Old Mother Macredie

Posted by RRC on June 17, 2008 at 18:52

In Reply to: Old Mother Macredie posted by Emma on June 17, 2008 at 07:37:

: A saying about "old Mother Macredie" or variations thereof, referring to drunkenness or similar...I use this occasionally myself and want to know whether I made it up sometime or other, or whether I picked it up from a real saying. Does anyone know?

I've never heard anything like that and what you've given us to go on is rather vague. I am reminded of the classic ballad "Mother Machree" which is the sort of sentimental song that weepy drunks stereotypically might sing. The chorus is:
"Sure, I love the dear silver that shines in your hair,
And the brow that's all furrowed and wrinkled with care.
I kiss the dear fingers so toil-worn for me,
Oh, God bless you and keep you, Mother Machree!"