Her international performances include membership as a principal soloist with the world renowned Irish chamber choir Anúna from 1994 to 1998, touring the United States as a soloist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, touring South Africa with Lord of the Dance, and concerts in Japan and Korea.
She Moved Through the Fair
Méav Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind"
Then she stepped away from me and this she did say
"It will not be long, love, 'til our wedding day"
She stepped away from me and she moved through the fair
And fondly I watched her move here and move there
Then she made her way homeward with one star awake
The lyrics to Méav's She Moved Through the Fair describe the bittersweet feeling of young love that is on the verge of falling apart. The singer's lover tells her that her parents will not disapprove of their love despite their differences in social status. However, the next moment, the singer is left alone as her lover steps away from her with the promise of returning soon for their wedding day. The singer is left to watch her lover move through the fair, a place of excitement and bustling commotion. She watches her lover's every step, aware that this could be the last time they are together, and both of them know that their love is an impossible dream.
The imagery of the swan moving over the lake is used as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of love. Just as the swan moves gracefully over the lake, love can sometimes appear to be effortless and beautiful. However, it is equally delicate and easily disrupted, like the ripples on the surface of the water. The singer is therefore left with a sense of longing and sadness knowing that their love is not meant to be.
One interesting fact about the song is that it is a traditional Irish folk song that has been covered by many artists throughout the years. In fact, it is believed to be a song that originated in the mid-19th century, and it has since become one of Ireland's most beloved and recognizable tunes. Another fun fact is that the lyrics are often sung as part of a lament, which is a traditional Irish song form that is meant to express sorrow and mourning.
Other famous artists who have covered the song include Van Morrison, Loreena McKennitt, and Sinéad O'Connor. The song has also been featured in several popular films and TV series, including in the soundtrack of the movie Michael Collins and the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.
The song's melody is a typical example of an Irish ballad in 6/8 time signature with a gentle and lilting feel. Here are the chords that could be used to play the song:
Verse: G - D - Em - D
Chorus: G - D - Em - D
Overall, She Moved Through the Fair is a poignant and stirring song that speaks to the universal experience of lost love and longing. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, and the melody is both beautiful and haunting.
Line by Line Meaning
My lover assured me that their parents wouldn't object to me not being of the same social class
Then she left me and promised that we would soon be wed
I watched as she walked away, gracefully weaving through the crowded fair
My heart filled with affection as I saw her gliding, with a sense of ease
She then journeyed home, guided by the light of a solitary star
Her movements reminiscent of how a swan gracefully glides over a body of water on a peaceful evening
Contributed by Bailey Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.