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My Wild Irish Rose Lyrics:
10 Fun Facts
About a Popular Irish Song
My Wild Irish Rose lyrics are a beautiful and iconic song
that resonates deeply with those who appreciate traditional Irish music. The
song's lyrics and melody were authored by Chauncey Olcott, an Irish-American
entertainer known for his contributions to music and theatre in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries.
The song first gained immense popularity through
Olcott's rendition, but it was cemented into the annals of musical history by
the legendary recording of country singer George Jones. His heartfelt
interpretation brought "Wild Irish Rose" to a wider audience,
ensuring its place as a beloved classic.
Perhaps this 'sounds' familiar...?
Today, "My Wild Irish Rose" continues to hold a special place in the repertoire of Irish-themed music, frequently performed at cultural festivals, Irish pubs, and family gatherings. It is particularly poignant in settings that celebrate Irish heritage, where the song's evocative imagery and emotional resonance stir feelings of nostalgia and pride.
If you want to jump straight to the lyrics, along with YouTube videos showing two of my favorite performances, click here. You can memorize the words, learn the tune and sing along to your heart's content.
Keep going from there and you will be introduced to our special collection of Irish activities, otherwise known as Your Irish Expressions Playbook.
But if you would like to know a few more facts about My Irish Rose song lyrics first, keep reading. We will share 10 things to know about this important Irish tune.
10 Fun Things to Know About the Song
Here are some fun facts about My Wild Irish Rose song lyrics. Hopefully they will entice you to sing along!
- Writer's Dual Talents: Chauncey Olcott, the lyricist and composer of "Wild Irish Rose," was known not only for his musical talent but also for his work as an actor and producer. His diverse skills contributed to the song's theatrical and emotive quality.
- Inspirational Origin: "Wild Irish Rose" was reportedly inspired by Olcott's visit to Ireland and his interactions with local people and scenery, embedding the song with authentic Irish sentiment and imagery.
- Broadway Beginnings: The song debuted in the 1899 Broadway production "A Romance of Athlone," starring Olcott himself. This helped "Wild Irish Rose" gain immediate recognition and success.
- Cultural Icon: The song was emblematic of the Irish-American experience, celebrating the beauty and mystical allure of Ireland while striking a chord with those who had emigrated to America.
- Melody Evolution: Though Olcott is credited with the song's melody, some music historians suggest it may have roots in older Irish folk tunes, adapted and embellished by Olcott to suit his lyrics.
- Literary Connections: The term "Wild Irish Rose" has been used in literature and poetry to symbolize beauty, love, and the spirit of Ireland, further rooting the song in cultural and literary contexts.
- George Jones' Influence: Country music legend George Jones recorded a popular rendition of "Wild Irish Rose" in the 1990s, helping revitalize interest in the song across different musical genres.
- Song's Legacy: It has been covered by various artists in numerous musical styles, from traditional Irish folk to country and contemporary interpretations, evidencing its timeless appeal.
- Celebration of Heritage: The song is often used in parades and events celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, as its lyrics and melody encapsulate a sense of Irish pride and tradition.
- Sentimental Favorite: Beyond its public performances, "Wild Irish Rose" holds a personal connection for many, often sung at family events and passed down through generations as a cherished piece of cultural heritage.
My Wild Irish Rose Lyrics
If you lis-ten, I'll sing you
a sweet lit-tle song
Of a flow-er that's
now drooped and dead,
Ye-t dear-er to me, yes,
than all of its mates,
Th-o' each holds a-loft its proud head.
'Twas giv-en to me by a girl that I know;
Since we've met, faith,
I've known no re-pose,
She is dear-er by far
than the world's bright-est star,
And I call her my wild I-rish Rose.
My wild I-rish Rose,
The sweet-est flow'r that grows,
You may search ev-'ry where,
but none can com-pare
With my wild I-rish Rose.
My wild I-rish Rose,
The dear-est flow'r that grows,
And some day for my sake,
she may let me take
the bloom from my wild I-rish Rose.-
They may sing of their ro-ses
which, by oth-er names,
Would smell ju-st as sweet-ly,
they say, But I know that my
Ro-se would nev-er con-sent
To have that sweet name ta-ken a-way.
Her glan-ces are shy
when-e'er I pa-ss by
Th-e bow-er where my true love grows,
And my one wish has been
that some day I may win
Th-e heart of my wild I-rish Rose.
My wild I-rish Rose,
The sweet-est flow'r that grows,
You may search ev-'ry where,
but none can com-pare
With my wild I-rish Rose.
My wild I-rish Rose,
The dear-est flow'r that grows,
And some day for my sake,
she may let me take
the bloom from my wild- I-rish Rose.
Lyric and Music By Chauncey Olcott
Published 1899 by M. Whitmark
Source: Parlorsongs.com
Our Favorite Performance
Irish tenor Michale Daly shares a heartfelt rendition of My Wild Irish Rose lyrics in this recording, our favorite so far. What do you think?
Another Version - Which Do You Like Better?
Have you seen this approach of recording yourself singing all four parts? I have to admit, I'm hypnotized by it.
Want More Irish Song Lyrics?
It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish songs! The music of the Emerald Isle brings people together, telling stories that touch every human emotion.
Learning the lyrics and singing these songs gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!
To help you build your own personal Irish songbook, we have over the years created many downloadable, share-able Irish games, puzzles, recipes, song lyrics, quizzes, and much, much more.
Want them right now? Keep reading to learn about "Your Irish Expressions Playbook."
More Fun With Irish Expressions
Congratulations on learning more about the Emerald Isle and discovering what we like to call your "Irish Side." You may be thinking "I'd love to actually VISIT Ireland but that's really not in the cards right now. What am I supposed to do with the stuff I just learned?"
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