Tarry Trousers | Traditional Irish Folk Ballad | Just Irish Music

Tarry Trousers: An Irish Folk Ballad of Love, Loyalty, and the Sea

Tarry Trousers is a traditional Irish folk song that has traveled through centuries, ports, and hearts. Rooted in oral tradition, it captures a classic theme: a young woman’s love for a sailor, and her rejection of a more materially secure suitor. It is a tale of fidelity — to love, to the sea, and to one’s own heart.

This version of Tarry Trousers comes from Sam Henry’s monumental collection, Songs of the People, a treasure trove of Irish folk lyrics gathered in the early 20th century from singers across Northern Ireland. What’s remarkable about this ballad is how many versions exist — Henry himself connects it to over sixteen related songs, including Oh No, John, The Dumb Lady, and The Spanish Merchant’s Daughter.

The phrase “tarry trousers” refers to the waterproofed pants worn by sailors, who used tar to protect their garments from saltwater and wear. The term "Jack Tar" became common in the 18th century for seafarers in the British and Irish navies. It’s a powerful image: the tar-stained clothing signifying both the grit and nobility of maritime life.

In the ballad, a wealthy suitor approaches a beautiful young woman and promises her riches, lands, and treasure. But she replies that she has no interest in gold or worldly wealth — her love wears tarry trousers, a jacket of blue, and sails the ocean deep. She gently but firmly sends the suitor on his way. Her devotion is unwavering, even in the face of uncertainty.

This kind of female character — steadfast, romantic, and independent in thought — is a recurring archetype in Irish folk tradition. The song also explores another recurring theme: the tension between romance and practicality, between the land and the sea, and between love and societal expectations.

While Tarry Trousers is largely seen as a love song, it’s also a cultural document. It tells us how people viewed class, marriage, loyalty, and adventure. The sea in Irish music is rarely just water — it’s a symbol of exile, opportunity, danger, and longing. To love a sailor was to love someone always halfway gone.

Musically, this rendition honours traditional Irish instrumentation: bodhrán, tin whistle, and gentle acoustic guitar. The vocal style remains true to the ballad tradition — storytelling through simplicity.

Whether you hear Tarry Trousers as a tale of loyalty or a lament for love lost to the ocean, it remains a timeless reminder of how strong the human heart can be when it decides to stay anchored.

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LYRICS

Yonder stands a pretty maiden, Who she is I do not know, I'll go court her for her beauty, Let her answer yes or no. 'Pretty maid, I've come to court you, If your favour I do gain And you make me hearty welcome, I will call this way again.' 'Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome, Sit you down and chat a while, Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome, Suppose you do not call again?' 'Pretty little maid, I've gold and riches, Pretty little maid, I've houses and lands, Pretty little maid, I've worldly treasures. And all will be at your command.' 'What do I care for your worldly treasures? What do I care for your houses and lands? What do I care for your gold and riches? All that I want is a nice young man.' 'Why do you dive so deep in beauty? It is a flower will soon decay, It's like the rose that blooms in summer When winter comes, it fades away.' 'My love wears the tarry trousers, My love wears the jacket blue, My love ploughs the deep blue ocean, So, young man, be off with you.' 'Pretty little maid, I've gold and riches, Pretty little maid, I've houses and lands, Pretty little maid, I've worldly treasures. And all will be at your command.' 'What do I care for your worldly treasures? What do I care for your houses and lands? What do I care for your gold and riches? All that I want is a nice young man.'
Location: Ireland

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