Question about "The Kellys"

David · Post by **David** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:56 am

I enjoy Ruby's recording of "The Kellys," but I have always had difficulty understanding a word or two in the very last line. Where is it that Pa Kelly is found? It sounds to me like "our clohouse" or "our clohousher" or something like that, which does not make sense to me. Am I not hearing it correctly, or is this right? Is it the name of a saloon or something? I would like to know the exact lyrics to the last line, so that I can fully enjoy the song, as I would guess that this is a humorous punchline. Could anyone let me know where it is that Pa Kelly was found, and why finding him in that location would have been amusing (if it is not self-explanatory)? Thank you.

MARTIN FOSTER · Post by **MARTIN FOSTER** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 9:53 am

Hi David,

I think the words you are unsure about are "Arklow House". Arklow is a place in Ireland. I could be wrong though so if anybody has any more suggestions I am sure they will put me right.

David · Post by **David** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:04 am

Martin - Thank you for your response. So I guess I heard it right. However, in the song the singer is searching for Pa Kelly in New York. Does anyone know if there was a hotel or some other place in New York called Arklow House? Is the punchline that it would not be surprising for Pa Kelly to be at a place called Arklow House because it reminded him of Arklow in Ireland?