“The Rakes of Mallow” is a traditional Irish jig that originated in the 18th century, celebrating the wild and carefree young gentlemen from the town of Mallow in County Cork. These “rakes” were notorious for their extravagant lifestyles, drinking, gambling, and general revelry. The tune first appeared in print in 1748 in John and William Neal’s “Collection of the Most Celebrated Irish Tunes,” making it one of the earliest documented Irish folk melodies.
The song’s popularity endured through centuries of Irish musical tradition, eventually becoming a staple in the repertoire of traditional Irish sessions and ceili bands. While primarily known as an instrumental piece, some versions include lyrics that further detail the exploits of these rakish young men.
Lyrics
Beauing, belling, dancing, singing,
Breaking windows, damning, sinking,
Ever raking, never thinking,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
Spending faster than it comes,
Beating Bawds and Whores and Duns,
Bacchus’ true begotten sons,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
One time nought but claret drinking,
Then like politicians thinking,
To raise the sinking-fund when sinking,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
One time flush of money store,
Then as any poet poor,
Kissing Queens, and then a whore,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
When at home with dada dying,
Still for Mallow waters crying,
But when there, good claret plying,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
Living short, but merry lives,
Going where the devil drives,
Keeping Misses, but no Wives,
Live the Rakes of Mallow.
Racking tenants, stewards teasing,
Swiftly spending, slowly raising,
Wishing to spend all our days, in
Raking thus at Mallow.
Thus to end a raking life,
We grow sober, take a Wife,
Ever after live in strife,
Wish again for Mallow.
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