Story Behind The Song
"Molly Malone" (also known as "Cockles and Mussels" or "In Dublin's Fair City")(Irish: Mol Ní Mhaoileoin) is a popular song, set in Dublin, Ireland, which has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin City. It has also in Ireland acquired the status of an Irish anthem. The song is sung by supporters of Dublin GAA, Leinster Rugby teams, Doncaster Rovers F.C., Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham FC, Reading F.C., Terenure College, The King's Hospital and the Irish international rugby team. It was also featured in the film, A Clockwork Orange.
Molly Malone statue in Grafton Street, was unveiled by then Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alderman Ben Briscoe during 1988 the Dublin Millennium celebrations, declaring June 13 as Molly Malone Day.
Song Description
Being another one of those all important songs in your repetoire as a traditional Celtic band, this is one we had to learn.
| Song Length |
2:26 |
Genre |
World - Celtic, Folk - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Endearing, Poignant |
Subject |
Girls, Women, Sadness |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
In Dublin's fair city,
where the girls are so pretty,
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"
"Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh".
She was a fishmonger,
And sure 'twas no wonder,
For so were her father and mother before,
And they each wheeled their barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"
(chorus)
She died of a fever[N 1],
And no one could save her,
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.
Now her ghost wheels her barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"