Follow me up to carlow lyrics meaning is a Irish folk song about an Irish hero who won a fight against an English army. It is a popular song and has been re-interpreted by many bands. It has been performed by Planxty, the Wolfe Tones, and the Young Dubliners among others.
It was written in the 19th century by Patrick Joseph McCall and published in 1899 under the name “Marching Song of Feagh MacHugh”. The song celebrates the defeat of an army of 3,000 English soldiers by Fiach McHugh O'Byrne at the Battle of Glenmalure, during the Second Desmond Rebellion in 1580.
The music is set to a traditional Irish air reputed to have been played as a marching tune by the pipers of Fiach MacHugh in 1580. The song was a hit with the public and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Fiddler's Green, the High Kings, Distant Oaks, and the band Cruachan.
A close reading of the lyrics reveals that it is not a song about the actual victory at Glenmalure, but rather about a number of other events and characters during the 20 years it covers. The song is full of references to intriguing and obscure historical figures, and includes a variety of technical terms and jargon.
There are a few other things that happen during the course of the song, but they are less significant than the main event. One of the more notable things that happens is that Mac Cahir Og, Fiach's son-in-law, wins the heart of his sister Elinor and their clan lands are restored to them.