The Irish Washerwoman – Irish Song Lyrics

“The Irish Washerwoman” is a lively traditional Irish jig that dates back to the late 18th century, first appearing in print in 1791 in Peter Thompson’s “Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances.” The tune quickly became popular across Ireland, Britain, and later in North America. Unlike many traditional Irish tunes with sentimental or historical themes, “The Irish Washerwoman” is primarily a dance tune characterized by its sprightly tempo and infectious rhythm, traditionally played on fiddle, tin whistle, or uilleann pipes. It earned its name as it was thought to mimic the movements of women washing clothes by the riverbank. The melody has become one of the most recognizable Irish traditional tunes worldwide and a session staple for Irish musicians. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it was incorporated into the repertoire of traveling minstrel shows in America and became a standard in the Celtic revival. Today, it remains a favorite for Irish dance competitions and is often one of the first jigs taught to students of traditional Irish music.

Lyrics

When I was at home I was merry and frisky, 
My dad kept a pig and my mother sold whisky, 
My uncle was rich, but never would by aisey 
Till I was enlisted by Corporal Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey, 
My dear little Shelah, I thought would run crazy, 
When I trudged away with tough Corporal Casey. 

I marched from Kilkenny, and, as I was thinking 
On Shelah, my heart in my bosom was sinking, 
But soon I was forced to look fresh as a daisy, 
For fear of a drubbing from Corporal Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey! 
The devil go with him, I ne’er could be lazy, 
He struck my shirts so, ould Corporal Casey.

We went into battle, I took the blows fairly 
That fell on my pate, but they bothered me rarely, 
And who should the first be that dropped, why, and please ye, 
It was my good friend, honest Corporal Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de dow, Corporal Casey! 
Thinks I you are quiet, and I shall be aisey, 
So eight years I fought without Corporal Casey.