London You're A Lady

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:03 pm**

This may be a strange question, but I seem to remember that the melody for "London You're a Lady" was based on an older Irish tune. Is this just a flashback from my youth? Does anyone know whether this is true, and if so, which melody it is based upon?

The reason I'm asking is that I would like to have the melody played at my wedding. (Lyrics not very wedding-like, as you might note). In any case, I would like to find the sheet music for this tune and I would appreciate any direction.

Thanks!

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:12 pm**

It borrows the melody from a harp tune called Fanny Power (or Planxty Fanny Poer) by the famous Irish blind harper O'Carolan. More info and a midi is here. Audio file of the instrumental tune can be downloaded here.

And by the way, the Pogues lyrics may not be very wedding like, but the original lyrics are!

"Fanny (Frances) Power was an heiress, daughter of David and Elizabeth Power of Coorheen, Loughrea. In 1732 Fanny married Richard Trench of Gerbally, County Gallway. The tune was probably composed before her wedding because the second verse (the Gaelic lyrics) Carolan expresses hope he will live to dance at her wedding."

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:15 pm**

Congratulations on the Wedding btw

and you knowledge Zu continues to amaze me day by day!

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:19 pm**

What really amuses me is your speed, Zuzana

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:33 pm**

Where's my prize for winning the sprint race and knowledge contest at once?

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:38 pm**

We should arange for something - hmmm

lots of alcohol Zuzana?

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:48 pm**

Take it, Zuzana, take it! Later we'll sort things out :wink:

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:59 pm**

I consider it a cunning attempt at effectively dulling both my mental capacity and lightning speed at once, but let's see. Waiting for the shipment, Walshy!

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:04 pm**

zuzu just makes it all up

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:06 pm**

But very convincingly, huh?

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:09 pm**

Zuzana wrote:I consider it a cunning attempt at effectively dulling both my mental capacity and lightning speed at once, but let's see. Waiting for the shipment, Walshy!

I can't exist without scheming, you know... I am planing a great deal :wink:

Mutually beneficial

**Fri Dec 30, 2005 6:59 pm**

Thanks, Zuzana! I can't believe that you responded so quickly. The info is priceless. Happy New Year to you!

**Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:40 pm**

maureencd wrote:This may be a strange question, but I seem to remember that the melody for "London You're a Lady" was based on an older Irish tune. Is this just a flashback from my youth? Does anyone know whether this is true, and if so, which melody it is based upon?

The reason I'm asking is that I would like to have the melody played at my wedding. (Lyrics not very wedding-like, as you might note). In any case, I would like to find the sheet music for this tune and I would appreciate any direction.

Thanks!

I'm sure you are right although I couldn't say what tune it is. However the late great Sean O'Riada's son did the strings on the end of the song.

**Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:11 pm**

The pogues last played this live on dec 12 '05 in Cardiff!

**Mon Jan 09, 2006 12:31 pm**

Rainy Night in Soho was played on my wedding this year. Didn't really see a problem with the lyrics.

London You're A Lady

London You're A Lady

Re: London You're A Lady

Who is online