Carolina Rua / Reel
The Chieftains & Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Carolina ruadh has a hand in my confusion.
Waits for me to choose which quarter to bend in.
To susie-make-me-blue, or the redhead I'm attending.
Oh carolina ruadh has my heart and all I want to do's
Go down the windy road where my carolina goes:
Down the crooked road where carolina goes to school
Tell me true, tell me...
Standing on three queens, thought the game was over.
Then, from the blue, carolina's at my shoulder:
Laughter in her eyes and a smile
That touches all the guys
On down the crooked road where carolina goes to school
Tell me true, tell me.
The lyrics to The Chieftains & Imelda May's song Carolina Rua/Reel-The Ladies Pantalettes paint a picture of a man at a crossroads in his life. He is torn between two women, Susie and Carolina Rua. The man seems to be confused about which direction to take, as he contemplates the feelings he has for these two women. The song suggests that he needs to make a choice, but he is not sure which woman to choose.
The lyrics use the metaphor of a game of cards, with the man standing on three queens, thinking the game was over, until Carolina Rua appears. Her arrival changes everything and leaves him in a state of confusion. The lyrics suggest that he has feelings for both women, but it is unclear which one he should choose. The song is about decision-making, and the consequences of choices.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the complexity of relationships, and how difficult it can be to make choices when it comes to matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Stories never end 'til you come to conclusions:
The events in life keep happening until we make a decision.
Carolina ruadh has a hand in my confusion.
Carolina is involved in the singer's dilemma.
Waits for me to choose which quarter to bend in.
Carolina is waiting for the singer to make a choice.
To susie-make-me-blue, or the redhead I'm attending.
The artist has to choose between two girls.
Oh carolina ruadh has my heart and all I want to do's
The artist is in love with Carolina.
Go down the windy road where my carolina goes:
The singer wants to follow Carolina.
Down the crooked road where carolina goes to school
Carolina goes to school on a winding road.
Mo charolina ruadh, do you love me?
The artist asks if Carolina loves them.
Tell me true, tell me...
The artist wants an honest answer.
Standing on three queens, thought the game was over.
The artist thought they had lost the game.
Then, from the blue, carolina's at my shoulder:
Suddenly, Carolina is there with the singer.
Laughter in her eyes and a smile
Carolina looks happy and cheerful.
That touches all the guys
Her smile makes everyone feel good.
On down the crooked road where carolina goes to school
Carolina goes to school on a winding road.
Tell me true, tell me.
The singer wants an honest answer from Carolina.
Writer(s): Thomas Lanning Moore, Traditional
Contributed by Thomas K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.