
The Dubliners, a band from Ireland, is known for their traditional Irish music and their ability to captivate their audience. One of their most popular songs, “I’ll Tell Me Ma,” is a favorite among fans and the Irish community alike. But what is the meaning behind the song? Let’s explore the lyrics and origins of this classic tune.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
“I’ll Tell Me Ma” is a traditional nursery rhyme from Northern Ireland. The lyrics are as follows:
I’ll tell me ma when I go home
The boys won’t leave the girls alone
They pulled my hair, they stole my comb
But that’s all right till I go home.
She is handsome, she is pretty
She is the belle of Belfast City
She is a courting, one, two, three
Please won’t you tell me who is she?
Albert Mooney says he loves her
All the boys are fighting for her
Knock at the door and ring the bell
Oh, my true love, are you well?
Out she comes as white as snow
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
Ould Johnny Morrissey says she’ll die
If she doesn’t get the fellow with the roving eye.
The Origins
The origins of the song can be traced back to the 19th century in County Down, Northern Ireland. The tune was originally a dance tune played on fiddle and accordion. The lyrics were added later on, likely by children in the area who would sing the song while playing. The song then spread throughout Ireland and eventually made its way to the rest of the world.
The Meaning
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a young woman who is being courted by many men. She is beautiful, and all the boys are fighting for her attention. Despite the attention, the woman remains steadfast and is not easily swayed. The song reflects the traditional values of Northern Ireland, where marriage and courtship were taken very seriously.
The lyrics are also a reflection of the playful and teasing nature of Northern Irish culture. The boys pulling her hair and stealing her comb is meant to be taken lightly and not seen as an act of aggression.
FAQs About “I’ll Tell Me Ma”
1) Who wrote “I’ll Tell Me Ma”?
“I’ll Tell Me Ma” is a traditional Irish folk song, meaning no one person can be credited with writing it.
2) What instruments are used in the song?
The traditional version of the song typically features fiddle and accordion. However, many different arrangements have been made with various instruments.
3) What is the meaning behind the line “the boys won’t leave the girls alone?”
The line reflects the playful nature of courtship in Northern Ireland, where it was common for young men to pursue young women.
4) What is the significance of the name “Belfast City” in the song?
Belfast City is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The line “she is the belle of Belfast City” is meant to emphasize the beauty and desirability of the woman the song is referring to.
5) Is “I’ll Tell Me Ma” still a popular song in Ireland today?
Yes, “I’ll Tell Me Ma” remains a popular song in Ireland and is often played at traditional Irish events such as weddings and dances.
6) Are there any variations to the lyrics?
Yes, there are many different versions of the song with slightly different lyrics.
7) Has “I’ll Tell Me Ma” been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by many different artists over the years, including Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and The Young Dubliners.
8) Is there a traditional dance associated with “I’ll Tell Me Ma”?
Yes, there is a traditional Irish dance that goes along with the song.
9) What is the message behind the song?
The song is a playful reflection of traditional courtship and the competitive nature of young love.
10) What other traditional Irish songs are similar to “I’ll Tell Me Ma”?
There are many other traditional Irish songs with similar themes and lyrical styles, including “Whiskey in the Jar” and “The Wild Rover.”
11) What other songs are popular by The Dubliners?
The Dubliners are known for their traditional Irish music and have many popular songs, including “Whiskey in the Jar,” “The Wild Rover,” and “Molly Malone.”
12) What is the history behind The Dubliners?
The Dubliners were a band from Dublin, Ireland founded in 1962. They were known for their traditional Irish music and for being a part of the Irish folk revival of the 1960s. The band continued to perform and record music until 2012.
In conclusion, “I’ll Tell Me Ma” is a classic Irish folk song that has been enjoyed for generations. Its playful lyrics and catchy tune have helped it become a beloved part of Irish culture. The Dubliners helped to popularize the song and make it known to audiences around the world.
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