Fields of Athenry” is one of the most iconic and poignant Irish ballads in the Irish repertoire. More than just a song, it mirrors the history and deep emotions of the Irish people. A look back at this colorful song, sung in chorus in all the Irish pubs of Ireland!
“Fields of Athenry” was written by Pete St. Clair John in the 1970s. Tragic, it evokes the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century, which decimated between 500,000 and 1 million Irish people.
The song tells the story of a man named Michael, who is deported to “Van Diemen’s Land” (now Tasmania) for stealing corn to feed his family.
The song was an instant hit. The melody and lyrics have so faithfully captured the essence of Irish history that it is considered the very symbol of the traditional Irish musical repertoire.
Fields of Athenry is a poignant song, echoing one of the most dramatic episodes in Irish history. Even today, the Irish are bitter when they think of their ancestors’ ordeal. They were deeply saddened by the situation, and even angry at the (wilful?) inaction of the British government at the time.
As a reminder, the British Empire had responded rather weakly to the crisis in Ireland, then considered a British-controlled territory.
The song’s author, Pete St. Clair, was also present. John had managed to convey the context of the time with great fidelity, touching on a number of themes…
Thus, the poignant chorus, in which Michael’s wife Mary stands on the docks singing a farewell song, captures the heartbreak caused by the separation of families during the Great Famine.
Another theme is the principle of resilience. The song doesn’t just depict sadness and desolation; it also embodies the courage and fighting spirit of the Irish people, who continue to sing and fight despite the hardships.
Over time, “Fields of Athenry” became a kind of unofficial anthem for the Irish people. It’s sung at sporting events, political rallies and even in Irish pubs, uniting people in a sense of pride and belonging.
The impact of this song was such that many international Irish artists rushed to perform it. Each interpretation of “Fields of Athenry” brings something new to this timeless song, underlining its enduring importance in Irish music and culture.
Here’s a look at some of the big Irish names who have made the song their own:
Many of the bands playing in the pub also offer interpretations of the song. If that’s the case, expect the place to be boiling! The Irish often stand up and sing in unison, commemorating the victims of the Great Famine and celebrating the fighting spirit of the Irish!
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
“Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyan’s corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay”
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It’s so lonely ’round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
“Nothing matters, Mary, when you’re free
Against the famine and the crown
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity”
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It’s so lonely ’round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely harbour wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she lived in hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It’s so lonely ’round the fields of Athenry
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It’s so lonely ’round the fields of Athenry
4.25/5 (4 votes)
