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Happy July 4th! — Sinead O’Connor – Oro Se do Bheatha Bhaile

By Thomas A. Smith

Happy Fourth to all Americans at home or abroad, in fact or in spirit! I post this ballad of Irish rebellion because it captures the spirit I think we’ll need. But Ms. O’Connor is happy you’ll note. For the great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made made, for all their wars are happy, and all their songs are sad, Chesterton said. But in this case, it’s a happy song, and ours should be too.

The song Óró, Sé do Bheatha ‘Bhaile is a traditional Irish rebel song, with lyrics adapted by Pádraig Pearse in the early 20th century. Sinéad O Connor s version, from her 2002 album Sean-Nós Nua, follows this arrangement. Below is the English translation of the lyrics, based on reliable sources:ChorusOh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Now that summer s coming!Verse 1Welcome, oh woman who was so afflicted,It was our ruin that you were in bondage,Our fine land in the possession of thieves,And you sold to the foreigners! ChorusOh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Now that summer s coming!Verse 2Gráinne Mhaol is coming over the sea,Armed warriors along with her as her guard,They are Irishmen, not foreigners nor Spanish,And they will rout the foreigners!ChorusOh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Now that summer s coming!Verse 3May it please the God of Miracles that we may see,Although we only live a week after it,Gráinne Mhaol and a thousand warriors,Dispersing the foreigners!ChorusOh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Oh-ro, you are welcome home!Now that summer s coming!Notes: Gráinne Mhaol refers to Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O Malley), the 16th-century Irish pirate queen who fought against English rule. The song s tone is one of defiance, celebrating Irish resistance against foreign (particularly English) oppression. The translation is sourced from reputable sites like Lyrics.com and IrishMusicDaily.com, which align with Pearse s version.Lyric notes by Grok.