ÁR GCULTÚR BEO / OUR LIVING CULTURE
Air: Óro Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile
Author: Dave Barron

ÁR GCULTÚR BEO / OUR LIVING CULTURE
Air: Óro Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile
Author: Dave Barron

Theme: A celebration of how our oral cultural heritage has survived and is now growing again.
The Celtic Irish oral tradition of music and song has faced many challenges to its survival, from Penal Laws to changing trends and fashions. At one time mocked and derided, it was always kept alive in the Rambling Houses and by people who loved their traditions. Now, the ancient culture is growing strong again, not only holding its own but growing in popularity.
The song Óro, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile was about restoration of freedom and culture; it seems appropriate to match these words with the old melody.

CHORUS

Óro, Ár gcultúr gleoite, (our beautiful culture)

Óro, our culture’s growing,

Óro, ár gcultúr beomhar, (our living culture)

Alive, beomhar in Carlow. (well)

They tried to take our culture from us,

Tried to force their culture on us;

Our fathers placed a geasa on us: (obligation)

To save our ancient ways.

CHORUS

They told us that we had to change,

To leave our past on a previous page;

We’ll save our ways for the coming age:

We’ll save our ancient ways.

CHORUS

The rambling house was the place to meet

But in recent years its fate looked bleak;

Some kept our old Way’s heart abeat

And saved our ancient ways.

CHORUS

They thought we’d fade with modern fashions

We love our culture with great passion;

We’ll always care for our great tradition

We’ll save our ancient ways.

CHORUS X 2