A Bunch of Red Roses
The Dubliners Lyrics


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(Written by Sean O'Casey)

A sober black shawl hides her body entirely
Touched by the sun and the salt spray of the sea
But down in the darkness a slim hand so lovely
Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me

Her petticoat simple and her feet are but bare
And all that she has is but neat and scanty
But stars in the deep of her eyes are exclaiming
I carry a rich bunch of red roses for thee

No arrogant jewel sits enthroned on her forehead
Or swings from a white ear for all men to see




But jewelled desire in a bosom so pearly
Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me

Overall Meaning

The Dubliners’ song “A Bunch of Red Roses” is a beautiful and poignant poem set to traditional Irish music. Written by Sean O’Casey, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young, impoverished woman who carries herself with grace and dignity. She is dressed in a simple black shawl which covers her entire body, but despite her humble attire, she exudes a quiet confidence and self-assurance. In her hand, she carries a large bouquet of bright red roses, a striking contrast against the dark backdrop of her shawl.


The song is a celebration of love and the power of nature. The singer is deeply moved by the beauty and simplicity of the woman and her roses. He observes that while she may not be rich or powerful, her inner beauty shines brightly, like the stars in the deep of her eyes. Similarly, the red roses she carries are a symbol of the natural world’s beauty and vitality, and express the depth of her feelings. They are not just any flowers, but a rich and vibrant bunch, chosen specifically to convey her love and admiration.


Overall, “A Bunch of Red Roses” is a beautiful and deeply moving song that speaks to the human heart’s capacity for love and appreciation of nature. It reminds us that sometimes the most valuable things in life are not the material possessions we accumulate, but the connections we make with others and the beauty we find in the world around us.


Line by Line Meaning

A sober black shawl hides her body entirely
She is wearing a black shawl that covers her entire body and makes her look sober.


Touched by the sun and the salt spray of the sea
Despite being covered by a shawl, her skin has been exposed to the sun and the salt spray of the sea.


But down in the darkness a slim hand so lovely
Her hand is slim and beautiful, even in the darkness.


Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me
She is carrying a bunch of red roses for the artist.


Her petticoat simple and her feet are but bare
She is wearing a simple petticoat and her feet are bare.


And all that she has is but neat and scanty
She doesn't have much and what she has is simple and limited.


But stars in the deep of her eyes are exclaiming
Her eyes are shining bright with stars, expressing something important.


I carry a rich bunch of red roses for thee
She is telling the artist that she is carrying a bunch of red roses for him.


No arrogant jewel sits enthroned on her forehead
She is not wearing any fancy jewelry on her forehead.


Or swings from a white ear for all men to see
She is not wearing any flashy earrings that would catch everyone's attention.


But jeweled desire in a bosom so pearly
She has a desire that is precious, just like a jewel. It is well-hidden in her pearly bosom.


Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me
Despite not having any fancy jewelry, she is still carrying a bunch of red roses for the artist.




Contributed by Julia N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Mark Meleady

This isn't actually a Dubliners recording - it's from Ronnie Drew's first solo album.

RevDanimal

This...this is about love, regardless of stature. And very humble, with a a slight Irish pervertedness.

Hans Van Houten

amazing..

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