The Hosting of the Shee

Song Meaning

This poem conjures a powerful, almost terrifying vision of a supernatural host on the move. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of otherworldly movement, with a rider coming from Knocknarea and passing over a grave. The imagery of Caoilte's "burning hair" and Niamh's insistent call to "Away, come away" paints a picture of urgent, perhaps dangerous, invitation or command. The repetition of the call emphasizes its inescapable nature, drawing the listener into the spectral procession. The second stanza shifts perspective to those being swept up by this host, describing a visceral, physical reaction. "Our cheeks are pale, our hair is unbound" suggests a loss of control, a surrender to an external force. The "breasts are heaving, our eyes are agleam" indicates a potent mix of fear and exhilaration, a complete abandonment of mundane concerns in favor of this overwhelming experience. The command to "Empty your heart of its mortal dream" is a stark directive to shed all earthly attachments and aspirations. The core tension lies in the dual nature of this encounter: it is both an irresistible summons and a potentially destructive intervention. The host doesn't just pass by; they actively "come between him and the hope of his heart" and "the deed of his hand." This suggests a force that disrupts mortal plans and desires, either by fulfilling them in an unexpected, overwhelming way or by extinguishing them entirely. The repeated refrain of the host riding reinforces the relentless, inevitable quality of this supernatural presence. The effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their potent blend of sensory detail and abstract threat. The vivid, almost violent imagery of "burning hair" and "rushing band" contrasts sharply with the abstract power to thwart "hope" and "deed." The insistent, incantatory repetition of the "Away, come away" refrain creates a hypnotic effect, mirroring the way the host seems to overwhelm and absorb those caught in its path. It's a chilling depiction of being swept up by forces beyond mortal comprehension.