Dicey Reilly Lyrics
The Dublin City RamblersMusic Video
Dicey Reilly
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she has taken to the sup
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she will never give it up
For it's off each morning to the pop
And then she's in for another little drop
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Oh she walks along Fitzgibbon street with an independent air
Then it's down by Summerhill up where the people stare
She says it's nearly half past one, it's time I had another little one
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she has taken to the sup
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she will never give it up
For it's off each morning to the pop
And then she's in for another little drop
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Long years ago when men were men and fancied May of Long
Or lovely Beckie Cooper or Maggie's Mary Wong
One woman put them all to shame, just one was worthy of the name
And the name of the dame was Dicey Reilly
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she has taken to the sup
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she will never give it up
For it's off each morning to the pop
And then she's in for another little drop
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
She owns a little sweet shop at the corner of her street
It' ev'ry evening after school I go to wash her feet
But she leaves me there to mind the shop
While she goes out for another little drop
Oh the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she has taken to the sup
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she will never give it up
For it's off each morning to the pop
And then she's in for another little drop
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Oh but time went catching up on her like many a pretty whore
And it's after you along the street before you're out the door
Their looks all fade and the balance vague, but out of all that great brigade
Still the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she has taken to the sup
Oh poor old Dicey Reilly she will never give it up
For it's off each morning to the pop
And then she's in for another little drop
For the heart of the rowl is Dicey Reilly
Song Details
✍️ Writer: Traditional with the addition of extra verses as time went on.
📝 Song Brief:
Alively Dublin street ballad that follows the ups and downs of its spirited Dicey Reilly, a woman known for her fondness for drink and the colourful characters of the city. The song blends humour and sadness as it traces her visits to the pawn shop, the passing of time, and the way life’s hardships catch up with her. Yet despite faded looks and changing fortunes, Dicey remains the “heart of the rowl” — the centre of the fun and the life of the gathering — celebrated for her resilience, warmth, and unshakeable presence in Dublin’s lively streets.
- pop: another word for pawn shop
- rowl: (also spelled row, roul, roil) in Dublin slang means a noisy crowd, a commotion, or a lively gathering.
- heart of the rowl: the very centre of the excitement, the thick of the action, or the liveliest part of the crowd.
- “it’s after you along the street before you’re out the door”: This means age catches up with you quickly — before you even realise it.
- “Balance vague”: means their footing becomes unsteady, often from drink or age.
🍀 Genre: Traditional Irish Folk Song
👥 Covers: The Dubliners, Ronnie Drew, Brian Roebuck, The Blarney Lads, The Pubcrawlers, The Celtic Players, Cu Chulainn, Tom Donovan, Croppies.
🎤 Featured Artists - Dublin City Ramblers: The band originated from Dublin, Ireland. They began as 'The Jolly Tinkers' which changed to 'The Quare Fellas' during the mid 1960's with members, Patsy Watchorn, brothers Sean and Matt McGuinness and Pat Cummins. They disbanded in 1970 and 'The Dublin City Ramblers' were formed. This line-up consisted of Patsy Watchorn, Sean McGuinness, Mick Crotty and Kevin Gerahty.
💿 Album: The Craic and the Porter Black (pictured)
Released: Dec 31, 1995
Country: Ireland
Format: CD
Label: Dolphin Records
