The narrator is torn between old and new love while grappling with the political turmoil in Ireland. He chooses to join the United Men in seeking freedom for Ireland, but tragedy strikes when his true love is killed. He vows revenge, setting off a cycle of bloodshed that leaves him mourning by his love's grave.

Meaning of "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" by Loreena McKennitt

"The Wind That Shakes The Barley" is a poignant ballad that intertwines themes of love, politics, and tragedy. The wind symbolizes change and upheaval, shaking the golden barley and representing the turmoil the narrator faces in choosing between personal love and political duty. The decision to join the United Men reflects a desire for liberation from foreign oppression, but this choice comes with a heavy cost as the narrator's true love pays the ultimate price. The cycle of violence and revenge that follows illustrates the destructive nature of conflict and the toll it takes on individuals caught up in larger struggles. The final image of the wind stirring the barley serves as a haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring impacts of choices made in times of turmoil.