Page 172
Roud Folk Song Index #911
This is the American version of the Irish song Siúil a ruin. During the American Revolutionary War, this song was sung as “Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier”. Shule (suil) agra means “go, my dear” The meaning of the chorus is “may you walk safely, my beloved” - appropriate for either version!
This is the American version of the Irish song Siúil a ruin. During the American Revolutionary War, this song was sung as “Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier”. Shule (suil) agra means “go, my dear” The meaning of the chorus is “may you walk safely, my beloved” - appropriate for either version!
Shule Agra
by trad
I would I were on yonder hill
tis there I’d sit and cry my fill
Till every tear would turn a mill
Is go de tu, ma vour nin slan
I’ll sell my rack I’ll sell my reel
and then I’ll sell my spinning wheel
for to buy my love a sword of steel
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan
I’ll dye my petticoat, I’ll dye it red
and round the world I’ll beg my bread
until my parents shall wish me dead
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan
But now my love has gone to France
to try his fortune to advance
if he ever comes back, tis but a chance
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan
tis there I’d sit and cry my fill
Till every tear would turn a mill
Is go de tu, ma vour nin slan
I’ll sell my rack I’ll sell my reel
and then I’ll sell my spinning wheel
for to buy my love a sword of steel
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan
I’ll dye my petticoat, I’ll dye it red
and round the world I’ll beg my bread
until my parents shall wish me dead
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan
But now my love has gone to France
to try his fortune to advance
if he ever comes back, tis but a chance
Is go detu, mavour-nin-slan