Green Grow The Rushes

Celtic Woman's rendition of 'Green Grow The Rushes' is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, particularly the joy found in the company of women, or 'lassies.' The song opens with a reflection on the omnipresence of care and worry in life, questioning the significance of human existence without the companionship of women. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which repeatedly emphasizes that the sweetest moments in life are those spent among the lassies.

The chorus, 'Green grow the rushes oh,' serves as a metaphor for the natural and enduring beauty of these simple pleasures. Rushes, a type of plant, grow abundantly and are a common sight in the countryside, symbolizing the natural and ever-present joy that the lassies bring. The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that these moments of happiness are not fleeting but are a constant source of joy.

The song also contrasts the pursuit of material wealth with the fulfillment found in human relationships. It suggests that while people may chase after riches, true happiness cannot be bought. This is encapsulated in the lines, 'The worldly race may riches chase / And riches still may fly them oh.' The song concludes by elevating the lassies as nature's finest creation, implying that the joy they bring is unparalleled and irreplaceable. Through its poetic lyrics and melodic arrangement, 'Green Grow The Rushes' reminds us to cherish the simple, yet profound, pleasures in life.