The Ferryman (song)

"The Ferryman", also sometimes known as "The Strawberry Beds",[1] is an Irish folk ballad, written by Pete St. John.[2]

Set in modern-day Dublin in Ireland,[1] as with other works by St. John, "The Ferryman" relates to economic change in the city. The song is a monologue, by a former pilot of a ferry on the River Liffey to his wife, Molly, as he contemplates the implications of his unemployment.^[citation needed]

Despite the unpleasant subject matter, the song ends optimistically, with the declaration "we're still living, and ... we're still young, and the river never owned me heart and soul".^[citation needed]

Recordings

The song was recorded by the Dublin City Ramblers in the early 1980s for their EP, The Ferryman, reaching number 6 in the Irish charts in December 1982.[3] The song has also been recorded by The Dubliners,[1] Four to the Bar, The Irish Rovers, Gaelic Storm, Patsy Watchorn, and Patrick Clifford.^[citation needed]

See also

• List of Irish ballads
• Strawberry Beds
• The Rare Ould Times

References

1. "The Ferryman – lament for passing of Dublin tradition". irishmusicdaily.com. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
2. "Pete St John: Fields of Athenry songwriter dies aged 90". bbc.com. BBC News. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
3. "Irish Charts - Search - Placement - Ferryman". irishcharts.ie. Irish Music Rights Organisation. Retrieved 14 March 2022.