Mrs. McGrath
Rock
Apr 25, 2006
244
Mrs. McGrath Music Video

Mrs. McGrath Lyrics

"O Mrs. McGrath," the sergeant said
"Would you like a soldier of your son Ted?
With a scarlet coat and a big cocked hat
Now Mrs. McGrath would you like that?"

With your too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa

Now Mrs. McGrath lived on the shore
And after seven years or more
She spied a ship come into the bay
With her son from far away

"O Captain dear where have ye been?
You been sailing the Mediterranean?
Have you news from my son Ted?
Is he living or is he dead?"

With your too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with your too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa

Then came Ted without any legs
And in their place two wooden pegs
She kissed him a dozen times or two
And said, "My God Ted is it you"?
Now were ye drunk or were ye blind
When ye left yer two fine legs behind?
Or was it walking upon the sea
That wore your two fine legs away?"

With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa
With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa

Now I wasn't drunk and I wasn't blind
When I left my two fine legs behind
A cannonball on the fifth of May
Tore my two fine legs away

"My, Teddy boy," the widow cried
"Yer two fine legs were yer mother's pride
Stumps of a tree wouldn't do at all
Why didn't ye run from the cannon ball?"

With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa
With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa

"All foreign wars I do proclaim
Live on blood and a mother's pain
I'd rather have my son as he used to be
Than the King of America
And his whole Navy!"

With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa
With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa
With a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa, with a too-ri-aa, fol-did-dle-di-aa, too-ri-oo-ri-oo-ri-aa

Writer(s): J BAIRD, TRADITIONAL, PD TRADITIONAL
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Royalty Network
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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The Meaning of Mrs. McGrath

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally wrote 'Mrs. McGrath'?

    'Mrs. McGrath' is a traditional Irish folk song. While individual writers are not credited due to its folk origins, it was collected by Irish folk song collector Colm Ó Lochlainn and has been widely performed by multiple artists over the years.

  2. How does Bruce Springsteen's version of 'Mrs. McGrath' differ from the traditional lyrics?

    Bruce Springsteen's version features a slight change in the lyrics, particularly in the line: 'I'd rather have my son as he used to be than the King of America and his whole navy,' substituting 'King of France' with 'King of America.' This change modernizes the anti-war sentiment.

  3. What historical context inspired the song 'Mrs. McGrath'?

    'Mrs. McGrath' is set during the Peninsular War, specifically the early 19th century when many Irishmen were recruited into the British Army. The song reflects the suffering caused by wars, with references to the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro fought between May 3 and 5, 1811.

  4. What is the central theme of 'Mrs. McGrath'?

    The central theme of 'Mrs. McGrath' is opposition to war. The song vividly portrays the emotional and physical trauma caused by warfare, particularly focusing on the grief of Mrs. McGrath, whose son loses his legs in the war.

  5. What album by Bruce Springsteen includes 'Mrs. McGrath'?

    Bruce Springsteen recorded 'Mrs. McGrath' for his album 'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions,' which was released in 2006. The album compiles folk songs popularized by Pete Seeger, giving them a modern interpretation.

  6. Has 'Mrs. McGrath' been recorded by other artists besides Bruce Springsteen?

    Yes, 'Mrs. McGrath' has been recorded by various artists over the years including Burl Ives, The Dubliners, Pete Seeger, and The Clancy Brothers, among others. Each rendition has contributed to the song's enduring popularity and cultural significance.

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