The words are from the Irish song “Star of the County Down” (Wikipedia). Here are the original words (The Jovial Crew; most versions performed today have cuts and alterations). “Colleen” means girl. The star is also a rose and a gem. In the song, brown is her hair color, but Utena likes to take things literally.
A little analysis, since my point is obscure: The words are from the late 19th or early 20th century, when all of Ireland was ruled from London. The song is set to a traditional tune and updates an older version of the story. But under the surface, it is an Irish nationalist song. The “sweet colleen” personifies the Ireland that all Irishmen should love. The Irish bride has the same metaphorical role as the Rose Bride, with the reversal that she is on the side of good all along. The song implicitly takes the same attitude as Utena: The bride is to be freed. The 20th century formation of the Republic of Ireland was complicated, but it included a civil war where the victors ended up running the government—it was a revolution. But the song is set in the County Down, which is in Northern Ireland and still part of the UK. When Anthy leaves the Academy, she still believes in princes.
Jay Scott <jay@satirist.org>
first posted 30 August 2026
updated 1 September 2026