The lyrics to the song The Mountains of Mourne (originally spelt The Mountains o' Mourne) were written by Irish musician Percy French (1854–1920). The music was adapted by Houston Collisson (1865–1920) from the traditional Irish folk tune "Carrigdonn" or "Carrigdhoun".[1][2] The latter had been similarly used by Thomas Moore (1779–1852) for his song Bendemeer's Stream.
The song is representative of French's many works concerning the Irish diaspora. The Mourne Mountains of the title are located in County Down in Northern Ireland.
The song is a whimsical look at the styles, attitudes and fashions of late nineteenth-century London as seen from the point of view of an emigrant labourer from a village near the Mourne Mountains. It is written as a message to the narrator's true love at home. The "sweep down to the sea" refrain was inspired by the view of the mountains from Skerries in north County Dublin.[3] It contrasts the artificial attractions of the city with the more natural beauty of his homeland.
- ^ Tongue, Alan (1990). A Picture of Percy French. Greystone Books. p. 46. ISBN 1 870157 117.
- ^ Folksongs & Ballads Popular in Ireland, Loesberg, p. 63.
- ^ Inscription at a memorial in Skerries.