Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
Way down in Clonakilty in the year of 89
The locomotive Banba came chugging down the line
On board sat Philip Harrington bound for culinary fame
This place looks good to make me pud; I think I’ll call the same…
Chorus:
Clonakilty Blackpudding! Ses me daza, full of pep!
To put the lead back in your pencil and the spring back in your step
Heaven knows what herbs and spices are inside the saucy skin
But it brings a smile to Erin’s Isle Agus fágfaimid mar sin.
The man who made the motorcars from Ballinascarthy way
Young Henry Ford who tempered gold from cold black steel, they say
Said the painter in the foundry – which color, Henry, pray?
Tis equal, Jack, once you make it black like that tasty tack!, said he.
Chorus
And when the hills of Carbery with ricochets did ring
And the Black and Tans and Auxies stalked the column in the glen
Up spoke our own Big Fellow saying – here’s rations for ye, men!
A half O’ tierce of Wrastler, you can guess what’s in the fin!
Chorus
Salute, ye sons of rebel Cork, the warriors of yore
Who donned the blood and bandage in fame forever more
Blithe Christy Ring, brave Thady Quill, those hurling heroes bold
What do you think sustained ’em, boys, and fortified their souls?
FINAL Chorus:
Clonakilty Blackpudding! ‘Tis me daza full of pep!
To put the lead back in your pencil and the spring back in your step
No one knows what Edward Twomey puts inside his saucy skin
But it brings a smile to Erin’s Isle Agus fágfaimid mar sin.
Notes: Ballad makers were traditionally commissioned to sing and compose the praises of their patron’s wares. Throughout the Middle Irish period, the Fili sustained themselves by eulogizing the Irish aristocracy. So, things haven’t changed that much and I’m glad that my patron, Mr. Edward Twomey, has a good sense of the tradition.