Marie's Wedding
The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem Lyrics
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Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
Over hillways, up and down,
Past the sheilings through the town
All for the sake of Marie.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
Plenty herring, plenty meal,
Plenty peat to fill her kreel.
Plenty bonnie bairns as weel,
That's the toast for Marie.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
Red her cheeks as Rowan's are,
Bright her eyes as any star.
Fairest of them all by far,
Is our darlin' Marie.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
Over hillways, up and down,
Myrtle green and bracken brown,
Past the sheilings through the town
All for the sake of Marie.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem's song "Marie's Wedding" is a joyful tune that tells the story of a traditional Scottish wedding celebration. The song describes the lively procession of guests as they make their way to the wedding venue, dancing arm in arm and heel to toe. The lyrics mention the beautiful Marie, who is the bride of the wedding described in the song. The chorus repeats the phrase "All for Marie's wedding," emphasizing the excitement and happiness of the occasion.
The verses of the song also paint a vivid picture of the Scottish countryside, with references to hillways, myrtle green, and bracken brown. The lyrics evoke a sense of community, with plenty of herring, meal, peat, and "bonnie bairns" to go around. The song celebrates love, tradition, and the joys of coming together as a community to celebrate a special occasion.
Line by Line Meaning
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
We happily move forward, step by step, dancing and linking arms, all for the celebration of Marie's marriage.
Over hillways, up and down,
Myrtle green and bracken brown,
Past the sheilings through the town
All for the sake of Marie.
We go through the beautiful countryside, filled with greenery and brown brush, passing houses and the town, all to celebrate the joyous occasion of Marie's wedding.
Plenty herring, plenty meal,
Plenty peat to fill her kreel.
Plenty bonnie bairns as weel,
That's the toast for Marie.
There is an abundance of food, with plenty of herring and a meal to feast on, as well as ample peat to fuel the fire. Here's to the health and happiness of Marie, with hopes for many beautiful children as well.
Red her cheeks as Rowan's are,
Bright her eyes as any star.
Fairest of them all by far,
Is our darlin' Marie.
Marie's cheeks are as red as the Rowan berries, her eyes shine like stars and she is the fairest of them all. She is truly beloved by all.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
Once again, we merrily move forward, step by step, linking arms and dancing in rows, all while continuing to celebrate the joyous occasion of Marie's marriage.
Over hillways, up and down,
Myrtle green and bracken brown,
Past the sheilings through the town
All for the sake of Marie.
We continue to traverse the beautiful countryside, filled with greenery and brown brush, passing houses and the town, all in honor of Marie's wedding celebration.
Step we gaily on we go,
Heel for heel
And toe for toe,
Arm and arm
And row and row,
All for Marie's wedding.
We joyously move forward once more, stepping in unison, linking arms, and dancing in rows, all to honor the happiness and love of Marie's wedding day.
Writer(s): H. S. Robertson, Traditional, Michael Foster
Contributed by Evelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@feadog219
Lordy ! I 'demanded' this be played at my wedding. As the bridal party walked from the church to the reception, my father led the way and played a flawless rendition. When we stopped before a rather seedy public house, the patrons came to the stoop and sang along. I will NEVER forget that and hope to do the same for my children.
@simthekid9653
this song is magical: yet taken dozens of times but never equaled Simple uncluttered and efficient I know they are all dead but just a testimony of a little kid from France who discovered Irish music in 2015 thanks to them thank you
@jsmithmultimediatech
The original of course being this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfOrDcYY_RU entirely in Gáidhlig by Bannerman in 1934 when Mary C. MacNiven won gold at the national Mód a Gaelic festival of sorts.
@Ruthybobz19
Rest in Peace Liam. Finally he's back with Tommy and his brothers together again in heaven. They must be having some craic up there! I hope my grandfathers enjoy the sessions!
@edejan
Best "walking song" ever.
@Yverian
I've heard this song sung by them on several different occasions, in studio and live, and I don't know where or when they did this one, but i like it better than any of the others, they must have woken up on the right side of the bed that morning. God bless the Clancy's and Mr. Makem.
@brucecollins4729
braw happy scottish song
@bulldog52150
at my marriage in 1984 w had a illiad piper play this as we exited the church. My bride mom very opposed before the wedding but cried afterwords only the piper and I knew the song >later I let my wife who is a singer the song and she sang it at all the families weddings
@Bartoniusz28
It's most lovely :) I will play it on my wedding :) Although nobody will understand it anyway.
@eileenmacdougall8945
The milk I was raised on.