Arthur McBride | 13-Piece Folk Ensemble Performs Irish Traditional Song

13-piece folk ensemble performs the traditional Irish folk song 'Arthur McBride' made famous by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine.

Want to support independent folk musicians? You can download this track with our debut EP at: https://filkinsdrift.bandcamp.com/album/filkins-drift

There are some wonderful musicians in this folk ensemble:

Ellie Gowers (vocals)
Chris Roberts & Harry Thorpe (acoustic guitars)
Strings - Seth Bye (violin), Lottie Price (violin), Emily Dore (viola), Flora McNicoll (cello), Millicent B James (cello)
Wind - Daniel Newberry (tenor sax), Fraser Birchenall (bari sax/baritone saxophone), Michelle Holloway (recorder), Katie Stevens (clarinet)
Dan Cippico (electric bass)
Alexander Henshaw (percussion)
Joseph Ockford (sound engineer)
Paperwolf Productions (videographer)

Lyrics

Oh me and my cousin one Arthur McBride,
As we went a walking down by the seaside,
Now, mark what followed and what did betide,
For it being on Christmas morning.

Out for recreation, we went for a tramp,
And we met Sergeant Napper and Corporal Vamp,
And a little wee drummer, intending to camp,
For the day being pleasant and charming.

He says, "My fine fellows if you will enlist,
It's ten guineas in gold I will slip in your fist,
And a crown in the bargain for to kick up the dust,
And drink the King's health in the morning.

And a soldier he always is decent and clean,
In fine clothing he always is constantly seen,
Whilst other poor fellows go dirty and lean,
And sup on thin gruel in the morning."

But, says Arthur, "I wouldn't be proud of your clothes,
For you've only the lend of them as I suppose,
And you dare not change them one night, for you know,
If you do you'll be flogged in the morning.

And although that we are single and free,
We take great delight in our own company,
And we have no desire strange faces to see,
Although that your offers are charming."

He says me young fellows if I hear one more word,
I instantly now will out with my sword,
And into your bodies as strength will afford,
So now my young devils take warning.

But Arthur and I we took in the odds,
And we scarce gave them time for to draw out their swords,
When a trusty shillelagh flew over our heads,
And bade them take that as their warning.

Видео Arthur McBride | 13-Piece Folk Ensemble Performs Irish Traditional Song канала Filkin's Drift