Sunday 14 June 2015
Tune of the Day: Down by the Sally Gardens
Traditional Irish air
“Down by the Salley Gardens” is the title of a poem written by William Butler Yeats, first published in 1889. Originally, the poem included no melody. In 1909, Irish composer Herbert Hughes set it to the traditional air “The Moorlough Shore” (also known as “The Maids of Mourne Shore”), and this has since remained the most widely sung setting of the poem.
“Salley” or “sally” is a form of the Standard English word “sallow”, meaning a willow tree.
Thanks to Cath for suggesting this tune!