Roddy McCorley (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

Roddy McCorley (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

Roddy McCorley was an Irish nationalist from the civil parish of Duneane, County Antrim, Ireland. He is claimed in the poem by Ethna Carbery to have been associated with events around the Battle of Antrim as a member of the United Irishmen and a participant in their rebellion of 1798.

The song was written by Ethna in the 1890s but made popular again by The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners as part of the general folk revival in the 1960s. The melody is also used in Sean South.

Lyrics:
See the fleet foot host of men
That speed with faces wan,
From farmstead and from fisher? s 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 narrow street he steps
Smiling, proud and young.
About the hemp rope on his neck
The golden ringlets clung
There was never a tear in his blue eye,
Both sad and bright are they,
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today.

When he last stepped up that street,
His shinning 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,
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today.

There was never a one of all your dead
More bravely fell in fray
Than he who marches to his fate
On the bridge of Toome today.
True to the last, true to the last,
He treads the upward way,
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die
On the bridge of Toome today.

[menyou]

If anyone is interested in bonus (hidden) history… Roddy McCorley was led by the forgotten leader, Henry Joy (my cousin). He deserves to be known as the captain. The song Henry Joy is the only tell of his story. I beg for this to be sung someday… sooner than later.

[theScholar]

This is my theme song on the way to work.

[PaddyO]

This guy is a gem with a beautiful voice. His singing is clearly for the audience's pleasure and he comes across as humble something that seems to be in short supply with many.

[bladeandcloak]

Such a beautiful rendition of a classic. Tiocfaidh Ar La indeed!

[CopperKettle]

Nice rendering of the ballad! Cheers from Yekaterinburg, along the banks of Iset.

[sentimentaloldme]

A beautiful ballad..Well sung...Learned it as a child..🇮🇪

[DariusOfPersia]

See the fleet-foot host of men that speed with faces wan
From farmstead and from fisher's 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 that narrow street he steps, smiling, proud, and young
About the hemp rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung
There was never a tear in his blue eyes, both sad and bright are they
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today

When he last stepped up that 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
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today

There was never a one of all your dead more bravely fell in fray
Than he who marches to his fate on the bridge of Toome today
True to the last, true to the last, he treads that upward way
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today

And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today
Young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today

[lessknowledgeplease]

By God, we'll have our home again.

[adamlucid]

Beautifully sang, I look forward to when you will do Boolavogue and The minstrel Boy. 1798 is such a disrespectfuly forgotten rebellion. Keep up the good work!

[calebh]

Also would like to hear “slainte” or “paddle me own canoe”

[jesscook]

Father is orange mother is green I love this song!!

[saraterhenetar]

I love listening to your voice! I found your channel about half a year ago and I've been listening to all of your songs ever since. Keep on the amazing work!

[arche]

Another beautiful cover! You’re one of the absolute best voices in the folk music genre for sure. Can’t wait for the next one!❤

By the way, I thought it might amuse you to hear that out of all my YT generated mixes, all but maybe 5 of them start with one of your songs.

[Zachtually]

There are almsot no covers of botany bay.. seems right up your ally and I think you'd kill it 💯💯

[Dr.DasutinKeri]

Fills me with a warm feeling, hearing another song. Great as always bud.

[mr.flopsyfudge]

what a beautifull song. one of your best cover so far.

[calebh]

Love your music Seth, Id like to request “I had a hat”

[mykaelboykin]

Wow, Didn't expect a song that's to the tune of "Sean south".
The only other song that I've recognized the tune to, was "the ants go marching" which is "johnny I hardly knew ye" which is still so incredibly odd. Anyways, ya did a great seth, good work!

[jimmy_mcgill]

I used to be a cringe kid but when I listened to this guy and colm R Maguire and Staton Watkins... I escaped skibidi toilet thanks to the classical singers

[joesmith-fqly]

Hey. Just a quick question. Is there any way I could find the chords you use and the patterns?