Hills of Connemara
Revelry and Resistance: Hills of Connemara's Spirited Tale
Lyrics
Gather up your pots and your old tin cans
Gather your cooking implements and containers, including old tin cans.
The mash and the corn, the barley and the bran
Referencing ingredients used in distillation: mashed grains like corn, barley, and bran.
Run like the devil from the excise man
Escape swiftly from the tax collector or government officials.
Keep the smoke from rising, Barney
Ensure that the smoke from the process of distillation is hidden or controlled, Barney being possibly a reference to a person.
Keep your eyes well-peeled today
Remain observant and cautious today.
The excise men, they're on their way
Government officials responsible for collecting taxes are approaching.
Searching for the mountain tay
Searching for illegally distilled whiskey (mountain tay) in the Connemara region of Ireland.
In the Hills of Connemara
Referring to the specific location where the illegal whiskey is being made.
The mountain breezes as they blow
The winds from the mountains carry sounds down to the lower plains.
Echo down to plains below
The echoes of activities or events happening in the mountains reach the lower areas.
The big tall men are on the go
Indication of active individuals or possibly those involved in the illegal whiskey production.
In the Hills of Connemara
Reiteration of the location and activities happening there.
Swing to the left now swing to the right-
Instructions to move quickly or change direction.
The excise men, they can dance all night
Suggests that even the officials tasked with enforcing tax laws are indulging in revelry.
Drinking up the tay 'til the broad daylight
Drinking the illegally distilled whiskey until morning.
In the Hills of Connemar
Referencing the Connemara region where the illegal activities are happening.
A gallon for the butcher and big Nick Klein
Specific references to individuals receiving or involved in the distribution of illegal whiskey.
A bottle for the poor old Father Stein
Another reference to someone receiving whiskey.
To keep him off that altar wine
To prevent Father Stein from consuming altar wine, possibly suggesting his involvement in the consumption of illegal whiskey.
In the Hills of Connemara
Reiterating the location where these events are occurring.
Stand your ground, for it's too late
Encouragement to resist or stand firm as it's too late for escape.
The excise men, they're at the gate
Government officials are already present or arriving imminently.
Glory be to Paddy for they're drinking it straight
Acknowledgment or praise for Paddy (an Irishman) for drinking the whiskey without dilution.
In the Hills of Connemara
Reinforcing the location and the ongoing activities of drinking whiskey in Connemara.
Comment