The Auld Triangle
Chris Thile Chris Eldridge Marcus Mumford Justin Timberlake & Gabe Witcher Lyrics

The Auld Triangle is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of life in prison. The singer, who is imprisoned, describes the hunger he feels and the sound of mice squealing in his cell. The "auld triangle" symbolizes the sound of the prison bars or possibly a musical instrument played by the prisoners. It goes "jingle, jangle" along the banks of the Royal Canal, which is a waterway in Ireland.

In the morning, one of the prison guards, or screws, shouts at the singer to wake up and clean his cell. The repetition of the line "And the auld triangle went jingle, jangle" emphasizes the monotonous routine and harsh conditions of prison life.

The singer also mentions a character named Humpy Gussy, who is sneaking around while the other prisoners are sleeping. The singer feels sadness and longing for his girlfriend, Sal, as he lies in his prison cell.

In the final verse, the singer mentions a female prison where 75 women are incarcerated. He expresses a wish to be among them, as if the female prison would be more desirable than his current situation. The repetition of the line "Then the auld triangle could go jingle, jangle" suggests a longing for freedom and a different life.

Overall, the lyrics of "The Auld Triangle" paint a vivid picture of the despair, longing, and monotony experienced by prisoners, while also hinting at a desire for escape and a better life.