Saturday 3 August 2013
Tune of the Day: For Ireland I Won’t Say Her Name
Traditional Irish air
This gorgeous 3/4-time slow air comes from Ireland. There's a song attached to the air, relating the tale of a beautiful maiden who appeared for a short time to a Gaelic poet, resisted his advances and then disappeared forever, leaving him heartbroken. Another version has it that the protagonist falls secretly in love with a maid, although he is too poor to support her and too shy to propose. He goes abroad to seek his fortune, and once made and emboldened he returns home to claim his beloved, only to discover she has married his brother. Brokenhearted, he composes this song, though for obvious reasons he refuses to reveal the name of his beloved.
Thanks to Jess for suggesting this tune!