Clare County Library | Songs of Clare |
Clare County Library | Songs of Clare |
The Half Crown ((Roud 16988) ![]() Mount Scott, Mullagh Recorded November 2003 ![]() |
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‘Twas lately DeValera set out
in the Dail, I’m a young single man and I’m fed up of
life, The job, it proved harder than people may think. I’m a young married man and I’m tired of
life; Since the blooming thing started I’m nearly half
dead; So now I resemble a half hungry goose; So all ye young fellows who are about to be wed; |
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"In 1944, despite considerable
opposition, the DeValera government introduced a family allowance of
two-and-sixpence for every child after the second. This gave rise to
several songs, including this one. Vincie heard
this sung by members of his family when he was young but had forgotten
it. He put it together from memory with the help of a neighbour, Pat
MacNamara (Paddy Mac). The above commentary, lyrics and recording are taken from ‘Around the Hills of Clare: Songs and Recitations from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection’ (2004) Musical Traditions Records MTCD331-2/Góilín Records 005-6. |
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