44. I Know Where I’m Going
Traditional, arranged and adapted by Robbie O’Connell ©1982 Slievenamon Music (BMI)
A slightly different take on the well known love song, I Know Where I’m Going. Thought to be Scottish in origin, it has been a favourite of many singers, over the years. There are numerous recordings by artists as diverse as Burl Ives and Julie Andrews. Its popularity may be due to the fact that it was published by Herbert Hughes in his collection of Irish Country Songs in 1909, a book which could be found in almost every respectable parlour that boasted a piano.
I learned this version from my first cousin, Declan O’Connell, in Cork. I was drawn to it by the subtle melodic change from the original and the restoration of the “Divil” in the lyrics. Most people sang, “ … and the dear knows who I’ll marry.” in the chorus. However, it’s very likely that the original version had the Gaelic word, “diabhal” pronounced “dee-al,” meaning devil instead of the safely bowdlerised “dear.”
The other obvious difference from the usual version is that it has undergone a gender reassignment. The handsome Johnny of the original has become winsome Molly, something not so unusual in the real world anymore. I added the guitar riff intro and outro for a little melodic and rhythmic variety.
19th century Ballad Woodcut illustrations in the video below are from the Irish Traditional Music Archive Collections.
Lyrics:
I KNOW WHERE I’M GOING
Traditional, arranged and adapted by Robbie O’Connell ©1982 Slievenamon Music (BMI)1
I know where I’m going I know who’s going with me I know who I love But the divil knows who I’ll marry Feather beds are soft Painted rooms are bonny But I would leave them all To go with my love Molly I know where I’m going I know who’s going with me I know who I love But the divil knows who I’ll marry She’ll have stockings of silk Shoes of fine green leather Combs to buckle her hair And a ring for every finger I know where I’m going I know who’s going with me I know who I love But the divil knows who I’ll marry Some say she’s dark I say she is bonny The flower among them all Is my handsome, winsome Molly I know where I’m going I know who’s going with me I know who I love But the divil knows who I’ll marry
PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
Robbie O’Connell: Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin
Tommy Keane: Uilleann Pipes, Tin Whistle, Low Whistle
Roxanne O’Connell: Vocals
Tom Phillips: Synthesizer
Arrangements by Robbie O’Connell, Tommy Keane, and Tom Phillips
Produced by Tom Phillips/Music Consultants
Recorded at Ivy Lane Studios, Hopkinton, Massachusetts Sound Engineer: Larry Minnis
Album cover illustration: Carla Frey