Ár gCultúr Beo / Our Living Culture
Air: Oro Se do Bheatha Abhaile
Author: D. Barron
Singers: Carlow Storytellers

Ár gCultúr Beo / Our Living Culture
Air: Oro Se do Bheatha Abhaile
Author: D. Barron
Singers: Carlow Storytellers

Theme: Pride in our native culture

Location: County Carlow



CHORUS

Óro, Ár gcultúr gleoite, (our beautiful culture)

Óro, our culture’s growing,

Óro, ár gcultúr beomhar, (our living culture)

Alive and beo in Carlow. (well)

They tried to take our culture from us,

Tried to force their culture on us;

But 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;

But 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

And we’ll save our ancient ways.

CHORUS
________________________

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.

D. Barron

From Carlow Streams