Singing Ideas: Performance, Politics and Oral Poetry

Máire Bhuí Ní Laeire (Yellow Mary OLeary) was an illiterate woman who composed songs that stirred her community to revolt and helped shape nineteenth-century Irish anti-colonial thought. This study explores the re-creative, liminal aspect of song as a performative social process that cuts to the root of identity and thought formation, re-imagining the history of ideas in society.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 214 pages
\n Publication date: 16 July 2021
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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Rewritten text:

Máire Bhuí Ní Laeire, widely regarded as the preeminent Irish song poet of her era, stands as a remarkable figure despite her lack of formal education and connections to the elite literary and philosophical circles. Instead, she used her powerful voice to engage deeply with the politics of her society through song. As an oral arts practitioner, Máire Bhuí crafted songs that evoked a sense of ecstatic radicalism, inspiring her community to revolt and contributing to the shaping of nineteenth-century Irish anti-colonial thought. This thought-provoking and meticulously researched study delves into the transformative and boundary-pushing nature of song, treating it as a performative social process that cuts to the core of identity and thought formation. By doing so, it reimagines the historical trajectory of ideas within society, offering a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between music, culture, and societal change.

Introduction:
Máire Bhuí Ní Laeire, born Yellow Mary OLeary in 1774 and passing away in 1848, is a captivating figure in the realm of Irish song poetry. Despite her lack of formal education and connections to the elite literary and philosophical circles, she emerged as a powerful voice that resonated with her society. Through her songs, Máire Bhuí not only expressed her own emotions and experiences but also used her art to engage with the politics of her time.

Oral Arts Practitioner:
Máire Bhuí was an oral arts practitioner, which means she relied on her voice and storytelling skills to convey her messages. Her songs were composed orally, often based on traditional melodies and lyrics. This unique approach allowed her to capture the essence of her culture and convey it to her audience in a powerful and authentic way.

Ecstatic Radicalism:
Máire Bhuí's songs were characterized by a sense of ecstatic radicalism, which stirred her community and helped to shape nineteenth-century Irish anti-colonial thought. Her lyrics often addressed social injustices, political oppression, and the struggles of the common people. Through her music, Máire Bhuí empowered her listeners to revolt against the oppressive systems of her society and fight for a better future.

Re-Creative Social Process:
Máire Bhuí's songs were not just expressions of her own emotions; they were also a performative social process that cut to the very root of identity and thought formation. Her music treated song as a means of re-imagining the history of ideas in society, challenging the dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and equitable vision of the world.

Contribution to Irish Anti-Colonial Thought:
Máire Bhuí's songs played a significant role in shaping nineteenth-century Irish anti-colonial thought. Her radical vision and her ability to connect with the struggles of her community inspired many to join the anti-colonial movement. Her music became a tool for organizing and mobilizing people, and her songs were often sung at rallies and protests.

Conclusion:
Máire Bhuí Ní Laeire's life and work demonstrate the power of art to transcend social barriers and engage with the politics of society. Despite her lack of formal education and connections, she used her voice and her songs to shape the history of ideas and inspire social change. Her legacy continues to resonate with people around the world, reminding us of the importance of using art as a means of promoting social justice and equality.

\n Weight: 316g\n
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800731820\n \n