“Roddy McCorley” is a famous Irish ballad that commemorates the execution of a young Irish rebel during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song tells the story of Roddy McCorley, who was hanged at the Bridge of Toome in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Although historical records about the real McCorley are somewhat limited, he has become a celebrated martyr in Irish republican tradition. The ballad itself was written by Ethna Carbery (the pen name of Anna Johnston) in the late 19th century, nearly a century after McCorley’s death, during a period of renewed Irish nationalism. The song gained widespread popularity through various recordings in the 20th century, including versions by the Clancy Brothers, the Dubliners, and other prominent Irish folk musicians.
Lyrics
Oh see the fleet foot host of men
Who sped with faces wan
From farmstead and from fishers cot
Along the banks of Bann
They come with vengeance in their eyes
Too late, too late are they
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today
Up the narrow streets he steps
He smiling proud and young
About the hemp rope ’round his neck
The golden ringlets clung
There’s never a tear in his blue eyes
Both glad and bright are they
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today
When the last stepped up the street
His shining pike in hand
Behind him marched in grim array
A stalwart earnest band
For Antrim town, for Antrim town
He led them to the fray
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today
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