Waxies Dargle are one of the many traditional Celtic folk bands to come up … Read Full Bio ↴Waxies Dargle are one of the many traditional Celtic folk bands to come up through London's Irish pub circuit. The band, founded by Dubliner Gerry Heaney, derived its name from a popular Irish drinking song about a fair called "the Waxies Dargle" which was held by tailors from the coastal town of Bray early in the 20th century. Soon after the band's emergence on the London scene, they attracted a strong following with their lively blend of familiar Irish standards, original compositions, contemporary folk covers, and traditional North American folk tunes. The troupe, which describes itself as "two parts Dubliner and one part old Dublin City Ramblers," landed a deal with Brambus Records in 1993 and released their first album, World Tour of Ireland. With the support of the Switzerland based indie label, Waxies Dargle continued to cultivate a broader audience by touring throughout Europe. Their second Brambus record, Paddy Ryan's Dream, hit the market in 1995. Throughout their history the lineup behind Heaney has been a revolving door. On the 1997 release After the Gael the band was a four player ensemble consisting of Heaney (vocals, guitar and bodhran), Mike Franks (fiddle, banjo, harmonica, and vocals), Susannah Healy (backing vocals, fiddle) and Roland Humphries (bass, backing vocals). By 1999 the door had revolved again, with singer/fiddler Bernie O'Sullivan returning to the band as a replacement for Franks and Healy. Heaney has moved to London, where the band continues to draw pub audiences when they are not touring on the continent.

Paddle Me Own Canoe
Waxies Dargle Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've travelled about a bit in me time, of troubles I've seen a few
I found it far better in every clime to paddle me own canoe
Me wants they are small I care not at all, me debts they are paid when due
I drive away strife from the ocean of life and paddle me own canoe

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe

It's all very well to depend on a friend, that is if you proved him true
You'll find it better by far in the end to paddle your own canoe
To borrow is dearer by far than to buy, a saying though old still true
You never will sigh if you only will try to paddle your own canoe

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe

So love everybody, trust only the few as the world I go travelling through
And never sit down with a tear and a frown, but paddle your own canoe
I rise with the lark from daylight to dark, I do what I have to do
I'm careless in wealth, I've only me health to paddle me own canoe

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe

Though England has ruled our small little land and manys the country too
Just take my advice and never think twice to paddle your own canoe
It's better I say to make your own way as the world you go travelling through
You never will sigh if you only will try to paddle your own canoe

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Waxies Dargle's song "Paddle Me Own Canoe" highlight the importance of self-reliance and independence. The singer is a traveller who has experienced his fair share of troubles, but has found that it is far better to rely on oneself than to depend on others. He emphasizes the importance of being debt-free and avoiding borrowing, as it can lead to more trouble in the long run.

The singer also points out that not having a partner allows him to live life without any distractions, and he can focus on his own happiness and well-being. In addition, the song encourages individuals to love and trust those who have proven themselves to be true friends, but ultimately to rely on oneself in navigating through life. The lyrics offer a message of positivity and resilience, suggesting that no matter what life throws at us, we can rise above it and "paddle our own canoe".

Line by Line Meaning

I've travelled about a bit in me time, of troubles I've seen a few
I have experienced troubles in my time, but I have also traveled to many places.

I found it far better in every clime to paddle me own canoe
Through all the different situations I’ve been in, I’ve found it best to rely on myself.

Me wants they are small I care not at all, me debts they are paid when due
I don't have many material desires and I am financially responsible.

I drive away strife from the ocean of life and paddle me own canoe
I avoid conflict and steer my own course in life.

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
I don't have a spouse or partner to complicate my life or betray my trust.

The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe
I enjoy the simple pleasures of life and rely on myself to get by.

It's all very well to depend on a friend, that is if you proved him true
Relying on a true friend is good, but only if they have shown themselves to be trustworthy.

You'll find it better by far in the end to paddle your own canoe
Ultimately, it is better to take responsibility for your own life and not depend on others.

To borrow is dearer by far than to buy, a saying though old still true
Borrowing can end up costing more than simply buying something outright.

You never will sigh if you only will try to paddle your own canoe
You won't have regrets if you make an effort to take control of your own life.

So love everybody, trust only the few as the world I go travelling through
I try to love everyone, but I only trust a select few as I navigate through life.

And never sit down with a tear and a frown, but paddle your own canoe
Don't let setbacks bring you down, just keep going and take charge of your own life.

I rise with the lark from daylight to dark, I do what I have to do
I am hardworking and diligent, doing what needs to be done from morning until night.

I'm careless in wealth, I've only me health to paddle me own canoe
I don't worry much about money, since my health and well-being are more important to me.

Though England has ruled our small little land and manys the country too
Despite being ruled by England and other nations, my country and its people persevere.

Just take my advice and never think twice to paddle your own canoe
My advice is to always rely on yourself and never hesitate to take control of your own life.

It's better I say to make your own way as the world you go travelling through
It is better to chart your own course through life rather than rely on others.

You never will sigh if you only will try to paddle your own canoe
Again, taking control of your life will minimize regrets and lead to contentment.

And I have no wife to bother me life, no lover to prove untrue
Repeating the same sentiment as before.

The whole day long I laugh with the song and paddle me own canoe
Again, reiterating my contentment with my simple life and reliance on myself.

Contributed by Bentley H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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