“Norah McShane”

Description

The singer recalls leaving (Ballymoney), and admits to being "as wretched can be" in the new land. He misses buttermilk, the old mud house, peat fires, and of course Norah McShane. Even with no money, it was a better life than this

Notes

The LOCSheet broadsides note "poetry by [Miss] Eliza Cook" and music attributed either to W. J. Wetmore or Charles Horn Junr. - BS

Cross references

Broadsides

  • Bodleian, Harding B 11(2717), "Norah Mc.Sheen" or "I Am Leaving Ballimoney," J. Harkness (Preston), 1840-1866; also 2806 c.15(9/10)[some illegible words], "Norah MacShane"; Harding B 11(3881), 2806 b.11(10), Firth c.26(16), Harding B 11(56), Harding B 11(1814), "Norah M'Shane"
  • LOCSheet, sm1841 380630, "Norah McShane," C. E. Horn (New York), 1841; also sm1850 650070, sm1850 471280, "Norah McShane" (tune)

References

  1. SHenry H157, p. 207, "Norah McShane" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. O'Conor, pp. 50-51, "Nora McShane" (1 text)
  3. Dean, p. 105, "Nora McShane" (1 text)
  4. Roud #9059
  5. BI, HHH157

About

Alternate titles: “Nora McShane”
Author: Eliza Cook (?)
Earliest date: 1841 (broadside, LOCSheet sm1841 380630); supposedly written 1838
Found in: Ireland US9Mw)