Red is the Rose

Red Is the Rose is one of Ireland’s best-loved traditional folk songs, combining a haunting melody with lyrics of enduring devotion. Although firmly rooted in the Irish tradition today, it shares its beautiful tune with the Scottish classic Loch Lomond, reflecting centuries of musical exchange between Ireland and Scotland. As melodies travelled with families, sailors and seasonal workers, they often acquired new words, landscapes and identities while preserving their emotional power. The lyrics celebrate faithful love through some of Ireland’s most evocative images: the red rose, the white lily and the clear waters of the River Boyne. Together they express beauty, purity and constancy, reminding us that true love is measured not by wealth or circumstance, but by unwavering commitment. For this video I have imagined a backstory set in County Meath in the summer of 1900. A young man from a prosperous Rossnaree family falls in love with a young woman from humbler circumstances. When her family moves to Slane, he refuses to let distance separate them. A heartfelt letter, a promise of marriage and a determined walk through the Boyne Valley lead him towards a joyful reunion, sustained by treasured memories of evenings the couple spent together while visiting relatives near Killarney. The montage follows this imagined journey through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes: the River Boyne, peaceful country lanes, moonlit Ross Castle in Killarney, and finally a village church, where love triumphs over separation. Throughout the story, the recurring symbols of the red rose, white lilies and the River Boyne weave together the song’s poetry and visual narrative. The modern Irish version was popularised by Tommy Makem, who learned the song from his mother, the distinguished traditional singer Sarah Makem. Through his performances with The Clancy Brothers and as a solo artist, he introduced Red Is the Rose to audiences around the world. The song’s imagery also recalls Robert Burns’ famous 1794 poem A Red, Red Rose, illustrating the deep literary and musical connections between Scotland and Ireland. My arrangement remains faithful to the traditional melody while allowing the singer to ornament and gently extemporize around it. These natural variations reflect the living folk tradition and give this performance its own character while respecting its shared ancestry with Loch Lomond. Notable recordings: Tommy Makem • The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem • The Fureys • The Irish Rovers • Daniel O’Donnell • The High Kings #RedisTheRose #IrishFolk #TraditionalIrishMusic #IrishBallad #TommyMakem #LochLomond #RiverBoyne #CountyMeath #Killarney #IrishLoveSong #FolkMusic #CelticMusic #AcousticFolk #Storytelling #AlanWagstaff