The Sean-Bhean bhocht

The Sean-Bhean bhocht, Irish for the "Poor old woman" (often spelt phonetically in this song as "Shan Van Vocht"), is a traditional Irish song from the period of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, and dating in particular to the lead up to a French expedition to Bantry Bay, that ultimately failed to get ashore in 1796.

The Sean-Bhean bhocht is used to personify Ireland, a poetic motif which heralds back to the aisling of native Irish Language poetry. ^[1]

Many different versions of the song have been composed by balladeers over the years, with the lyrics adapted to reflect the political climate at the time of composition. The title of the song, tune and narration of the misfortunes of the Shean Bhean bhocht remain a constant however, and this version, probably the best known, expresses confidence in the victory of the United Irishmen in the looming rebellion upon the arrival of French aid.

W. B. Yeats and Augusta, Lady Gregory based their 1902 nationalist play, Cathleen Ní Houlihan, on the legend dramatized in this song. A more recent version of the character is the speaker in Tommy Makem's "Four Green Fields," a song composed in the modern context of Northern Ireland's partition from the Republic of Ireland. The character also appears as the old lady selling milk in the opening passage of Ulysses by James Joyce.

Lyrics

"Oh the French are on the sea," says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"The French are on the sea," says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"Oh The French are in the Bay, they'll be here without delay,
And the Orange will decay," says the Sean Bhean Bhocht.

"And their camp it will be where?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"Their camp it will be where?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht.
"On the Curragh of Kildare and the boys will all be there
"With their pikes in good repair." says the Sean Bhean Bhocht .

"And what will the yeomen do?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"What will the yeomen do?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"What will the yeomen do but throw off the red and blue,
And swear that they'll be true to the Sean Bhean Bhocht.

"Then what colour will be seen?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"What colour will be seen?" says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"What colour should be seen where our fathers' homes have been
But our own immortal green? " says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,

"And will Ireland then be free? " says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"Will Ireland then be free? " says the Sean Bhean Bhocht,
"Yes old Ireland will be free from the centre to the sea,
And hurrah! for liberty," says the Sean Bhean Bhocht.^[2]

References