Johnny I Do Miss You polka

Bouncy tune … anyone know the history or origin of it?

I hope someone will chime in. I only know it from the Sliabh Luachra set on NPU’s tape Round the House. That set was played by Brendan Begley, Steve Cooney, and Gerry Bevan.

At http://www.qmcorp.net/zouki/webabc/tedd/201591.abc they have it on B.Breathnach:"Ceol Rince na hEireann" III/77 - that means Dance Music of Ireland, right?

At http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/TU.htm#TUREENGARBH_GLEN they mention Denis Doody Kerry Music.

Okay, take it away, y’all. It’s polkas like this one that are making me think of trading in the concertina for a button accordion.

When Denis did his lovely record, highly recommended but sadly no longer available as far as I’ve been able to find, he had a stock of tune he hadn’t names for, Gan Ainms. Well, the recording company insisted that they had to have names. So, he made them up on the spot. The problem after that was taking requests when he was doing concerts. He hadn’t a clue what they were on about…

Here’s this tune played by Seamus Creagh and Matt Cranitch. Starts about 2.50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCG4BG7k0kk

play video

The first part at least is reminiscent of the rebel song, Tureengarriv Glen, which is just west of Ballydesmond. There was a big ambush there by Sean Moylan and the North Cork No. 2 during the War of Independence. My guess would be that this one like many others (Chase Me Charlie, Kerry Cow, Camptown Races) became a polka, or quite possibly was existing (no doubt under some useless name such as Tom Billy’s!) and was then used for the song. The song itself is somewhat difficult to sing as it is easily confused with the rising of moon.

Perhaps none do the song justice like Tim Browne of Kanturk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybrR0CSgcoc

play video

On the twenty-eight of January the wind blew cold and shrill
Those volunteers assembled in a place called Daly’s Mill
They took up their positions ’mongst the heather furze and stone
And captured six staff officers and Major General Holmes.

The evening sun was beating as those lorries came in sight
The hearts of all those rebel boys were beating with delight
They had no dreams of cowardice as those Crossley cars sped in
“Hands up me boys!” Sean Moylan’s cries went echoing through the glen.

Those tans showed resistance, and opened heavy fire
Without effect they feared their doom, to escape was their desire
The steady aim and quick exchange proved death was near them then
And many’s a wound each hireling found in Tureengarriv Glen.

After twenty minutes fighting fierce those hirelings showed despair
They’d been through France and Flanders they yet to show some fear
They had gained distinguished medals they were shrewd and daring men
But could not compare with those rebel boys in Tureengarriv Glen.

At last they should surrender which grieved them much to do
They gave up their full equipment and their ammunition too
They had to part those fancy cars soon manned by gallant men
Who with hand grenades and rifles left Tureengarriv Glen.

Well, Holmes’ poor condition it was a ghastly sight
This one of cruel Britannia’s sons would scarcely last till night
First aid was quickly rendered to him and all his men
And for medical aid they were conveyed from Tureengarriv Glen.

Here’s to the Second Battalion! And its fearless fighting squad
Truer and nobler hearted men Ireland never saw
Along Blackwaterside, those proud and daring men
Ne’er proved their power and valor as in Tureengarriv Glen.

Turns out this one is also known as Johnny I Do Miss You… I would guess that was the original title to the air, which was then used for the song mentioned above, and finally they took the song title?

There shouldn’t be a repeat at the end of the B part.

From the playing of North Cregg.

my transcription of De Danann’s version on Mist Covered Mountain
Lovely version here by North Cregg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQOnAts5eH8

play video

starts at about 00:49