The Ould Orange Flute
sung by Patricia Cummings
The author of the song lyrics is unknown, and the melody is an old English one.
"Limitless farming" photo, courtesy of Audrey Winterer
Burl Ives
I remember this song and the recording of it that I heard as a child. My father was fond of the work of Burl Ives who sang this song and many other Irish ballads. Carl Sandburg stated that Burl Ives was "the mightiest ballad singer born in any century," according to the website: http://www.burlives.com/ He was one of the American singers that testified before a Senate committee that he was not a Communist, along with his friend, Pete Seeger.
Born as Burle Icle Ivanhoe Ives (1909-1995), Burl described this song, "The Ould Orange Blade," as a witty and humorous representation of "theological disputations." He reveals that after a time, the song became even more popular in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland.
If you listen to the words closely, you will hear the 12th of July mentioned. This is the date when William of Orange defeated James II, last of the Stuart Kings.
The only words you may have trouble catching are in the second line, "Where many a ruction myself hand a han'in." I believe ruction means "squabble."
You won't want to miss "The Wearing of the Green," another Irish tune recorded by Patricia Cummings.
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This version, as sung by me, is copyrighted to me as my voice is my own! Please request permission to download this song. It is placed here for cultural awareness and educational purposes. Thank you. pat@quiltersmuse.com