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'Twas Pretty to be in Ballinderry

from LIMINAL EP by TRÚ

supported by
Bob Gorzynski
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about

"Twas Pretty to be in Ballinderry" is a folk song reminiscing about the Ulster townland of Ballinderry in County Antrim. Ballinderry is located between Lisburn and the shores of Lough Neagh.

The infamous musician and collector Edward Bunting collected this melody and text in Lisburn in 1808, so it clearly existed before then. A version of the song was likely being sung in Ulster "as Gaeilge" (in Irish) throughout the 18th century.

"Ochón" is a word/phrase used in the Gaelic tradition of keening (caoineadh) when mourning a loved one.

Just a few years ago, the three of us were lucky to hear a roadside rendition by local farmer, Joe, in Lower Ballinderry. Joe sang it in Irish, but this is our take on the English verses.

lyrics

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry
'Twas pretty to be in Aghalee
Still prettier to be on bonny Ram's Island
Sitting forever beneath a tree

For often I sailed to bonny Ram's Island
Arm in arm with Phelim, my dear
And he would whistle and I would sing
And we would make the whole island ring

"I'm going," he said, "from bonny Ram's Island
Out and across the deep blue sea
And if in your heart you love me, Mary
Open your arms at last to me"

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry
But now it's as sad as sad can be
For the ship that sailed with Phelim, my diamond
Is sunk forever beneath the sea

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry
'Twas pretty to be in Aghalee
Still prettier to be on bonny Ram's Island
Sitting forever beneath a tree

credits

from LIMINAL EP, released May 1, 2020
Zach Trouton - Vocals, Guitar
Michael Mormecha - Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Dónal Kearney - Vocals

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TRÚ

The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians in ancient Ulster. They were revered throughout Ireland, some believing their songs and stories came to them from the future. Others maintained that the trú were possessed by spirits during performance. As such, they were considered gatekeepers to the Otherworld.

New album 'Eternity Near' out September 8th. ... more

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