“Rattlin’ Bog” is a lively and well-known Irish folk song and tune, often performed as a rousing, fast-paced session piece. Its roots lie in the rich storytelling tradition of Irish music, with lyrics that describe a fantastical chain of events, and the tune is often played in a lively 4/4 time signature, making it a favorite at sessions and ceilis. The song tells the story of the various layers of a bog, from the simplest elements to the complex and humorous additions that come with time. Its repetitive structure and playful nature make it a crowd favorite, and it continues to be a beloved part of Irish music.
Rattlin’ Bog
Key
D Maj.
Tune Type
Polka
History
“Rattlin’ Bog” is a traditional Irish folk song that has its origins in the rural landscape of Ireland, specifically in the bogs of County Wicklow, though the exact origins of the song remain somewhat unclear. The song is often described as a “cumulative” song, meaning that each verse builds upon the previous one, adding new elements to an increasingly complex story. The lyrics detail the layers of a bog, from a simple tree to the many items and creatures that can be found in the bog’s depths. These cumulative verses make the song both playful and engaging, and they often challenge performers to keep up with the growing complexity.
.The tune itself is typically played in a lively, upbeat rhythm, reflecting the energetic and celebratory nature of Irish folk music. While the song was likely passed down through oral tradition, its first recorded version appeared in the early 20th century, with some sources suggesting it was popularized by folk revivalists in the 1960s and 1970s. . “Rattlin’ Bog” is often performed in Irish sessions, particularly in the form of an instrumental jig or reel, with the lyrics sometimes omitted for the sake of faster-paced playing. However, the full version of the song continues to be a popular choice for sing-alongs at folk gatherings, showcasing its enduring popularity in Irish culture. The song has been recorded by various artists, including The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers, further cementing its place in Irish musical tradition.
Also Known As
- The Bog Down in the Valley-O
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog
The bog down in the valley-o
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog
The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 1] In that bog there was a tree A rare tree, a rattlin’ tree The tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o
.[Chorus] Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 2] And on that tree there was a limb A rare limb, a rattlin’ limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree and the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 3] And on that limb there was a branch A rare branch, a rattlin’ branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 4] And on that branch there was a twig A rare twig, a rattlin’ twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 5] And on that twig there was a nest A rare nest, a rattlin’ nest
.[Pre-Chorus] The nest on the twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 6] And in that nest there was an egg A rare egg, a rattlin’ egg The egg in the nest The nest on the twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 7] And on that egg there was a bird A rare bird, a rattlin’ bird The bird on the egg The egg in the nest
.[Pre-Chorus] The nest on the twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o
.[Chorus] Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 8] And on that bird there was a feather A rare feather, a rattlin’ feather The feather on the bird The bird on the egg
.[Pre-Chorus] The egg in the nest The nest on the twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o
.[Verse 9] And on that feather there was a flea A rare flea, a rattlin’ flea The flea in the feather The feather on the bird
.[Pre-Chorus] The bird on the egg The egg in the nest The nest on the twig The twig on the branch The branch on the limb
.[Chorus] The limb on the tree And the tree in the bog In the bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog The bog down in the valley-o Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog
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