Similar to Shebeen and Seanchai in their outlook, The Irsh Brigade play regularly throughout Ireland, North and South and are very popular in the Celtic side of Glasgow.
There is also an Irish Brigade based out of the Twin Cities, MN in the US. This band has toured for over thirty years.
Ride on
The Irish Brigade Lyrics
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Standing sixteen, one or two. With eyes wild and green,
You ride the horse so well, hands light to the touch,
I could never go with you no matter how I wanted to.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
No matter how I wanted to.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
When you ride in to the night without a trace behind,
Run your claw along my gut one last time.
I turn to face an empty space where you used to lie,
And look for the spark that lights the night
Through a teardrop in my eye.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
No matter how I wanted to.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
No matter how I wanted to.
No matter how I wanted to.
The lyrics of The Irish Brigade's song "Ride On" present a story of unrequited love and longing, as the singer describes a person who rides the most magnificent horse they have ever seen – epitomizing a perfect and powerful partner. The description of the horse's features also describes the rider as an exquisitely competent horseman. Despite the overwhelming admiration for the rider, the singer makes it clear that they could never go with them, regardless of their desires. It is unclear why they cannot be with the rider, but the song's tone creates the impression that there might be insurmountable obstacles towards fulfilling their desires. The refrain repeats the sentiment that the singer could never be with the rider, no matter how much they may want to.
The second verse of the song follows the rider as they leave into the night. The singer reveals the intense pain and longing caused by the rider's departure, as they allow themselves to be vulnerable to tears. The line "Run your claw along my gut one last time" emphasizes that the singer will carry the torment of unrequited love even after the rider has left. The chorus comes in again, repeating the opening thought that no matter how much the singer may want to be with the rider, it is impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
True you ride the finest horse I have ever seen,
You ride an incredibly impressive horse that outshines any that I have ever laid eyes on.
Standing sixteen, one or two. With eyes wild and green,
Your horse is tall and looks almost like it's reaching 16 hands or more. It has fierce and vivid green eyes that adds to its captivating appearance.
You ride the horse so well, hands light to the touch,
You have a great finesse when it comes to controlling your horse. You handle the reins with a delicate touch while being able to maintain control.
I could never go with you no matter how I wanted to.
Despite my desire to go with you, it wouldn't be possible for me to join you on your journey for some reason.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
No matter how I wanted to.
Ride on, see you, I could never go with you
No matter how I wanted to.
Ride on, even though I can't join you, I wish you well on your journey. I'll always be thinking of you.
When you ride in to the night without a trace behind,
As you make your way through the dark, you leave behind no hint of your presence.
Run your claw along my gut one last time.
Before you depart, you'll leave behind one final painful reminder of our time together.
I turn to face an empty space where you used to lie,
As you leave, the absence you leave behind is almost unbearable.
And look for the spark that lights the night
Through a teardrop in my eye.
Through the tears I shed, I try to find some hope or comfort in the midst of the darkness you leave behind.
No matter how I wanted to.
Despite my intense urge to go with you, I know that I can't follow.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY MACCARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind