Hey all… trying to figure out the notes for Paddy’s Lamentations and having some difficulties. Does anyone know where I can find sheet music online for it?
Thanks,
Andrea ~*~
I could help you, but first a question. There are two distict, and completely different songs that I know of, that go by the name “Paddy’s Lamentation” I know them both, but can you tell me some of the lyrics so I know which you’re referring to?
Hey Seth… the one I’m working on was recorded by Mary Black. The lyrics are:
Well it’s by the hush, me boys, and sure that’s to hold your noise
And listen to poor Paddy’s sad narration
I was by hunger pressed, and in poverty distressed
So I took a thought I’d leave the Irish nation
Chorus
Here’s to you boys, now take my advice
To America I’ll have ye’s not be going
There is nothing here but war, where the murderin’ cannons roar
And I wish I was at home in dear old Dublin
Well I sold me horse and cow, my little pigs and sow
My little plot of land I soon did part with
And me sweetheart Bid McGee, I’m afraid I’ll never see
For I left her there that morning broken-hearted
Chorus
Well meself and a hundred more, to America sailed o’er
Our fortunes to be made we were thinkin’
When we got to Yankee land, they shoved a gun into our hands
Saying “Paddy, you must go and fight for Lincoln”
General Meagher was he said, if you get shot or lose your head
Every murdered soul of youse will get a pension
Well meself I lost me leg, they gave me a wooden peg,
And by God this is the truth to you I mention
Chorus
Thanks for your help!
Hwyl fawr,
Andrea ~*~
No, seriously Andrea, do you know any of the lyrics to it? 
ROFL… Sorry, it’s my anal-retentive Virgo moon kicking in. 
Actually, I got the lyrics off of Mary Black’s site and it was just as easy to copy and paste the whole thing, as to do just a few. I love the song!
In laughter,
Andrea ~*~
You have good taste, Andrea, I love it too. Have you heard her song, My Youngest Son Came Home Today? That puts a lump in my throat every time.
I’ve been curious about Paddy’s Lamentation…was it written in the 20th century or is it older than that? Anybody know?
Pray to God but row toward shore.
[ This Message was edited by: blackhawk on 2002-06-09 18:48 ]
Thanks Aderyn, I’ll see if I can find my copy of the music, barring that, I’ll write it down for you.
Aside to Blackhawk: It can’t be much older then 20th century since it is about the Civil War. I’d assume it is somewhat contemporary
[ This Message was edited by: Seth on 2002-06-10 11:23 ]
On 2002-06-10 11:22, Seth wrote:
Aside to Blackhawk: It can’t be much older then 20th century since it is about the Civil War. I’d assume it is somewhat contemporary
[ This Message was edited by: Seth on 2002-06-10 11:23 ]
I was basically just wondering if it was written for that show, Long Journey Home, or if it was actually historical, written shortly after the Civil War…trad or modern?
On 2002-06-09 18:47, blackhawk wrote:
I’ve been curious about Paddy’s Lamentation…was it written in the 20th century or is it older than that? Anybody know?
I believe it’s older. Could check some liner notes. It was recorded by Andy M. Steward under the title “By the Hush” on the CD called “By the Hush”. Very beautiful. But since I don’t have the Mary Black recording, I don’t know if its the same air. I can supply the music for Andy Stewards version though, b/c I learned to sing it/play it at some point. He does sing one or two more verses than Andrea listed.
Now I’d count myself in luck, to be fed on Indian buck
In old Ireland the country I delight in
And with the devil I do say:
Oh Christ curse Amerikae,
For I’m sure I’ve had enough of your hard fighting.
Can’t remember if there is another one right now.
/bloomfield
[ This Message was edited by: Bloomfield on 2002-06-10 12:23 ]
On 2002-06-10 12:15, blackhawk wrote:
I was basically just wondering if it was written for that show, Long Journey Home, or if it was actually historical, written shortly after the Civil War…trad or modern?
It seems the origin of the song is a bit mysterious, but a quick check found the following
http://www.geocities.com/willboyne/nosurrender/Hush.html
Here is some of what the notes in “The Penguin Book of Canadian Folk Songs”, which Edith Fowke compiled, says about the song:
O. J. Abbott learned this song from Mrs. O’Malley, the wife of an Ottawa Valley Farmer for whom he worked back in the 1880s. Strangely enough, this American Civil War ballad has not been reported from tradition in the United States.
And this site:
http://www.hauntedfieldmusic.com/Lyrics.html
suggests that there may have been a more upbeat version during the war.
bye
bj