The Limerick Rake Lyrics
Donal ClancyMusic Video
The Limerick Rake
I am a young fellow that's easy and bold
In Castletown Connors I'm very well known
In Newcastle West I spent many a note
With Kitty and Judy and Mary
My Father rebuked me for being such a rake
For spending me time in such frolicsome ways
But I ne'er could forget the fine nature of Jane
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
My parents had reared me to shake and to mow
To plough and to harrow, to reap and to sow
My heart being too airy to drop it so low
I set out on high speculation
On parchment and paper they taught me to write
In Euclid and Grammar they opened me eyes
In Multiplication in truth I was bright
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeale
The girls all around me do flock on the square
Some offer me apples and others sweet cake
And treats me unknown to their parents
There's one from Askeaton and one from the Pike
Another from Arda, me heart was beguiled
Although from the mountain her stockings are white
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
To quarrel for riches I ne'er was inclined
For the greatest of misers, must leave them behind
I'll purchase a cow that'll never run dry
And I'll milk her by twisting her horn
John Damer of Shronel had plenty of gold
And Devonshire's treasure was twenty times more
But he's laid on his back amidst nettles and stones
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
If I chance for to go to the market at Croom
With a cock in me hat and me pipes in full tune
And welcomed at once and brought up to her room
Where Bacchus is sporting with Venus
There's Peggy and Jane from the town of Bruree
And Biddy from Bruff and we all on the spree
Such combing of locks that was there about me
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
[Instrumental]
Now some say I'm foolish and more say I'm wise
Being fond of the women I think is no crime
The sons of King David had ten hundred wives
And the system was widely recorded
I'll till a good garden and live it might be
Each woman and child could partake of the same
If there's war in the cabin, themselves they can blame
Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé
And now for the future I need to be wise
I'll marry those women who treated me kind
I'd marry them under morrow by and by
If the clergy agree to the bargain
And when I'm laid and my soul is at rest
Those women can gather to cry at my wake
Their sons and their daughter they'll offer their prayers
To the Lord for the soul of their father.
Song Details
✍️ Music & Lyrics: Traditional
🎶 Tune: Sometimes attributed to Robert Thompson
🖨️ Earliest Known Printing: 1939 (OLochlainn-IrishStreetBallads); c. 1867 (broadside)
📝Song Brief:
A lively traditional Irish ballad about a carefree young man from Limerick who prefers drink, music, and women over steady work. Told in a humorous, boastful tone, the rake (a charming rogue) proudly declares his love of nightlife and freedom, shrugging off responsibility and expectations.
- Agus fágaimíd siúd mar atá sé:
Irish for “And we’ll leave that as it is” — a light, closing remark meaning the matter needs no further comment. - Rathkeale:
A town in County Limerick, noted in the song as part of the singer’s travels. - Askeaton:
A historic town in County Limerick, known for its medieval ruins and riverside setting. - the Pike:
A location near Charleville, traditionally a toll point or crossroads; used in the song as a local landmark. - Arda:
Likely referring to Ardagh, a village in County Limerick, known for the discovery of the Ardagh Chalice. - beguiled:
To be charmed, amused, or pleasantly deceived.. - twisting her horn:
A playful expression suggesting flirtation or teasing behaviour, often implying a woman turning her head or adjusting her hair or bonnet. - Devonshire’s treasures:
A humorous reference to fine goods or fashionable items associated with English style or wealth. - Croom:
A village in County Limerick, another local place mentioned in the singer’s travels. - 'With a cock in my hat and my pipes in full tune':
A phrase describing someone stepping out proudly and ready for music or celebration. “Pipes” here likely refers to his singing voice, suggesting he is in lively spirits and prepared for a night of song and company. - Where Bacchus is sporting with Venus:
A classical reference: Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, and Venus, the goddess of love. Together they suggest drink, pleasure, and merriment.
🍀 Genre: Traditional Irish Folk Song
👥 Covers: The Dubliners, The Pogues, The Wolfe Tones, Christy Moore, The Clancy Brothers, Ronnie Drew, Paddy Reilly.
🎤 Featured Artist: Donal Clancy
As the son of Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers, he grew up surrounded by music, stories, and the rhythms and sounds of folk tradition — and many listeners note that his voice sounds very similar to his father's.
💿 Album: Songs of a Roving Blade
Released: 2014
Format: CD
