CRAIGIE HILL
Track 14
Notes on the Track (14)
Recorded: 1991Notes on the Song
This song probably dates from the mid-19th century, when, as Paddy Tunney says, ‘every Irish port had an emigrant ship’. The reference to the Bann Banks helps to locate the song; I understand that Craigie Hill is a rural area in County Down.
Craigie Hill is written largely in the ‘conversation’ form which was popular in the 19th century. The tribulations of life in Ireland, oppressed by ‘the landlords and their agents are contrasted with the bright prospects in America where one may be ‘as happy as Queen Victoria.’
Internal rhyming is used extensively throughout the verses thus helping to make the somewhat lengthy lines fall easily and musically on the ear.
Paddy, John and Sr Brigid joined forces for this one, which was recorded at An Cultúrlann in 1991.
The Singers
Paddy Tunney
Rec. 1991
John Tunney
Rec. 1991
Sr Brigid Tunney
Rec. 1991
The Song Texts
The Tunney Song Tradition Trust’s Archive of Song Texts preserves the words of traditional songs, offering a valuable resource for singers and anyone interested in the living song tradition.
Where the Linnets Sing 2026, developed by the Tunney Song Tradition Trust with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, celebrates 75 Bliain ag Fás by bringing the original collection to a new online audience, enriched with fifteen additional tracks, eleven more voices and two further generations of the tradition.
