| Lesson 4 |
| Our next tune is absolutely lovely. The melody dates back to at least 1707 when it was published as Dives and Lazurus. The lyrics were added sometime in the 20th century by Cathal McGarvey. Whether one plays this tune as a slow air or up-tempo as a march it has a haunting melody that evokes considerable emotion. Let's look at the lyrics first. |
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Star of the County Down In Banbridge Town in the County Down one morning last July, from a boreen green came a sweet Colleen and she smiled as she passed me by. She looked so sweet from her two bare feet to the sheen of her nut brown hair. Such a coaxing elf, sure I shook myself for to see I was really there. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin Town, no maid I've seen like the brown Colleen that I met in the County Down. As she onward sped, sure I scratched my head, and I looked with a feelin' rare and I say's, say's I, to a passer-by "Whose the maid with the nut brown hair"? He smiled at me and he say's, say's he, "That's the gem of Ireland's crown. It's Rosie McCann from the banks of Bann, she's the star of the County Down" She'd a soft brown eye And a look so sly, And a smile like the rose in June, And you hung on each note From her lily-white throat, As she lilted an Irish tune. At the pattern dance You were held in a trance, As she tripped through a reel or a jig; And when her eyes she'd roll, She'd coax, on my soul, A spud from a hungry pig. Chorus: I've traveled a bit, But I never was hit Since my roving career began; But fair and square I surrendered there To the charms of young Rose McCann. I'd a heart to let And no tenant yet Though I'd searched countryside and town; But in she went, And I asked no rent From the Star of the County Down. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin Town no maid I've seen like the brown Colleen that I met at the County Down. At the Harvest Fair she'll be surely there and I'll dress in my Sunday clothes, with my shoes shone bright and my hat cocked right for a smile from my nut brown rose. No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke till my plough turns rust coloured brown. Till a smiling bride, by my own fireside sits the star of the County Down. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay and from Galway to Dublin Town no maid I've seen like the brown Colleen that I met at the County Down. |
| .......and here's the tune! |
| Again, we have 4/4 timing and only gracenotes and strikes for embellishments. Vary the tempo. Be very deliberate with your playing and don't get caught up trying to be too slick. Just relax and enjoy the music! |
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| Practice both Auld Lang Syne and Star of County Down over until you're able to play both without making a mistake. Tempo isn't really important right now. Practice playing to your metronome to ensure your tempo is steady. When you feel confident enough, proceed to lesson five! |
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