore, The Pitch-cap, shears and triangle the patient folk outbore. The Blacksmith [ lyrics ] thought of Erin and found he'd work to do, `I'll forge some steel for freedom,' said Paudh O'Donoghue.
the Yeos were in Dunshaughlin and the Hessions in Dunreagh, And spread thro' fair Moynalty were the Fencibles of Reay.
Though Roden's bloody hunters raged from Skreen to Mullachoo, The pike-heads keen were hammered out by Paud O'Donoghue.
And so each night in Curragha was heard the anvil's ring, While scouting on the roadways were Hugh and Phelim King, With Gillie's Pat and Foley's Mat, and Micky Gilsenan, too, While in the forge for Ireland worked young Paudh O'Donoghue.
But a traitor crept among them, and the secret soon was sold To the captain of the Yeomen for the ready Saxon gold.
And a troop dashed out one evening from the woods of dark Kilbrue. And soon a rebel prisoner bound was Paudh O'Donoghue.
Now, Paddy Og, pray fervently, your earthly course has run, The captain he has sworn you'll not see the morrow's sun.
The muskets they are ready and each yeoman's aim is true
Death stands beside your shoulder, young Paudh O'Donoghue
Bold Padraig was as strong a boy as ever hammer swung, And the finest hurler that you'd find the lads of Meath among.
And when the wrestling match was o'er no man could boast he threw The dark-haired smith of Curragha, young Paud O'Donoghue.
Young Padraig lived a happy life, and gaily sang each day. Beside his ringing anvil, some sweet old Irish lay.
Or walked light-heartedly at eve through woods of lone Kilbrue, With her who'd given her pure heart's love to Paudh O'Donoghue.
But 'Ninety-Eight's dark season came and Irish hearts were sore, The Pitch-cap, shears and triangle the patient folk outbore. The Blacksmith [ lyrics ] thought of Erin and found he'd work to do, `I'll forge some steel for freedom,' said Paudh O'Donoghue.
the Yeos were in Dunshaughlin and the Hessions in Dunreagh, And spread thro' fair Moynalty were the Fencibles of Reay.
Though Roden's bloody hunters raged from Skreen to Mullachoo, The pike-heads keen were hammered out by Paud O'Donoghue.
And so each night in Curragha was heard the anvil's ring, While scouting on the roadways were Hugh and Phelim King, With Gillie's Pat and Foley's Mat, and Micky Gilsenan, too, While in the forge for Ireland worked young Paudh O'Donoghue.
But a traitor crept among them, and the secret soon was sold To the captain of the Yeomen for the ready Saxon gold.
And a troop dashed out one evening from the woods of dark Kilbrue. And soon a rebel prisoner bound was Paudh O'Donoghue.
Now, Paddy Og, pray fervently, your earthly course has run, The captain he has sworn you'll not see the morrow's sun.
The muskets they are ready and each yeoman's aim is true
Death stands beside your shoulder, young Paudh O'Donoghue
