“Paddy Carey”
Author: unknown
Earliest date: before 1813 (broadside, Bodleian Harding B 17(232a))
Description
Recruiting Sergeant Snapp meets Paddy Carey, a great favorite with the women. He enlists Paddy for a shilling "while Pat was coaxing duck-legged Mary." At that ugly widow Leary gives Paddy money for a ring. He outfits himself as a captain and leaves.
Notes
Broadside Bodleian Harding B 17(232a) is used as the basis for the description since O'Conor ends his song before widow Leary comes on the scene. - BS
It should be noted that this song was printed at a time when commission by purchase was still the norm in the British army. - RBW
Broadsides
- Bodleian, Harding B 17(232a), "Paddy Carey" ("'Twas at the town of neat Clogheon"), J. Evans (London), 1780-1812; also 2806 c.15(294), Harding B 11(2906), Harding B 12(71), Harding B 11(2907), Harding B 28(23), Harding B 25(1445), "Paddy Carey"
References
- O'Conor, p. 20, "Paddy Carey" (1 text)
- BI, OCon020
The Traditional Ballad Index is copyright ©2008
by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.
The Digital Tradition is copyright The Mudcat Cafe.