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Siúil a rún
Folk Song
Folk Song
The origins of this Irish song are unknown. References to it appear in Robert Louis Stevenson's 1889 novella The Master of Ballantrae and in James Joyce's 1922 novella Ulysses. Today, it is usually sung with English verses and a Gaelic refrain, although it probably originally had a purely Gaelic lyric, as with many old Irish songs. In the Roud Folk Song Index the song can be found under number 911.
Sources
History:
Siúil a rún
Language
Irish
Region
Ireland
In this song, a young woman speaks to her boyfriend, who has gone to war. The lyrics—partly in Irish, partly in English—are full of imagery, making it difficult to grasp the exact meaning. This, along with the beautiful melody, seems to be what makes the song special.
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Language
English
Region
United States of America
The American version of the Irish folk song was particularly popular during the American War of Independence in the 18th century. The tune is also known as Buttermilk Hill.
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