Carolan
Carolan: The Gift of Melody to a Young Blind Boy
Lyrics
Two horsemen riding through the glen
Two horsemen are traveling through the glen.
One rides ahead one rides behind
One horseman is leading, and the other is following behind.
The man who rides ahead can see
The leading man can see, indicating awareness or vision.
The man who rides behind is blind
The following man is blind, symbolizing a lack of vision or insight.
And on his back a leather sack
The blind man carries a leather sack on his back.
And in that sack a willow harp, a willow harp
In the sack, there is a willow harp, emphasizing the musical element.
Carolan, Carolan
A reference to Carolan, who received the gift of melody despite being blind.
God cried tears of sorrow
-God cried tears of joy
-And the gift of melody was given
-To a young blind boy
-Two horsemen riding through a Leitrim glen
Describes Carolan settling down in Mohill town, raising a family, and creating enduring melodies.
And the greenwood ringing
-And they laughing and singing
-For it was here in Mohill town
-Carolan you settled down
-And raised your little family
-And many a golden melody
-That will live forever in the hearts of men
-Carolan, Carolan
Reiterates the idea of the divine gift of melody to Carolan, with tears of sorrow and joy.
God cried tears of sorrow
-His angels cried tears of joy
-And the gift of melody was given
-To a young blind boy
-The birds are singing round Lough Rynne
Mentions birds singing around Lough Rynne and poses a question about how they sing in heaven.
Longaire cuach agus scol an loin sa ghleann
-The birds are singing round Lough Lynne
-How do they sing in heaven Carolan?
-Many the pretty tune you wrote upon the buttons of your coat Carolan
Highlights the tunes written by Carolan on the buttons of his coat.
Carolan, Carolan
Repeats the theme of tears of sorrow and joy, attributing the gift of melody to Carolan.
God cried tears of sorrow
-His mother cried tears of joy
-And the gift of melody was given
-To a young blind boy
-Many the pretty tune you wrote
Recalls the tunes written by Carolan and the enduring memory of him.
Upon the buttons of your coat
-We still remember you here
-No-one came near you Carolan
Reiterates the imagery of two horsemen, emphasizing the contrast between seeing and being blind.
Two horsemen riding through the glen
-One rides ahead one rides behind
-The man who rides ahead can see
-The man who rides behind is blind
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