Paddy Carey

DESCRIPTION: Recruiting Sergeant Snapp meets Paddy Carey, a great favorite with the women. He enlists Paddy for a shilling "while Pat was coaxing duck-legged Mary." At that ugly widow Leary gives Paddy money for a ring. He outfits himself as a captain and leaves.
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: before 1813 (broadside, Bodleian Harding B 17(232a))
KEYWORDS: courting army recruiting money humorous rake
FOUND IN:
REFERENCES (1 citation):
O'Conor-OldTimeSongsAndBalladOfIreland, p. 20, "Paddy Carey" (1 text)
Roud #45724
BROADSIDES:
Bodleian, Harding B 17(232a), "Paddy Carey" ("'Twas at the town of neat Clogheon"), J. Evans (London), 1780-1812; also 2806 c.15(294), Harding B 11(2906), Harding B 12(71), Harding B 11(2907), Harding B 28(23), Harding B 25(1445), "Paddy Carey"
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Limerick Races" (mentions this song)
NOTES [59 words]: Broadside Bodleian Harding B 17(232a) is used as the basis for the description since O'Conor-OldTimeSongsAndBalladOfIreland ends his song before widow Leary comes on the scene. - BS
It should be noted that this song was printed at a time when commission by purchase was still the norm in the British army; the practice was not abolished until 1871. - RBW
Last updated in version 5.1
File: OCon020A

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