“Star of the County Down” is a beautiful and evocative traditional Irish folk song that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. The song tells the tale of a young man’s infatuation with a girl from County Down in Northern Ireland, describing her beauty and the powerful effect she has on him. With its hauntingly melodic lines and romantic lyrics, Star of the County Down has become a favorite in Irish music sessions and performances worldwide. Its timeless appeal lies in both its evocative imagery and the universal theme of love, making it a cherished classic in the Irish folk repertoire.
Star of the County Down
Key
E Min.
Tune Type
Song
History
Star of the County Down is a traditional Irish folk song that has become one of the most beloved and widely performed tunes in the Irish folk tradition. The song was written in the early 20th century, and its lyrics were penned by the Irish songwriter and poet Cathal McGarvey. The tune, composed by the American songwriter and fiddler, was later arranged and popularized through Irish musical performances.
.The song’s narrative is a simple yet captivating one, focusing on a young man who falls in love with a girl from County Down, describing her stunning beauty and the deep impression she leaves on him. Her striking features, symbolized in the lyrics as the “star” of the county, are celebrated with vivid and poetic imagery. This romantic idealization of the girl has made the song especially appealing to listeners, evoking the timeless themes of love and longing.
.Star of the County Down was first recorded by traditional Irish musicians in the early 20th century, but it gained widespread recognition in the mid-1900s when it was performed by groups like The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. These artists helped to popularize the song both in Ireland and abroad, bringing it to audiences worldwide. The song also became a staple in Irish pubs and music sessions, where it continues to be performed today.
.The melody of Star of the County Down is often associated with a lively and danceable rhythm, making it a favorite in both pub sessions and formal performances. Over the years, the song has been recorded by a range of artists, from traditional folk musicians to contemporary performers, further cementing its place in Irish music history.
.Today, Star of the County Down remains a quintessential part of the Irish folk music canon, continuing to be passed down through generations of musicians and cherished for its enduring appeal. Its simple yet evocative lyrics, along with its melodic beauty, ensure that it remains a beloved classic in Irish music sessions around the world.
Also Known As
N/A
Lyrics
Near Banbridge Town in the County Down
One morning last July
Down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín
And she smiled as she passed me by
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet
To the sheen of her nut-brown hair
Such a winsome elf, I’m ashamed of myself
For to see I was staring there
.From Bantry Bay up to Derry’s Quay From Galway to Dublin Town No maid I’ve seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down
.As she onward sped, sure I scratched me head And I looked with a feelin’ rare And I says, says I, to a passer-by “Who’s the maid with the nut-brown hair”? Well, he looked at me and he said to me: “That’s the gem of Ireland’s crown Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann She’s the star of the County Down” . From Bantry Bay up to Derry’s Quay From Galway to Dublin Town No maid I’ve seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down . She’d soft brown eyes with a look so shy And a smile like the rose in June And she sang so sweet what a lovely treat As she lilted an Irish tune At the Lammas dance I was in the trance As she whirled with the lads of the town And it broke me heart just to be apart From the star of the County Down . From Bantry Bay up to Derry’s Quay From Galway to Dublin Town No maid I’ve seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down . At the Harvest Fair she’ll be surely there So I’ll dress in me Sunday clothes With me shoes shone bright and me hat cocked right For a smile from the nut brown rose No pipe I’ll smoke, no horse I’ll yoke Till my plough is a rust colored brown And a smiling bride by me own fireside Sits the star of the County Down
Comment On This Tune
We'd Love To Hear From You
Responses