M: 4/4
L: 1/8
K: Gmaj
AB ~B2 e2dB|A2 GA BA A2|eB ~B2 eBdB|A2 GA BGG2|
AB ~B2 e2dB|A2 GA BA A2|GB ~B2 dB~B2|A2 GA BG G2||
g2 fg e2df|g2 fg eaaf|g2 fg ~e2dB|A2 GA BG G2|
g2 fg e2df|g2 fg eaaf|gbag ~e2dB|A2 GA BG G2||
Nice tune, which can also be found on "Kerry Fiddles" (Padraig O’Keeffe, Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford recorded in 1952 in Castleisland). Apparently the title came from "the first phrase of a song sung to this tune" (Music from Sliabh Luachra, booklet 1976).
There’s a similar untitled reel in Martin Mulvihill’s collection but in D (p24, No.93) which he appears to have got from Tony Smith. Bobby Gardiner also played that setting (see CRE3, No.204), whereas in O’Neill’s MOI (No.1417) and DMI (No.654) it’s called "The Old Maids of Galway". Other titles noted include Girls of the County Mayo; Johnny’s Gone to France; Paddy’s Gone to France; Into the Room, I Want You; Ballinlough Bay; and The West Mabou Reel.
Re: Johnny When You Die
Interestingly, I just came across a similar tune in Brendán Breathnach’s “Ceol Rince ná hÉireann 1”, where he lists it as “Gearrchailiú Chontae Mhuigheo” (The Mayo Lasses). But it’s more similar to this setting than the one you linked. That makes me suspect these are all the same tune, with various evolutions.
Re: Johnny When You Die
What a cheerful thread to encounter first thing in the morning…… NOT. 🙁