Oró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oró, Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile (Irish pronunciation: [ˈɔɾˠoː ʃeː d̪ˠə ˈvʲahə ˈwalʲə]) is a traditional song, that came to be known as an Irish rebel song in the early 20th century.
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[edit] History
The song in its original form dates back to the reign of Elizabeth I of England, and the Jacobite rising.
In the early 20th century it received new verses by the nationalist poet Patrick Pearse and was often sung by IRA members and sympathisers, during the Easter Rising. It was also sung as a fast march during the Irish War of Independence.
Since 1916 it has also been known under various other titles, notably Dord na bhFiann (Call of the Fighters) or An Dord Féinne. The latter title is associated with Patrick Pearse in particular. This version is dedicated to the pirate or "Great Sea Warrior" Gráinne Ní Mháille. She was a formidable power on the west coast of Ireland in the late 1500s.
[edit] Performances and inspiration
The song has been sung widely, including by such ballad groups such as The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, The Cassidys, Noel McLoughlin, The McPeake Familiy, Thomas Loefke & Norland Wind, and the Wolfe Tones. Oró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile was also sung by sean nos singer Darach O'Cathain, Dónall Ó Dúil (on the album Faoin bhFód) and by Nioclas Toibin. The song has received more modern treatments from The Twilight Lords, Cruachan and Sinéad O'Connor. There is also a classical orchestral version by the Irish Tenors. Oró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile was also used in the 2006 film The Wind That Shakes the Barley.
The number and variety of performances indicates how widely known the song is (it was widely sung in state primary schools in the early and middle 20th century). It is also a testimony to how inspiring many people find the tune and lyrics.
[edit] Lyrics
The different versions' lyrics, which are in the public domain, are as follows:
[edit] Original Jacobite Version
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[edit] English translation
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[edit] Patrick Pearse Version
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[edit] English translation
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[edit] Notes
- ^ Bonnie Prince Charlie, Charles Edward Stuart
- ^ James, Prince of Wales, James Francis Edward Stuart
- ^ Some versions have "B'fhearr liom thú nó céad bó bhainne", which translates as "I'd prefer you to a hundred milk cows"
- ^ Some versions have Frainc, i.e. French, instead of Gaill.
- ^ Gráinne Mhaol or Gránuaile is an alternate way in Irish to refer to the famous rebel and pirate queen Grace O'Malley, noted for her resistance against queen Elizabeth I of England, and who remained in popular memory as a figure of Irish independence fighting.
